MAYOR Greg Gasataya has asked the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) to clarify the ownership of the Bacolod MassKara franchise following the league’s decision to permanently ban its players and coaching staff over game-fixing allegations.
Gasataya said Monday that the city received a letter from the MPBL last week regarding its investigation, prompting him to seek additional information on the franchise and its use of the name “MassKara.”
“The term ‘MassKara’ is a cultural property and protected under Bacolod City Ordinance No. 1020 or the MassKara Cultural Property Rights Ordinance,” said the city mayor.
He said the city also wanted to know why the franchise was using the MassKara name and why there had been no coordination with city officials this season.
“In the past, there was coordination. But for this year, there’s no coordination. So I sent the letter to MPBL,” Gasataya said.
The mayor said the city was seeking transparency from the league, particularly because the franchise carries the name of Bacolod.
Gasataya said the permanent ban imposed on the players and coaching staff should be followed by the release of the findings of the investigation.
“Aside from the permanent ban, there should be an outcome investigation. Number two, they should be transparent. Because they’re bringing the name of Bacolod,” he said.
Gasataya also noted that in previous seasons, the MPBL had coordinated more closely with Bacolod, including in the recruitment of local players.
“For previous years, they were close to them. If there were players from Bacolod, they would get it. But for this year, there’s none,” he said.
The mayor said these circumstances prompted the city to seek clarification from the league.
“The truth is, they’re bringing the name of Bacolod MassKara,” Gasataya said. (Adrian Co)
