PBA 'bubble' good to go as IATF grants provisional authority

The Philippine Basketball Association's (PBA) 45th season will finally push through as the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging and Infectious Disease (IATF) granted provisional authority to proceed with the "bubble" setup.

"Pinayagan na ang scrimmages, pinayagan na ang games. Tuloy-tuloy na, dere-derecho na," PBA commissioner Willie Marcial said as the league announced the IATF's green light on Thursday.

According to IATF Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon, all PBA activities should be done inside the PBA bubble in Clark, Pampanga.

Dizon clarified that the IATF only granted provisional authority because the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) set for conduct of sports should reflect the PBA's stricter protocols.

"'Yung kasing mga protocols doon sa JAO at protocols sa PBA bubble, mas istrikto 'yung PBA protocols kesa protocol sa JAO. Kailangan lang amyendahin 'yung protocols na yun," Dizon said. "Since mas strict 'yung sa PBA, may authority na ang PBA na mag-begin. Kailangan i-adjust 'yung agreement (JAO) para mag-reflect 'yung sa PBA Bubble," Dizon added. 

Some of the stricter protocols to be implemented include additional RT-PCR COVID-19 testing prior to entering the bubble, and the use of a contact tracing app which will monitor their activities and physical conditions.

Once inside the PBA campus, people will not be allowed to go out.

Everyone inside the Clark bubble will be tested every two weeks. Daily testing is possible if the Department of Health will release guidelines regarding antigen testing.

"Hinihintay ho natin lumabas 'yung guidelines ng DOH sa antigen testing, isa po 'yun sa puwede nating tingnang testing sa surveillance testing once the players are inside the bubble," said Clark Development Corp. President and CEO Noel Manankil.

From the planned October 9 restart, the league will start its games on October 11 instead.

Players should be inside the bubble by 11:59 p.m. of October 10, while final team lineups should be submitted on September 25.

The PBA said it chose Clark as its campus venue because of its access to facilities, such as basketball courts, hotels, and hospitals. Health protocols will also be in place inside the PBA bubble.

Amenities such as golf courses, swimming pools, and game rooms are also available.

PBA Board Chair Ricky Vargas said they are happy that the PBA will be back after more than six months.

"Masaya kami kasi we can bring back basketball. We were able to find ways to bring it back." — LA/RC, GMA News