Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra said a “semi-bubble” in places like Batangas, Bataan, Quezon could be an option for the PBA teams to conduct their workouts.
For as long as the target region is under GCQ or a less strict quarantine status, pro teams can enter in a bubble as approved by the provisions of the Joint Administrative Order signed by the Department of Health, GAB and the Philippine Sports Commission, he said.
The ball clubs, however, have to seek clearances from the PBA Commissioner’s Office and the local government unit who has the jurisdiction over the area.
“I have to check their guidelines and protocol,” said PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.
But apparently, PBA ball clubs would rather wait for Metro Manila to ease back to a more lenient quarantine status than take an option to pitch a training camp ahead of the others in a low risk area outside of the National Capital Region with the safety of everyone as the paramount concern.
“I miss basketball but I’m sure it’s just a matter of time before we are back on the court,” said Meralco coach Norman Black, optimistic they can return to training in due time.
It’s the consensus feeling among PBA coaches.
An ally of the PBA, being the chief of the government body regulating and supervising professional sports, Mitra is optimistic Metro Manila would return to GCQ in two weeks time.*pba.ph
