Oreta committed to protect MPBL integrity

The removal of the Bacolod Masskara franchise from the remainder of the SportsPlus Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) 2026 Season, together with the lifetime suspension imposed on the players and coaches covered by the league's disciplinary action, underscores commissioner Emmerson Oreta's unwavering commitment to protecting the integrity of the league.

In a statement, the youthful MPBL chief reiterated his commitment of protecting the league’s integrity against unscrupulous personalities who are making a mockery of the game.

"When I assumed the role of commissioner for MPBL Season 8, I made one commitment clear: to strengthen the integrity of the league through decisive and consistent action. Every action we have taken since then reflects that commitment," said Oreta, who assumed the role from Philippine Basketball Association legend Kenneth Duremdes last February.

Since the start of the season, the league has consistently enforced its integrity measures. In April 2026, the MPBL issued a yellow card to the head coach of Bacolod Masskara as a formal warning due to integrity concerns.

In May 2026, the league issued another yellow card to the Iloilo franchise following similar concerns. In June 2026, the MPBL revoked the franchise of the Iloilo team after violations of league standards.

On 30 July 2026, following the 28 July game between Bacolod and Bulacan, the league issued red cards, disqualified the individuals involved, and removed the Bacolod Masskara franchise from the remainder of the season.

"These actions reflect our commitment to protect the integrity of the MPBL," Oreta said.

"If protecting the integrity of this league means having fewer teams, then so be it. I will never compromise the integrity of the MPBL. We owe that to our players, our team owners, our fans, and everyone who believes in fair competition."

Beyond the league's administrative actions, the MPBL, through the office of the Chief Legal Counsel, Atty. Glenn Gacal, is in active coordination with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and applicable government agencies, such as the National Bureau of Investigation, to further strengthen the ongoing investigation and pursue the appropriate legal and regulatory actions.

Gacal said the MPBL will continue to fully cooperate with the concerned government agencies and provide all necessary assistance to ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the law.

Nobody will be spared from the full-blown investigation, not even team officials and management, that the MBPL is seeking from the GAB, according to Gacal.

Regarding the Iloilo franchise, Gacal said rules and regulations, including its penalties in the event of violations, are already in place, and the team management's financial obligation to the players and the league should always be timely fulfilled.