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PBA, PFL still waiting for admin order for practice return

The PFL and PBA teams are just awaiting for the approval of the joint administrative order before they can practice again. Dennis Acosta (file photo)
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The PBA and PFL still could not resume their teams' training as the joint administrative order regarding practices amid the COVID-19 pandemic is not yet in place.

The PFL initially set a July 15 start of training ahead of a possible August start to the season, but according to Philippine Football Federation secretary general Ed Gastanes, the league has to postpone the plan a bit.

I hope this week, mailabas na yun para makapagsimula na ang training," Gastanes said during last week's Usapang Sports forum by the Tabloid Organization in Philippine Sports. "Yun po ang tututukan natin."

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial also said that he is expecting the JAO to come out this week.

"[Games and Amusements Board chairman Baham Mitra] expects to get the administrative order this week," Marcial said on Monday in a statement

Marcial, during last week's Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum, said that he is eyeing to resume practices by Wednesday, but with the JAO still not formally unveiled, he has to push the restart by next week.

Despite the delay, Marcial remains "positive [that] we'll go on with the training return."

Also in effect, the national athletes vying for spots in next year's Tokyo Olympics cannot resume their training as well.

"Lugi po tayo, lalo na yung magqua-qualify sa Olympiad," added Gastanes, also the secretary general of the Philippine Olympic Committee.

Both Marcial and Gastanes met with Mitra last week in separate occasions to follow up on the JAO. Gastanes said that the JAO is now pending the final approval of health secretary Francisco Duque.

The JAO, drafted by GAB, Philippine Sports Commission, and the Department of Health, will tackle everything the athletes and the leagues need to do before they can begin training again.

According to Gastanes, the JAO is open to "constructive comments."

"We can give our constructive comments to the three agencies," Gastanes said.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno_