BACOLOD City – The Bacolod City government is seeking a congressional inquiry into the use of the “Bacolod MassKara” name in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), saying the controversy surrounding the franchise has tarnished the reputation of the city and its internationally known MassKara Festival.
Mayor Greg Gasataya said the issue goes beyond the MPBL’s decision to cancel the Bacolod MassKara franchise from the ongoing season over alleged game manipulation, stressing that it also involves the unauthorized use of the city’s identity and its premier festival.
“We are pushing for a congressional inquiry because there should be clear regulations whenever a league uses the name of a local government unit and a major festival such as MassKara,” Gasataya said.
He explained that “Bacolod” represents the local government while “MassKara” is the city’s iconic festival, making both names important public identities that should not be used without proper coordination with the local government.
Gasataya said the city government was never formally informed about the ownership and management of the Bacolod MassKara franchise despite carrying the city’s name.
“There was no coordination with us. We were not even informed who the franchise owner was despite the team carrying the names of Bacolod and MassKara,” he said.
According to the mayor, the controversy has created the false impression that the city government was involved in the team’s operations.
“Whatever internal problems they have should be resolved within their organization,” he said.
Gasataya added that the team’s former coach and previous handlers had also reached out to him to clarify that they were no longer connected with the franchise’s present management.
He noted that previous Bacolod MassKara teams maintained close ties with the city by regularly playing in Bacolod and fielding homegrown players. The current roster, however, no longer includes a single player from Bacolod.
“This is not the first time this has happened, and it is bringing shame to a local government that has been working hard to improve its sports program,” he said.
Earlier, Gasataya formally asked the MPBL to conduct an immediate and comprehensive investigation into alleged irregularities during the July 28 game between the Bulacan Kuyas and the Bacolod MassKara.
In a July 30 letter addressed to MPBL Chief Executive Officer Joe Ramos, League President Kenneth Duremdes, and Commissioner Emmerson Oreta, the mayor cited Bacolod’s fourth-quarter performance in its 100-64 loss to the Bulacan Kuyas at the Cuneta Astrodome, saying it fueled widespread public speculation over possible game manipulation.
While emphasizing that the city government neither sanctioned nor operated the team, Gasataya said the use of the “MassKara” name carries significant cultural and civic importance, making the allegations particularly damaging to Bacolod City’s image.
He also stressed that the city would never allow its name to be associated with game-fixing or illegal betting should the allegations be proven.
On July 30, the MPBL announced the cancellation of the Bacolod MassKara’s participation in the ongoing season after suspicions of game manipulation stemming from its lopsided defeat to the Bulacan Kuyas.
In a statement, the league said it had issued “Red Cards” to the players and coaches involved following allegations of potential game manipulation./PN
