Games and Amusement Board Press Release

[bandido]

Press Statement from the Games and Amusements Board of the Office of the President of the Republic of the Philippines

The Games and Amusement Board has received a report that a professional billiard tournament was conducted last Sarirday, May 3, 2008 at the Star Paper billiard hall in Quezon City, Philippines without the proper GAB permit. This is in direct violation of the GAB's sole mandate over professional sports in the country which is ironic since all professional players, managers, and promoters in all sports including billiards were just recently reminded through a memorandum circular dated March 17, 2008 that conducting professional sports events without the GAB permit, whether with or without purse and involving licensed professional players by the GAB, is in violation of the GAB mandate and will result in sanctions by the GAB from license suspension to cancellation. This is in addition to the previously GAB Resolutuon No. 98-10 dated November 24, 1998.

The following players have engaged in this said event:

1.Marlon Manalo Lic. PBP 009 2. Jeffrey de Luna PBP 010

3. Antonio Gabica PBP 011 4. Leonardo Didal PBP 049

5. Fidel Punzalan Non-renewal 6. Jordan Legaspi non-renewal

7. Edgar Acaba Non-renewal 8. Leonardo Andam PBP 012

9. Jericho Banares 10. Elvis Calasang non-renewal

These players have been asked by the GAB to report in writing within 72 hours their reasons for participating the said event. Failure to do so would be tantamount to waving their right to due process and corresponding penalties would be meted out by this Board. This could possibly mean that they can no longer participate in any local billiard promotion and can no longer avail of the GAB's travel authority which is a requirement in their applications for visas to participate in international professional billiard tournaments.

The GAB is once again reminding all professional players and managers to ask first if the tournament they plan to participate in has the proper permits from the GAB.

The GAB is also reminding all promoters of Professional sporting events to apply for the proper permits if they wish to conduct these tournaments. The GAB is more than willing to assist them in their application.

This is being done to properly maintain the highest standards both in performance of players and conduct of tournaments since we all know that billiards is a rich source of honor and pride for our country.

 

[JAM]

That is the most ridiculous rule I have ever heard of.

Philippines is probably one of the few places in the world where pool is thriving.

Are they going to now figure out a way to kill it?

Geesh, it is very sad to read that.

I just read that bowling alleys are now a thing of the past in America. They are losing popularity with families and children. Bowling is ranked higher than pool in the States on the sports totem pole.

Of course, there ain't even a mention of pool rooms in America. Why? Because they are not even worthy of mention, I guess!

Some bureaucrat in Philippines needs to have his hand smacked for passing that law. What a nightmare!

JAM

 

[Gerry]

what authority, or penalty can these "GAB" guys hand down to the player or event organizer? sounds like bullying to me.

 

[bandido]

I'm sure that the NBA or PGA does have rules that govern, professional events or the conduct of Professional Athletes, right?

 

[JAM]

I'm sure that the NBA or PGA does have rules that govern, professional events or the conduct of Professional Athletes, right?

It is difficult for me to compare pool with the NBA and/or PGA. Two totally different entities.

One is an organized sport with corporate sponsorship and amenities and benefits for members of the professional organization.

What does pool offer professional players today? A little bone with not much meat on it.

JAM

 

[bandido]

It is difficult for me to compare pool with the NBA and/or PGA. Two totally different entities.

One is an organized sport with corporate sponsorship and amenities and benefits for members of the professional organization.

What does pool offer professional players today? A little bone with not much meat on it.

JAM

Conditions of Professional Pool in the United States is different from the Philippines. We do have big corporate sponsors here and benefits for the members here in the Philippines, remember?

If we cannot conduct ourselves at the same level as the other professional sport organizations then when can we be considered at the same level? We, the people involved in Pool, should be the ones to initiate professionalism for the others to view and consider us as such.

 

[JAM]

Conditions of Professional Pool in the United States is different from the Philippines. We do have big corporate sponsors here and benefits for the members here in the Philippines, remember?

Are your second-, third-, and fourth-place finishers pocketing six figures yet, as they do on the PGA?

If the pro players join an organization, do they get contracts that are worth several million dollars, as they do on the NBA?

I understand that pool is thriving in Philippines, but it ain't nowhere near NBA and PGA yet. That said, I would like nothing better than to see it happen.

If the Government of the Republic of Philippines begins to enforce rules like the above-referenced, I do not beleive pool can excel in Philippines.

