Mascariñas, Pacquiao, provide help for Basilan Steel

MPBL founder Manny Pacquiao and Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascarinas met recently regarding the case of the Basilan Steel. Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas

By Dugout Philippines

MANILA--Nine members of the Basilan Steel have been in the Subic Bay Peninsular Hotel for the last 12 days.

With it, the expense of the team has been mounting as they await the result of the delegation's third RT-PCR test.

Knowing how this unexpected expense is hitting Basilan's budget, Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas and Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League founder Sen. Manny Pacquiao joined hands in helping their member team out.

Mascariñas, Pacquiao, and league commissioner Kenneth Duremdes earlier had a meeting regarding the situation of Basilan.

"At the end of the day, Councilor Hegem Furigay and Basilan are still our partners in the league who brought us countless memories during the Lakan season. It's unfortunate that they had to forfeit their game but it is the protocols given to the league by the Department of Health," said Mascariñas.

"For our part, as a staunch partner and sponsor of the MPBL, we are shouldering the cost of Basilan's stay in Subic Bay Peninsular."

Basilan's contingent arrived in Subic last March 8 but had to stay in the quarantine hotel before it can enter the main bubble itself. However, two Steel players tested positive for COVID-19.

After the two players were sent back to their respective provinces, the league and Basilan came to terms that another test would be given to them on March 15. If one member tests positive, they have to forfeit their win-or-go-home game vs Davao Occidental as the team still had contact with each other inside Peninsular.

Unfortunately, four more members of the Basilan delegation tested positive.

Last Thursday, Furigay went to social media to disclose that the quarantine procedures being implemented have been eating their operational expenses.

That is why Chooks-to-Go and Pacquiao stepped up to help reimburse their cost.

"We at the MPBL would like to thank Ronald for helping Basilan. This is not part of their responsibilities as our sponsor but he still helped us out. Chooks-to-Go is definitely not just a sponsor in our league but also our partner," said the honorable senator.

"To Basilan, I hope this shows that the MPBL, Chooks-to-Go, and I are committed to each team despite the situation given to us."

Basilan was able to leave the quarantine hotel last Saturday.

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