Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 2) – The Philippine Basketball Association Board of Governors convenes tomorrow in its first face-to-face meeting at the league’s head office in Libis, Quezon City amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Topping the agenda for the meeting are the resumption of the league’s 45th season and crafting guidelines on how will the 12 ballclubs restart its workout and training sessions.
PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial stressed the rules they will create tomorrow will be guided by the national government’s guidelines on athletic activities under the general community quarantine.
“All these we’ll do with the approval from the government,” said Marcial.
Under GCQ, public outdoor fitness and sports facilities are permitted to operate.
The government guidelines from the Philippine Sports Commission also state that only one person is allowed to use a public indoor location such as basketball courts, slides, swings, and circuit stations.
Personal interaction, such as sharing of balls, is still prohibited under GCQ as only non-contact sports were permitted.
Marcial stated the board will have its final decision in August if it will resume Season 45 for at least one conference by October at the latest.
“Things will be easier to decide on if a vaccine for COVID-19 comes up,” emphasized Marcial.
The Commissioner’s Office has resumed operation after all of its personnel underwent COVID-19 test last Saturday, courtesy of San Miguel Corporation chief Ramon Ang. The PBA office was also thoroughly disinfected last Sunday.
The PBA 45th season opened last March 8 with only one game, where defending All-Filipino titlists San Miguel Beermen routed Magnolia Hotshots, 94-78.
The league decided to suspend the season indefinitely on March 11 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
