A senator urges a Senate Committee to probe the Philippine Basketball Association for the rising number of alleged violent confrontations in games.

In a news release sent to The News Today, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III urged the Senate Committee on Games and Amusement, which he chairs, to conduct an investigation on the rules of the country’s premier league to stop what he alleged is the increasing incidence of violence in PBA games.

Pimentel cited a recent news article by William Esposo suggesting that PBA Commissioner Rudy Salud must be called to task over the evolution of PBA’s rules and how players and alleged questionable referees glaringly abuse the rules. 

He cited the article saying not even the International Basketball Federation nor the National Basketball Association allegedly tolerate what he believes are dirty or rough plays as allegedly practiced in the PBA.

Pimentel said that if PBA players will get used to playing with these alleged lax rules it will make local teams lose games in international tournaments.

“If the situation continues it will condition our young peoples’ minds that rough and dirty tactics are good methods to adopt in order to attain a goal,” the lawmaker said.

The senator also cited sports analyst Ronnie Nathanielz who said in a TV interview said that PBA will have to reassess its policies on officiating as players have become more physical during games.

Pimentel warned that lawsuits for damages by PBA players against the PBA may even result because the PBA has been allowing harmful rules to be adopted in the pro league.

Moreover, he said, more physical and rough PBA games can result in putting an end to the careers of PBA players.*