THE Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has permanently banned the players and coaches of the Bacolod MassKara franchise and removed the team from the remainder of the 2026 season following allegations of game manipulation in its July 28 game against the Bulacan Kuyas.
In a statement released Thursday evening, the league said Red Cards had been issued to the individuals involved after allegations surrounding the controversial contest.
“In light of recent allegations concerning potential game-manipulation, the League office has officially issued Red Cards to the involved players and coaches of Bacolod MassKara,” the MPBL said.
The league explained that “all individuals served with Red Cards are permanently banned from the league” and confirmed that “the franchise’s participation for the remainder of the season has been cancelled.”
The MPBL clarified that the sanctions are administrative measures while the investigation remains ongoing.
“The League stresses that these measures are preventive and administrative as the league will continue its investigation together with relevant government agencies,” it said.
The controversy stemmed from Bacolod’s 100-64 defeat to Bulacan at the Cuneta Astrodome, where the MassKara went scoreless from the field over the final 7:48 of the game. Video clips of the closing minutes quickly circulated on social media, prompting allegations of possible game manipulation.
The incident also prompted Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya to seek a formal investigation by both the MPBL and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), saying the city’s name should not be associated with any form of game-fixing or illegal betting.
The GAB has since launched a fact-finding investigation and required individuals who may have committed acts constituting conduct unbecoming of a professional basketball player to submit written explanations before any ruling is issued.
The MPBL revealed that the Bacolod franchise had already been warned previously, with some members of the team receiving Yellow Cards earlier this season over separate incidents flagged by the Office of the Commissioner.
According to the league, the Red Card system was introduced by founder and chairman Manny Pacquiao to strengthen its campaign against game manipulation.
“The Red Card system was personally initiated by our Founder and Chairman Manny Pacquiao as a way to combat game manipulation,” the league said, adding that the program is fully recognized and supported by the GAB.
The MPBL reiterated its commitment to protecting the integrity of the sport.
“The MPBL stands firm against any attempt to tarnish the sanctity of Philippine basketball,” the statement read.
The league also vowed to continue taking firm action against any act that threatens the credibility of the competition.
“Swift and decisive action will continue to be taken against any conduct that threatens the trust of our fans, team owners, and the public,” the MPBL said.
Despite the controversy, the league assured the public that it remains committed to preserving the integrity of the game.
“We vow to the public, our fans, and the entire basketball community that we will remain relentless and uncompromising in eradicating game-manipulation from Philippine basketball. The integrity of the game will always come first,” the league said. (Adrian Co)
