MANILA — The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has vowed to press ahead with its investigation into the alleged game-fixing controversy involving the Bacolod MassKara franchise, declaring that protecting the league’s integrity remains its top priority even after expelling the team and imposing lifetime bans on its players and coaches.
MPBL commissioner Emmer Oreta said the probe remains active as the league works with government authorities to determine the full extent of those involved in the controversy that rocked the 2026 season.
“When I assumed the role of Commissioner for MPBL Season 8, I made one commitment clear: to strengthen the integrity of the league through decisive and consistent action. Every action we have taken since then reflects that commitment,” Oreta said.
The Bacolod franchise was removed from the 2026 season after the league issued Red Cards to its players and coaches following the controversial July 28 game against the Bulacan Kuyas. Under MPBL rules, a Red Card carries a lifetime ban from the league.
Oreta stressed that the league would not hesitate to make difficult decisions if necessary to preserve the credibility of the competition.
“These actions reflect our commitment to protect the integrity of the MPBL. If protecting the integrity of this league means having fewer teams, then so be it. I will never compromise the integrity of the MPBL. We owe that to our players, our team owners, our fans, and everyone who believes in fair competition,” he said.
The commissioner also cited previous disciplinary actions taken this season, noting that Bacolod’s head coach received a Yellow Card in April over integrity concerns, while the Iloilo franchise was issued a similar warning in May before its franchise was revoked in June for violating league standards.
Meanwhile, the MPBL said it is closely coordinating with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and other government agencies to strengthen the ongoing investigation.
MPBL chief legal counsel Atty. Glenn Gacal said the league would fully cooperate with authorities and provide all available information to ensure accountability.
Gacal added that the investigation would not stop with the players and coaching staff but would also examine the possible involvement of team officials and management.
He also emphasized that the league enforces rules requiring franchises to fulfill their contractual and financial obligations, including the prompt payment of players’ salaries and league dues, with violations subject to corresponding sanctions.
The MPBL reiterated that its actions are intended to safeguard the league’s integrity and protect honest players, team owners, and fans, stressing that maintaining public trust in the competition remains its highest priority./PN
