Pacquiao skips UNTV Cup, avoids possible sanction from PBA

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Senator Manny Pacquiao won’t be suiting up in the UNTV Cup for the Senate Defenders after all.

Avoiding possible sanctions from the PBA, Pacquiao opted not to pursue playing in the charity basketball league, a move that would violate his Uniform Players Contract (UPC) with the PBA.

Mahindra team manager Eric Pineda confirmed Pacquiao’s decision Monday.

The 37-year-old Pacquiao, who is coming out of retirement from boxing, is currently the Enforcers’ playing-coach. He has played in two games this conference and is averaging 2.0 points per contest.

PBA media bureau chief Willie Marcial said Pacquiao’s camp also didn’t try to seek any clearance from the league for a chance to play for the Senate team that includes his fellow senators Sonny Angara and Joel Villanueva.

The UNTV Cup opens Monday at Mall of Asia Arena.