Vic Manuel owns up to mistake, admits hard to say no to ‘ligang labas’ invite

Alaska big man Vic Manuel. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

MANILA, Philippines–Vic Manuel said playing alongside Calvin Abueva was too good to pass up, that’s why he pushed through playing in an exhibition game without securing clearance from Alaska.

“It’s so hard to say no. I have friends there,” he told reporters in Filipino on Thursday during the PBA’s Media Day on the heels of a viral clip that showed him, Abueva and Jio Jalalon participating in a “ligang labas (outside game)” in Laguna.

Manuel, who has emerged as one of the Aces stars’ during their tedious rebuilding last season,  knows the severity of his offense, which merited a ban without pay from his team.

“The team was having a good week, and then I made that blunder. They called me out last Monday. I can’t really say anything to my defense, so I just told them I’m sorry,” he added.

The 6-foot-4 bruiser also said that he has already talked to Commissioner Willie Marcial, who had also issued a memorandum outlining the punishment for playing in unauthorized leagues. Sanctions ranging from a P50,000 fine, a suspension, or both await offenders.

“He told me to ask permission first from the team and then from him,” said Manuel.

Alaska head coach Jeff Cariaso begged off from detailing to the Inquirer how Alaska is planning to discipline Manuel.

“I can’t go into details how we’re handling it internally,” he said. “I think the most important thing at this point is understanding that we make mistakes, bad decisions.”

“It’s really all about learning and moving forward,” he added.