MANILA, Philippines – Sports and business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan announced during a press conference on Thursday, October 8, that he is stepping down as the president of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
Pangilinan, 69, said during the press conference that he hopes to give way to young and energetic leadership to take over the governing basketball body of the country.
Under the charter drafted by the SBP after it took over for the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP), the institution’s president can hold a maximum of an 8-year term limit.
The second term for Pangilinan, as well as for the other members of the SBP’s board, actually expired past February but elections were not held due to “busy schedule,” it was revealed during the press conference.
“It’s for the best that I retire,” Pangilinan told multiple news outlets at a press conference. Pangilinan also said that the SBP will hold an assembly in January for new elections to determine new leadership.
“Perhaps the new membership needs fresh blood for Philippine basketball,” said Pangilinan, who also stated: “it signals a chance of leadership and members of the board.”
Under Pangilinan’s stewardship of the SBP, the Philippines enjoyed new relevancy in the international basketball stage.
Joining more than 20 tournaments since 2009, the Philippines has won multiple SEABA and SEA Games gold medals while winning silver in back-to-back FIBA Asia Championships (2013, 2015).
Gilas Pilipinas also made it to the 2014 FIBA World Cup, where they won one game against Senegal. – Rappler.com
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