The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League has made its strongest statement yet against alleged game manipulation, throwing the Bacolod Masskara franchise out of the remainder of the 2026 season and imposing lifetime bans on players and coaches allegedly linked to the controversy.
The unprecedented sanctions followed Bacolod’s 100-64 loss to the Bulacan Kuyas, a game that drew scrutiny after the Masskara went scoreless over the final 7:48 while committing six fourth-quarter turnovers.
The MPBL said the penalties were imposed through its Red Card system, an anti-game manipulation mechanism introduced by league founder Manny Pacquiao and recognized by the Games and Amusements Board (GAB).
“The MPBL stands firm against any attempt to tarnish the sanctity of Philippine basketball,” the league said, vowing swift action against conduct that undermines the trust of fans, team owners and the public.
The sanctions remain administrative and preventive while investigations continue in coordination with government agencies. League officials also disclosed that the Bacolod franchise had previously been warned by the Commissioner’s Office, with several members already issued Yellow Cards earlier this season.
The GAB has launched its own fact-finding investigation, saying players and coaches involved will be required to submit their explanations before any regulatory action is taken, ensuring due process.
The controversy comes during a pivotal year for the regional league. The MPBL is competing with a leaner 26-team field this season, down from 30 in 2025, following management changes and reported internal upheavals earlier this year.
Game-fixing allegations have also long cast a shadow over the league.
In 2019, Pacquiao and league officials filed criminal complaints against 21 individuals connected to the Soccsksargen Marlins over alleged game manipulation. The Department of Justice later found probable cause to charge 17 members of the team.
Yet despite those high-profile cases, whispers of suspicious games have continued to surface, making integrity one of the league’s most persistent challenges.
That history gives the Bacolod case significance beyond a single franchise.
Protecting competitive credibility has become as important as producing entertaining basketball for the MPBL, which is approaching its 10th year. By removing an entire team while investigations are still underway, the league is signaling that restoring public trust may be its biggest victory this season.
