Manny Pacquiao Breaks Silence on Alleged Game Fixing in His Basketball League
MANNY PACQUIO – A controversial MPBL game has sparked widespread discussion online, prompting Manny Pacquiao to issue a strong statement against alleged game manipulation.
Manny Pacquiao has spoken out against alleged game-fixing in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL), expressing disappointment over the controversy that recently surrounded one of the league’s games. The boxing legend and MPBL founder stressed that integrity remains one of the league’s core values and warned that dishonest practices have no place in Philippine basketball.
The issue stemmed from the July 28 matchup between the Bacolod Masskara and the Bacolod Kuyas. Questions were raised after spectators noticed the Masskara’s prolonged scoring drought during the closing stages of the game, which ended in a lopsided 100-64 victory in favor of the Kuyas.
As videos from the game quickly spread across social media, speculation about possible game manipulation intensified. The growing public attention prompted the MPBL to launch an investigation into the incident to determine whether any violations had occurred.
Following its investigation, the league imposed lifetime bans on several Bacolod Masskara players, as well as members of the team’s coaching staff, after finding violations related to game manipulation. The disciplinary action underscored the league’s commitment to protecting the credibility of its competition.
Pacquiao addressed the controversy during the launch of the inaugural Maharlika Pilipinas Pickleball Tour (MPPT) in Makati City on Friday, July 31. During the event, he made it clear that he does not tolerate any form of cheating within the league.
“Sinasabi ko naman sa kanila na ang MPBL, nagbibigay ng kasiyahan sa larangan ng sports sa buong Pilipinas, sa mga Pilipino.
“Ayaw ko yung mga may hokus-pokus na nangyayari na dinadaya yung mga tao. Gusto ko, mga players na maglaro with integrity and honesty,” said Pacquiao.
The former world boxing champion also revealed that the MPBL has a dedicated group tasked with closely monitoring every game to detect any suspicious activity. According to him, the league continuously reviews matches to ensure that players and teams compete fairly.
“Lagi akong nakasubaybay. In fact, may team akong binuo to oversee and review all the games every time na may laro. May mga taong nakasubaybay diyan, pinag-aaralan yung mga laro kung may nagbebenta o wala,” Pacquiao said.
Pacquiao emphasized that maintaining honesty and fair play is essential in preserving the trust of basketball fans, adding that the MPBL remains committed to delivering clean and competitive games to Filipinos nationwide.
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