PBA can't start new season unless COVID-19 cases drop | Inquirer Sports

PBA can’t start new season unless COVID-19 cases drop

By: - Reporter / @BLozadaINQ
/ 06:48 PM April 29, 2021

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial

FILE – PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial during a press conference Wednesday night. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—The PBA will only get the go signal to push through with its 46th season if the COVID-19 situation in the country improves.

After meeting with Malacañang, PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial said that the government will only allow the league to start the season if the COVID-19 cases go down, regardless if teams and league staff get vaccinated.

Article continues after this advertisement

“That’s what they said, even if we’re vaccinated if the cases won’t go down the PBA won’t push through,” said Marcial in Filipino during a virtual press meeting. “So the cases should go down.”

FEATURED STORIES

The Philippines topped 1 million cases on Monday and tallied 6,877 new ones on Wednesday.

Marcial said that once the cases start to drop, the PBA will appeal with the Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases through Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to allow teams to start scrimmages in Batangas.

Article continues after this advertisement

The PBA is eyeing Batangas City as host for the daily practices and scrimmages as the province is under general community quarantine, a measure lower than Metro Manila’s modified enhanced community quarantine.

Article continues after this advertisement

“We will appeal to the IATF so that we can our practices,” said Marcial.

Article continues after this advertisement

The PBA, though, is still looking at June as its potential start for the season is on a wait-and-see approach.

“That’s what I’ve been saying, that even if we do get vaccinated but if the cases won’t go down then we won’t be able to play,” said Marcial.

RELATED STORIES

Opening past May could leave PBA vulnerable to another major fiscal hit

PBA eyes 2-conference format for 2021-22 season

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

TAGS: Alfrancis Chua, PBA, Sports, Willie Marcial

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our newsletter!

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

© Copyright 1997-2024 INQUIRER.net | All Rights Reserved

This is an information message

We use cookies to enhance your experience. By continuing, you agree to our use of cookies. Learn more here.