Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has formally asked the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) to conduct an immediate investigation into alleged game manipulation during the July 28 match between the Bulacan Kuyas and the Bacolod MassKara.
In a letter dated Thursday, July 30, addressed to MPBL officials, Gasataya cited widespread public concern over the Bacolod team’s performance during its 100-64 loss at the Pasay Astrodome.
The mayor said the team’s nearly eight-minute scoring drought in the fourth quarter, unusual player rotations, and several missed scoring opportunities fueled online speculation about possible game-fixing.
“As a huge basketball fan myself, I am mindful that scoring slumps may occur. But the passive on-court demeanor, unusual player rotations, and highly irregular lapses flagged by both the public and game commentators evidently point to a potential violation of sports integrity and professional standards,” Gasataya said in the letter.
He clarified that the Bacolod MassKara team is neither personally sanctioned by him nor officially by the Bacolod City governmen, but stressed that it carries the city’s name and identity.
Gasataya said the city cannot allow the name of Bacolod to be associated with illegal game-fixing or irregular betting schemes.
The mayor requested the MPBL to immediately conduct a technical audit of the entire fourth-quarter game footage, including player movement and rotation metrics.
He also asked the league to require the team’s management, coaching staff and players to submit sworn explanations regarding their performance during the game.
In addition, Gasataya requested that the MPBL share the results of its investigation with the Bacolod City government and the GAB to determine whether executive actions, franchise permit reviews or legal sanctions should be imposed on those found responsible.
“The integrity of the Liga ng Bawat Pilipino relies entirely on fair play and public trust,” the mayor said.
He added that this was not the first time a basketball team carrying the name “Bacolod” had been linked to a similar controversy and urged the league to give the matter its “most urgent and favorable attention.”
The letter was also furnished to GAB Chairperson Francisco Rivera for appropriate action.*
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