The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) has elected PBA president Ricky Vargas as president and PLDT chief Manny Pangilinan as president.
Mr. Vargas, who served as vice president under outgoing chief Al Pangilio, and Mr. Pangilinan, who was previously honorary president, will lead the 17-seat board, 13 of which were filled through elections among the federation's 34 active members “to ensure broad regional representation in Philippine basketball.”
The elected regional representatives include Paul Tristan Laus (North Luzon), Edgar Francisco (South Luzon), Robert Uy (Visayas), Reynald Barrios (Mindanao), Os Franco Soberano (Youth), O. Perasol, Manuel Raymund Castellano and Eric Altamirano (School), Vivian Manila (Women) and Messrs. There were Pangilinan, Vargas, Alfrancis. Chua and Archen A. Success (Commercial and Vocational).
Two co-selected members, Jacob Ang and Chaye Cabal-Revilla, were appointed by the President, while Ryan Reyes was named player representative and Peachy Cheng Medina was selected as the interim 3×3 representative.
Mr. Panlilio will continue to be a valuable member of the Board due to his position as a member of the FIBA Central Board.
“This new SBP Board is a healthy mix of knowledgeable veterans and passionate young leaders who share a common purpose – to build a stronger, more unified future for Philippine basketball,” Mr. Vargas said.
“We are building the foundation for the next generation of sports leaders to continue the growth and excellence that Filipino basketball is known for,” he said.
Mr. Pangilinan stressed the SBP's continued drive for inclusivity and development at all levels of the game.
“This new SBP board is a reflection of how far Philippine basketball has come – more inclusive, more representative, and more visionary. For the first time, we have three female trustees on the board, albeit with fewer seats overall, ensuring that women's voices in basketball will continue to be strong,” he said.
“Our vision has become broader with the addition of players and 3×3 representatives. And with promising young leaders like Jacob Ang and Franco Soberano, we are ensuring that the growth of basketball in the country never stops – it only grows deeper and more united.” , Olmin Leyba
