PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said that the league is already cooking up a Plan B in case things completely fall through.
The PBA is postponing the All-Star festivities set next month in Davao.
League commissioner Willie Marcial announced this development Wednesday, April 16, saying security concerns prompted them to come to the decision.
“'All-Star natin, as of now, postponed sa Davao kasi security concerns at 'yong sinasabi ng organizer, 'yong oras. Tiningnan namin, makabubuti sa karamihan kaya natin pinostpone,” Marcial told reporters at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
Marcial did not elaborate on the reason but said it is for everyone’s welfare.
There is still hope that the league’s 33rd All-Star will push through, but in a different province. As of this writing, the league is already in talks with a prospective replacement.
“May isang probinsya na, tingnan natin kung maaayos. Pero 'pag 'di pa [naayos] within two weeks or after Holy Week, baka ma-cancel ang All-Star natin,” said the league chief.
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Asked which province he was referring to, Marcial could only give hints.
“Baka — baka pa lang ha — sa Visayas. Hindi pa sigurado. In talks pa kami. Kasi kaunting oras na lang 'yong pagitan,” said Marcial.
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Should the new venue take the hosting responsibilities from Davao, the All-Star will be held after the midterm elections.
If things fall through, though, Marcial assured that the PBA has a Plan B.
“Titingnan namin kung anong puwede. All-Star pero baka hindi basketball. Parang fund raising lang sa mga players. Tingnan natin,” he said.
“Kasi maikli na. Matatapos tayo ng July. So kailangan, before June, makagawa na tayo ng All-Star. 'Pag July, may Gilas na sa August. Dere-deretso na 'yon. So kaunti lang ang leeway natin.”