PATRICK Gregorio tendered his resignation
as executive director of the BAP-Samahang Basketball ng
Pilipinas yesterday in the wake of the Harbour-RP Team’s
failure to defend the crown in the recent South East Asian
Basketball Association championship in Jakarta, Indonesia.
In his resignation letter that takes effect
on May 31, 2008, Gregorio did not indicate the reason for his
decision but said he firmly believes he has fulfilled his
responsibility in the organization.
SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan
reportedly accepted Gregorio’s resignation last night although
this could not be confirmed as of press time.
"I have accomplished what was required of
me in a span of time given to me. Federation work is all about
advocacy and commitment. In my own little way, I will help in
the development of Philippine basketball even without an
official position," said Gregorio, who was appointed to the
sensitive position last year by SBP president Manny V.
Pangilinan after the two-year suspension on the country was
lifted by the International Basketball Federation.
Reacting to Gregorio’s resignation, Harbour
Centre owner Mikee Romero said: "I hope politicking in
Philippine basketball will end. Ang kalaban natin ibang bansa,
hindi tayo-tayo."
The Harbour-RP Team went to Jakarta with
high hopes of retaining the title but one of the squad’s
import, NCAA and San Beda College star Sam Ekwe, was not
allowed to play by the organizers due to Ekwe’s failure to
present a certificate attested by the FIBA allowing him to
play, a glitch that surprised the team.
It turned out organizers had long informed
the SBP of this requirement that somehow was not addressed by
the team and Gregorio. He flew to Jakarta in the midst of the
tourney but failed to convince organizers to let Ekwe play,
leaving the team with just one ineffective reinforcement in
Michael LeBlanc.
In his resignation letter, Gregorio cited
the long term development programs he put in place such as the
formation of national team from youth to elite.
"Sad to say, Philippine basketball remains
fragmented. Why is politics always getting in the way of what
is good for the country….for sports?
This is a major obstacle that I’m not in
the position to solve without the support of basketball
stakeholders," Gregorio said.
