Bacolod Mayor Greg Gasataya is seeking accountability and full transparency following an alleged game-fixing incident involving the Bacolod MassKara and the Bulacan Kuyas team in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) game on July 28.
Gasataya said pursuing those responsible for the alleged scheme is necessary to protect the integrity of the MPBL and Bacolod City’s local sports program, as well as the city’s cultural identity, a press release from the Bacolod City Communications Office said Monday, August 17.
The mayor welcomed the league’s immediate action to impose a permanent ban on players and members of the coaching staff of the Bacolod MassKara team following an almost eight-minute scoring drought in the final quarter against the Bulacan Kuyas, resulting in a 100-64 defeat.
In his letter to MPBL Chief Executive Officer Joseph Ramos dated August 14, Gasataya requested clarification on the ownership of the “Bacolod MassKara” franchise and who authorized the team to use “MassKara” in its name, considering that the term is a cultural property of Bacolod City protected under Bacolod City Ordinance No. 1020, otherwise known as the “MassKara Cultural Property Rights Ordinance.”
The ordinance states that the MassKara Festival and MassKara Dance as important cultural property of Bacolod City and states that it is the city’s policy to preserve and protect its cultural property rights over them.
“Again, we reiterate that the ‘MassKara’ name is a protected cultural trademark and a proud symbol of Bacolod City’s resilience,” Gasataya said.
He added that since this is not the first time a team bearing Bacolod’s name has been involved in an issue of this nature, a comprehensive review is necessary to protect public trust in the MPBL, also known as the Liga ng Bawat Pilipino.
Gasataya also sought clarification on whether the team properly coordinated with the local government before using the city’s name and identity, while urging prompt action and continued cooperation from the league management.
“We need an outcome of the investigation,” the mayor emphasized, recalling how previous organizations had sought the courtesy of the LGU and even fielded local players from the city. “They are carrying the name of the city, and this prompted me to seek clarification because, in the end, it is the city that bears the shame,” he added.
The mayor likewise raised concerns over what he described as a pattern of teams using Bacolod’s name, particularly citing the current team’s lopsided losses this season, including defeats against Abra, 129-45; Quezon, 113-61; and Bataan, 113-62.
Apart from the MPBL, Gasataya also wrote the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), which is currently conducting a comprehensive investigation into allegations of game-fixing and other possible violations arising from the incident.
The mayor stressed that accountability is essential not only to uphold the integrity of professional basketball but also to protect the reputation of Bacolod City and its cultural identity, the press said.*
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