Rather, the pool organizational entities should make it attractive for pro players by offering them a lucrative salary for being a member of the organization and/or a contract, if you will. That way, the pro players won't find a need to compete in other events to make ends meet.

Pool players in Philippines may have more opportunities to earn a living, but to begin to place restrictions at their livelihood at this juncture seems self-destructive to my eyes.

JAM

 

[bandido]

Are your second-, third-, and fourth-place finishers pocketing six figures yet, as they do on the PGA?

If the pro players join an organization, do they get contracts that are worth several million dollars, as they do on the NBA?

I understand that pool is thriving in Philippines, but it ain't nowhere near NBA and PGA yet. That said, I would like nothing better than to see it happen.

If the Government of the Republic of Philippines begins to enforce rules like the above-referenced, I do not beleive pool can excel in Philippines.

Rather, the pool organizational entities should make it attractive for pro players by offering them a lucrative salary for being a member of the organization and/or a contract, if you will. That way, the pro players won't find a need to compete in other events to make ends meet.

Pool players in Philippines may have more opportunities to earn a living, but to begin to place restrictions at their livelihood at this juncture seems self-destructive to my eyes.

JAM

I understand your sentiment JAM. But the NBA or PGA did start small and got to where they are right now. Professional Pool needs to start somewhere to reach something.

By the way, the Philippine Government awards, regional and world competition Filipino Champions and runner-ups, cash incentives and monthly stipend. Manalo, Gabica and deLuna did and does recieve money from the government thus the more they in-turn should follow government rules and regulations. Alcano too recieved government cash incentives aside from a Toyota Innova van from San Miguel Corporation and commercial contracts for TV and newsprint ads from other companies. Gomez too recieved a product endorser contract from San Miguel Corporation. Efren, a multitude of contacts from SMC, McDonald's and the latest was the Ginebra San Miguel TV commercial.

So shouldn't we really be conducting ourselves as professionals and be regulated by a government agency?

 

[JAM]

I understand your sentiment JAM. But the NBA or PGA did start small and got to where they are right now. Professional Pool needs to start somewhere to reach something.

And I understand your thoughts as well. In the end, we both desire the same thing for professional pool to excel.

However, my point is that so-called "professional pool players" would have no need to compete in non-organizational events if they were making a decent living.

Until they do make a decent living, it seems odd to hinder professional pool players' capabilities to make money by placing restrictions on them at this juncture.

It seems like a way for the Government of the Republic of Philippines to make money on the hard work of professional players, many of whom still pay their own way and who do not earn a decent income as of yet.

Hit the corporate sponsors and the organizational entities with the tax for the government and NOT the professional players themselves.

JAM

 

[bandido]

Are your second-, third-, and fourth-place finishers pocketing six figures yet, as they do on the PGA?

JAM

6 figures? Yes, even 7figures.

 

[gopi-1]

Most of the guys here in the US don't have the grip on the going-ons down there Edwin.
The situation is a little volatile and I call it the weeding out process. All sports, amateur
or pro, should be governed by certain rules and if the so called "pro" pool players can't
even follow rules that will benefit them in the future, then it's there loss. If a fly-by-night
organizer decides to stiff these players, or if they happen to get into some sort of trouble
overseas, there's nobody to help them but the GAB itself.

These illegal tournament organizer/organizers are there to prove that they are still in
power. They will dangle a carrot or two, with no assurance that they will PAY, trying
to bait as much players as they can, which could translate to more money from sponsors
and such.

It's high time for the GAB to flex its muscles and show that they mean business.
If heads must roll just to prove that they mean business, so be it...

 

[JAM]

6 figures? Yes, even 7figures.

The following players have engaged in this said event:

1.Marlon Manalo Lic. PBP 009 2. Jeffrey de Luna PBP 010

3. Antonio Gabica PBP 011 4. Leonardo Didal PBP 049

5. Fidel Punzalan Non-renewal 6. Jordan Legaspi non-renewal

7. Edgar Acaba Non-renewal 8. Leonardo Andam PBP 012

9. Jericho Banares 10. Elvis Calasang non-renewal

Are you saying that any of the above-referenced players are earning $1 million or more? If so, then that is splendid news for the professional players of Philippines, and I retract my statements above.

I just remember speaking with Francisco Bustamante in December 2005 who had just won $80,000 coming in third place at an IPT event, and he said that it was the most money he had ever won at a pool tournament.

