Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will elect a new president when it holds its election in October.

SBP head Al Panlilio said he can no longer run for a third straight term under the federation’s new by-laws approved in the sport’s local governing body’s National Congress held last Friday at the Meralco headquarters.

“If everything goes well, there will be an election in October,” Panlilio said.

Panlilio also explained that the revised by-laws only allow two four-year terms for the SBP president.

“Technically, I’m termed out based on that,” he said when asked if he’ll seek another term.

However, the 57-year-old executive can run as president as early as the end of the next elected SBP chief’s first term.

“In terms of the new by-laws, I’ve actually served two four-year terms. Before it stops at that and no one can actually come back,” he said.

“Now, the adjustment is, you can still serve 12 years but two four-year terms (then) you take a break, and you come back for a third (term),” Panlilio added.

Panlilio took office in 2017 and was re-elected in December 2021. His term saw great progress in Philippine basketball, continuing the success initiated by SBP chairman emeritus and the federation’s first president, business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan.

His second term saw the Philippines’ excellent hosting of the 2023 FIBA World Cup as well as Gilas Pilipinas ending a 61-year men’s basketball gold medal drought in the Hangzhou Asian Games in the same year.

Even as he steps down, Panlilio will still have a functional and significant influence on Philippine basketball.

“But if you notice also, although ex officio, there is a provision there that a Filipino who is serving in the FIBA Board will still be part of the Board. I’m serving in the Central Board as a co-opted member until 2027,” he said.