THE Games and Amusements Board (GAB) has expanded its investigation into the alleged game-fixing controversy involving the Bacolod MassKara after chairman, Atty. Francisco Rivera told DWAR 1494 Abante Sports Now that the board will also review the team’s record 84-point defeat to Abra earlier this season.
During an exclusive interview, Rivera confirmed that while the GAB is currently focused on the controversial Bulacan-Bacolod game, the Board will also examine the Bacolod-Abra matchup after questions were raised regarding the historic blowout.
“We haven’t looked at that previous game, but now that you mentioned it, we’ll take a look also at that game,” Rivera said.
The July 20 contest saw Bacolod suffer a 129-45 defeat at the hands of Abra Solid North Weavers, the largest losing margin in MPBL history. The result drew heavy criticism online, with some netizens alleging the game may have been linked to illegal betting activity.
Those allegations remain unproven.
Rivera said the GAB has already obtained the game footage of the more recent Bulacan-Bacolod matchup and is reviewing the final quarter before formally initiating administrative proceedings.
“We obtained the tape of the game, the next step would be to initiate an investigation,” Rivera said.
According to the GAB chief, the agency has already found sufficient basis to proceed with the investigation but emphasized that no conclusions have been reached yet.
“We cannot prejudge the case but we can say there’s a basis to initiate an investigation,” he added.
Rivera said show-cause orders will be issued to the players involved, requiring them to explain why disciplinary action should not be imposed. After evaluating their responses or the lack thereof, the Board will decide on the case.
The GAB is conducting a parallel investigation alongside the MPBL, which has already issued lifetime bans to the Bacolod MassKara players and coaching staff involved and also removed the franchise from the remainder of the season.
Rivera said the Board remains committed to protecting the integrity of professional basketball and will continue working closely with the MPBL in addressing suspected game manipulation. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