My, how things have changed. If players are making seven figures in Philippines, I don't know why any professional player would want to compete in States, and I mean that. USA, all the way, I say, but when it comes to making ends meet, you gotta do what you gotta do.

Mama, don't let your babies become pool players, unless they live in the Philippines!

JAM

 

[gopi-1]

And I understand your thoughts as well. In the end, we both desire the same thing for professional pool to excel.

However, my point is that so-called "professional pool players" would have no need to compete in non-organizational events if they were making a decent living.

Until they do make a decent living, it seems odd to hinder professional pool players' capabilities to make money by placing restrictions on them at this juncture.

It seems like a way for the Government of the Republic of Philippines to make money on the hard work of professional players, many of whom still pay their own way and who do not earn a decent income as of yet.

Hit the corporate sponsors and the organizational entities with the tax for the government and NOT the professional players themselves.

JAM

What if the organizers decide to stiff the players JAM? The only authority to meddle in this case is the GAB. They shouldn't go crying to mama if somebody or someone decides to stiff them.

Here's a true scenario there Jennie. A lot of our local boxers have gone under the radar to fight overseas. As of last count, at least 4 have died already and the families they left behind couldn't claim a cent from anybody. Not from our gov't, not from the host country, not from the promoter and definitely not from their fly-by-night managers who facilitated their fights, and who couldn't care less if their boxers are being fed to the lions because all they ever wanted is to make a fast buck.

The GAB was established to protect all pro athletes' interests, and it is gov't funded.

 

[bandido]

And I understand your thoughts as well. In the end, we both desire the same thing for professional pool to excel.

However, my point is that so-called "professional pool players" would have no need to compete in non-organizational events if they were making a decent living.

Until they do make a decent living, it seems odd to hinder professional pool players' capabilities to make money by placing restrictions on them at this juncture.

It seems like a way for the Government of the Republic of Philippines to make money on the hard work of professional players, many of whom still pay their own way and who do not earn a decent income as of yet.

Hit the corporate sponsors and the organizational entities with the tax for the government and NOT the professional players themselves.

JAM

It was the group that conducted the tournament that made a mistake of not getting proper permits for their qualifier for a play-for-pay event. The Pro pool players are locked-in a contract to play in this group's, BSCP/PBDF/RAYA/Star event. This group keeps ignoring the GAB which regulates and governs all professional sports here in the Philippines. This isn't the first time, they didn't even get a permit for the 2007 WPC!

The GAB makes sure that the prizes will be paid, visa application expedited and the players are in good conditions and situations whether here or overseas.

Players who pay for their own way are a minority in the Philippines now specially if affiliated with the GAB/BMPAP. Unfortunately, the players like deLuna, whose attendance in the in W8-BallC Fujairah, wasn't supported by their org,PBDF, even though they promised to. Jeff found somebody else to finance his trip but also decided to ask for, at least, food and misc(airport tax, etc) allowance of US$300 from Mr Chua of BSCP/Star. He was declined such and even got a tongue-lashing from Mr. Chua.

 

[bandido]

Are you saying that any of the above-referenced players are earning $1 million or more? If so, then that is splendid news for the professional players of Philippines, and I retract my statements above.

I just remember speaking with Francisco Bustamante in December 2005 who had just won $80,000 coming in third place at an IPT event, and he said that it was the most money he had ever won at a pool tournament.

My, how things have changed. If players are making seven figures in Philippines, I don't know why any professional player would want to compete in States, and I mean that. USA, all the way, I say, but when it comes to making ends meet, you gotta do what you gotta do.

Mama, don't let your babies become pool players, unless they live in the Philippines!

JAM

Not in $ JAM, we're in the Philippines so it's in Pesos (US$1=42 Pesos). Even then, a furnished studio here in the heart of Makati, equivalent to downtown designer shops district New York, only rents for 25,000 Pesos or under US$600/month.

Django's US$80,000 is equivalent to 3,360,000.00 Pesos or 280,000.00 Pesos a month spending money. A bank branch manager here earns 40,000.00 Pesos/month. Is Busty better off than bank managers? 7x better!

 

[JB Cases]

In the United States the government does not regulate professional sports events and sanction them. Nor does it threaten to make it hard or impossible for ahtletes to participate in international events.

I am sure that there is certainly a crap-storm going on between the organizations over there but if the end result will be that the pool world in the Philippines is torn apart then is it worth it?

Said as a complete outsider. Sad to see the arguments carried out here as if AZ can somehow influence the outcome one way or the other.