No politicking in pro sports, GAB declares

Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chair Abraham “Baham” Mitra during the PSA Forum.

Games and Amusements Board (GAB) chair Abraham “Baham” Mitra during the PSA Forum.

MANILA, Philippines–Professional athletes and their respective leagues should steer clear of the money that presumably flows during the ongoing election campaign, with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) on Monday reminding them to avoid accepting sponsorships from political candidates until after the national polls on May 9.

“While we understand that sponsorship is important in staging sports events, particularly during this time of the pandemic, we still need to follow the law and the order of the Comelec (Commission on Elections),’’ said GAB Chair Baham Mitra.

Prohibited from receiving funding from political candidates are GAB-sanctioned sports leagues and promoters, including the league organizers, teams, professional athletes, managers and sports officials.

Also barred from disbursing donations or contributions are the campaign managers of political candidates and their agents.

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