HOUSE Deputy Speaker and NorthPort owner Mikee Romero said the resumption of the shuttered 45th season of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is exactly what Filipinos need—relief and entertainment during the extended quarantines.
“The resumption of the PBA will help the Filipinos cope with depression and Covid-19. I am certain it will provide relief,” said Romero, one of the wealthiest lawmakers in the country. “We need to relax a bit after months of anguish.”
With all Filipinos still dealing with the pandemic—mentally and financially—Romero urged the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to allow the PBA to resume its season in a bubble in Clark, Pampanga.
Romero, who saw action for the national polo team in last year’s 30th Southeast Asian Games, is confident in the PBA leadership and the all-out support of the team owners.
“Under the leadership of Chairman Ricky Vargas and Commissioner Willie Marcial, the PBA has exhausted everything to make the bubble type concept safe for everyone,” said Romero, who was again included in Forbes’ 50 richest Filipinos.
Romero, who has an estimated worth of P6.5 billion, also noted that PBA players, including his Batang Pier, are already eager to get back into action after the league was halted in March due to the outbreak.
The 1Pacman congressman said even the league’s marquee players are supporting the government’s “Stay Home, Stay Safe” campaign.
Being the president of the Partylist Coalition Foundation Inc., Romero has been very busy the past months as he oversees the organization’s distribution of relief assistance to frontliners and displaced workers.
If given the green light, the PBA will have a two-week scrimmages before resuming its games tentatively on October 9.
The PBA bubble, Romero said, could just become a catalyst as the country is trying to live under a new normal.
“The PBA bubble could just be the start of something good for Philippine sports. Even how hard it is, we have to move on and stay focused,” he said.