MPBL deepens probe into Bacolod fiasco 

The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has removed the Bacolod Masskara franchise from the remainder of the 2026 SportsPlus MPBL Season and imposed lifetime suspensions on players and coaches covered by its disciplinary action, underscoring Commissioner Emmer Oreta’s commitment to protecting the league’s integrity.

“When I assumed the role of commissioner for MPBL Season 8, I made one commitment clear: to strengthen the integrity of the league through decisive and consistent action,” Oreta said. “Every action we have taken since then reflects that commitment.”

The sanctions stem from the league’s investigation following Bacolod’s July 28 game against Bulacan. On July 30, the MPBL issued red cards, disqualified the individuals involved and formally removed the Bacolod franchise from the rest of the season after the team went suspiciously scoreless in the last seven minutes of the match.

The move is the latest in a series of disciplinary actions implemented by the league. Bacolod’s head coach received a yellow card in April over integrity concerns, while the Iloilo franchise was issued a similar warning in May. In June, the MPBL revoked Iloilo’s franchise for violating league standards.

“These actions reflect our commitment to protect the integrity of the MPBL,” Oreta said. “If protecting the integrity of this league means having fewer teams, then so be it. I will never compromise the integrity of the MPBL. We owe that to our players, our team owners, our fans and everyone who believes in fair competition.”

The league said it is coordinating with the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), the National Bureau of Investigation and other government agencies as the investigation continues.

Chief legal counsel Glenn Gacal said the MPBL will fully cooperate with authorities and provide all necessary assistance to ensure those responsible are held accountable under the law.

Gacal added that no one will be exempt from the investigation, including team officials and management, as the league seeks a full inquiry with the GAB.

“This is not about one team,” Oreta said. “It is about protecting every honest player, every team owner and the credibility of the MPBL. The league will continue to act decisively against anyone who compromises the integrity of the game because the integrity of the MPBL always comes first.”