Rain or Shine star James Yap. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine is throwing its full support to James Yap as the former PBA MVP seeks a position in San Juan’s city council.
Elasto Painters Governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon said in a statement that the team allows Yap to fully focus on the campaign trail for the 2022 National Elections.
“We would like to allow him to concentrate and focus on his campaign,” said Mondragon in the statement Rain or Shine posted on its Instagram account Friday. “Our team recognizes the need for him to touch base with his constituents.”
Yap will miss the Painters’ campaign in the coming Reinforced Conference.
The two-time MVP is running under the ticket of incumbent mayor Francis Zamora along with former teammates Paul Artadi and Don Allado.
“I wholeheartedly thank my ROS family—owners, management, coaches, teammates, and its staff—the PBA, and the Board of Governors for allowing me to take a temporary leave of absence in the coming conference,” wrote Yap in an Instagram post. “Thank you for your understanding and support.”
“To the ROS fans and Yapsters, I hope that you’ll keep supporting ROS and the PBA.”
Yap played five games for the Elasto Painters in the recent Philippine Cup where he averaged 7.4 points and 1.8 rebounds in 16 minutes per game.
“Join me in this new adventure so that I can contribute in a new way and help my fellow citizens in the first district of San Juan,” wrote Yap.