MANILA, Philippines — GAB chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera has summoned EASL to attend a conference at the government agency’s head office in Makati in resolving debt issues raised by PBA and the Macau Black Bears. The meeting was set last Thursday but EASL asked to postpone. GAB legal chief Atty. Erose Marlo Laeno has rescheduled it to Nov. 26.
Both PBA and Macau sent letters to GAB regarding EASL’s outstanding financial obligations. Rivera then directed EASL to comment on the complaints “in the interest of transparency and the continued harmonious relationship among professional basketball stakeholders under our regulatory jurisdiction.” EASL holds games in the Philippines and in three previous seasons, involved PBA teams. This campaign, MPBL champion Abra joined EASL.
PBA said EASL’s debt is for Meralco’s participation last season. The amount is reportedly in excess of $300,000. PBA requested GAB to issue a formal directive requiring EASL to submit a definitive timeline to settle the debt, review of sanction and permit status of EASL events in the country and provide legal support to safeguard commercial interests of the Philippine basketball ecosystem. Macau also sent a letter to GAB regarding EASL’s unpaid obligations. In a related news item, a Taiwan team has similarly raised issues about EASL’s outstanding debts, noting unpaid prize money exceeding $1 million the past two seasons.
EASL CEO Henry Kerins replied to Rivera’s request for comment and said the Meralco bill would be settled. He noted that the relationship between EASL and Macau does not involve playing within the Philippine ecosystem, meaning it is not relevant to GAB. Kerins reiterated EASL’s long-standing commitment to developing Philippine basketball and creating opportunities for clubs, players and fans. “While EASL acknowledges that outstanding financial matters exist and remains committed to addressing them, we believe these matters should be considered within the broader context of the respective partnerships,” he said.