MANILA, Philippines — PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said yesterday he welcomes the Senate inquiry looking into how the legislative chamber could support the SBP in hosting the FIBA World Cup next year and in strengthening national teams for international competitions.
Senate Resolution No. 83-2022 was filed by Senators Bong Go, Mark Villar, Joel Villanueva, Francis Tolentino and Alan Peter Cayetano last Monday “to conduct an inquiry in aid of legislation on the ways to support Gilas Pilipinas Men with the end in view of reviewing relevant laws and policies to ensure optimal performance in future international sports competitions and to protect the welfare of Filipino athletes.”
If summoned by the Senate to shed light on the issue, Marcial said it would be an honor to air his views. SBP chairman Sen. Sonny Angara and Sen. Go, as chairman of the Senate Health and Sports Committee, are avid supporters of Philippine basketball. Marcial said the hosting of the coming World Cup involving 32 teams in 15 days will be the biggest basketball event in the country ever.
“Nag-host tayo ng 1978 FIBA World Cup pero 14 teams lang noon at ngayon, 32 teams,” said Marcial. “Ang laking gastos sa tatlong venues, inland transportation, security, accommodations, pagkain at iba pa kaya nagpapasalamat ang buong bayan kay Boss MVP (SBP chairman emeritus Manny V. Pangilinan) sa sakripisyo at dedikasyon. Pagkakataon natin ma-showcase ang ating bansa.” Manila will host 16 teams in the group stage and eight starting the quarterfinals up to the final. Marcial said the impact on tourism will be major during the competition.
“Handa ang PBA sumuporta at kung anuman ang kailangan ng SBP, players, coaches pati ballboys, all-out ang PBA,” said Marcial. “Dalawang conference ang next PBA season para tatlong buwan makakapag-training ang Gilas na may PBA players. Si Governor Alfrancis Chua ay tutulong bilang Executive Advisor ng SBP at Gilas. Malaking tulong ang maibibigay ni Governor Alfrancis at salamat kay Boss RSA (San Miguel Corp. president Ramon S. Ang) sa suporta para sa bayan.”
Marcial said chemistry is critical in creating a competitive team for the World Cup and mentioned the possibility of Monday practices even during the PBA second conference which starts Sept. 21. He said several events will highlight the run-up to the World Cup, including the one-year countdown on Aug. 27, three more qualifying windows, tour of the newly-designed Naismith trophy, draw in April, launch of the official ball and the FIBA World Congress.