PBA has ‘Plan B’ in case of extreme lockdown

The Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) Philippine Cup will go on as scheduled although the league is putting together a contingency plan should the capital go under another extreme lockdown, the Inquirer learned on Thursday.

“We’re working on something, just in case,” PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said in the wake of the national government’s decision to put Metro Manila under general community quarantine with heightened restrictions from Sunday until Aug. 14.

“We have a ‘Plan B.’ It’s not yet final, though, as we’re still talking to concerned parties,” Marcial added.

He begged off from sharing any more details as the PBA is still closely monitoring how the pandemic task force navigates the coming days amid the growing threat of the much more contagious Delta variant.

“We’re not yet certain on a lot of things,” the league chief said. “The government may have a change of heart.

“But I assure you, we’re preparing for any eventuality. This is to ensure that the PBA goes on.”

The league has played a total of 20 games since taking the lid off its centerpiece tournament on July 16.

Its leadership is hoping to finish the All-Filipino games by October and proceed to its planned second conference after just a week’s break.