Meralco Bolts’ Raymond Almazan.–PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Raymond Almazan was severely missed in Meralco’s shock loss in the PBA Philippine Cup after being served a one-game suspension for an off-court incident where he allegedly tried to bribe a traffic enforcer for using the EDSA bus lane.
The Bolts lost 104-99 to the previously winless Converge FiberXers on Sunday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City minus Almazan, sending their record down to 3-5 and in joint ninth with the Phoenix Fuel Masters and Blackwater Bossing.
Coach Luigi Trillo refused to comment on the sanction, but acknowledged that Almazan would have been a key piece for Meralco against Converge’s bigs, particularly star center Justin Arana.
SCHEDULE: 2024 PBA Philippine Cup
PBA commissioner Willie Marcial confirmed Almazan’s suspension in a television interview Friday, saying that the veteran center was forced to use the lane exclusively for commuter buses as he and his family had to rush for a school event.
MMDA regulations state that motorists illegally entering the busway will be fined P5,000 for a first offense and P10,000 for a second offense and their license suspended for one month.
Almazan will also be required to undergo community service as part of the sanction handed by the league.
The Special Action and Intelligence Committee for Transportation reported on social media that Almazan was issued a ticket on April 15 for Disregarding Traffic Sign and Failure to Carry OR/CR.
The same report also said that Almazan tried to hand crumpled money to the apprehending officer, who immediately refused.