The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) is fast-tracking the inclusion of Gilas Pilipinas to the 18th Asian Games following a change of heart by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

POC secretary general Patrick Gregorio reached out to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to inform it of the national cagers’ inclusion in the prestigious quadrennial meet that fires off on 18 Aug.

In his e-mail to OCA Director of Asian Games Haider Farman, Gregorio said they would be sending the lineup for his review on Monday, hoping to get the formal approval before the delegation registration meeting (DRM) on Thursday.

“This is to officially inform you that the Philippines will be sending a basketball team to the 2018 Asian Games,” said Gregorio, who is the top guy of POC president Ricky Vargas.

“We will send our basketball lineup tomorrow for your review and consideration.”

In a reply to Gregorio, Farman hinted that nothing serious would block the participation of the Gilas squad, which is entirely different from the roster the SBP previously submitted.

“Thank you, it’s approved,” said Farman. “But please send the team name list as well as the flight.”

Asian Games deputy chief of mission Robert Bachmann said accreditation would not be a major problem for as long as they can bring it up to in the DRM.

After all, there are some officials and members of the media who have yet to get their accreditation in Asia’s biggest athletic gathering.

“For as long as they would be in touch with OCA and the INASGOC (Indonesian Organizing Committee), I don’t think accreditation would be a problem,” he said.

“We just have to move fast and bring it up before the DRM on Thursday.”