PRESIDENTIAL Spokesperson Harry Roque said the chances for the return of the long stalled Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Lakan Season are “high” so long as it meets the two conditions set by the government.
Roque reported on Friday that the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has already discussed the request of the MPBL to complete its tournament in a bubble setting in Subic, Zambales.
He said the league needs to meet two conditions before the IATF gives the green light.
“The Department of Health just needs to issue its health protocols for the amateur leagues, and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or the local government of Zambales needs to follow through in the implementation of these protocols,” said Roque during the press briefing.
“There is a high chance the league will continue with its play,” said Roque.
The MPBL has long been looking to continue its Lakan Season’s division finals since it was halted in March 2020 because of the health crisis. San Juan and Makati and Davao Occidental and Basilan are set to compete in do-or-die games for the North and South Division titles, respectively.
However, the league has not gotten off the ground due to its amateur status. The government has only given the green light for professional leagues to continue.
Roque added that they would now wait for the Department of Health to set health guidelines for amateur leagues, since the existing ones are applicable only for professional leagues.