FIBA finally lifts 2-year suspension of RP cagers

The International Basketball Federation (Federation Internationale de Basketball, or FIBA), has finally lifted the suspension it imposed on the Philippines two years ago. This now allows the Philippines to compete in regional and other international competitions sanctioned by FIBA, including the Southeast Asian Games, the Asian Games, and the Olympics and — and it could qualify for the World Championship. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco made the announcement on Wednesday afternoon through text messages forwarded to media by POC spokesman Joey Romasanta. According to Romasanta, FIBA Secretary-General Patrick Baumann sent an email about the suspension lifting to Manny V. Pangilinan, president of the BAP-SBP (Basketball Association of the President-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas). "The POC, as well as the Filipino basketball fans, are sincerely grateful to the stakeholders who worked long and hard to put us back on the basketball map," Cojuangco said in his text message. "Our special congratulations to the gallant effort of MVP who remained steadfast and resolute," Cojuangco added. Romasanta said that Pangilinan immediately contacted Cojuangco on receiving the email from FIBA, "Tumawag si MVP kay Mr. Cojuangco informing him about FIBA email. Siya (Pangilinan) lang ang may kopya, but tuwang-tuwa na rin si Mr. Cojuangco," Romasanta said. Romasanta explained that the lifting of suspension came after Pangilinan and BAP-SBP vice-chairman and PBA Board chairman Ricky Vargas forwarded all the requirments based on the Tokyo communiqué. Part of the communique is the recognition of the POC, which the Olympic body gave last week during a special general assembly. Local basketball stakesholders are planning to compete in Southeast Asian Basketball Championships in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in May and in the FIBA Asia Championships in Takoshima, Japan, in August. - GMANews.TV