Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president Manny V. Pangilinan said he's ready to step down if only to allow the Philippines to continue playing internationally.

“That would be a great relief for us,” he said, but at the same time he blasted the FIBA for its failure to adhere to certain guidelines such as letting the SBP know why its officials are being summoned to Geneva for a meeting.

"If this is the way to save Philippine basketball from suspension, then I'm ready to resign," Pangilinan told a group of sports editors Monday night to discuss the latest controversy that hit the country's favorite pastime.

However, Pangilinan stressed that the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) should come out with a final and categorical resolution.

"FIBA must come out and say that this is what they want. If they want the return of the old group, then say so. Let's stop this moro-moro," he said.

During the three-hour, no-holds-barred discussion, Pangilinan poured out his sentiments and frustration over FIBA's sudden turnabout.

Exactly a year after reiterating its support and reassurance to SBP that it would not entertain any communication from the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP), FIBA formed a special commission to look into the affairs of the Philippines and granted the four-man panel the power to suspend or sanction SBP.

Chaired by former FIBA president Carl Mengky, the special commission invited the SBP to attend a three-day meeting starting on July 21 in Geneva, Switzerland.

The SBP said it would not attend the meeting until it gets clarification. It also asked the FIBA to hold it after FIBA-Asia in August.

"Is there a problem? What's this all about? FIBA did not say," said the 62-year-old chairman of the country's biggest telecommunication company. "We're not defying FIBA, we merely wanted to know the agenda and what FIBA intends to do."

Like in typical trial courts, Pangilinan said the SBP is entitled to know what charges it is facing. "Where's the charge sheet? So we can prepare our defense," he said.

Pangilinan was accompanied by SBP chairman Oscar Moreno, SBP vice-president Ricky Vargas, SBP executive director Noli Eala and Smart sports director Pato Gregorio.

"As businessmen, we deal with regulators regularly. But even the regulated can ask why. Hindi naman puwede na sunod lang kami ng sunod," he said.

Pangilinan, a billionaire with stakes in telecommunication, water and power utilities and tollway operations, maintained that the Bangkok Agreement, the document that led to the creation of the SBP, had been faithfully adhered to, contrary to claims by the BAP.

"We have reported to FIBA so many times about our compliance. Philippine courts have said so. So why can't the FIBA accept this? We are their federation. Why listen to disgruntled individuals?" Pangilinan asked.

He blamed the BAP for feeding FIBA with lies.

"After losing its case in FIBA, the BAP hailed the SBP to court and lost in the Court of Appeals. The BAP elevated the case to the Supreme Court where it is now pending," said Pangilinan."Now, the BAP went back to FIBA."

Why FIBA listened to the BAP continues to puzzle Pangilinan.

"Somehow, the BAP succeeded to convince the FIBA that there are two federations holding separate programs and activities in the Philippines. That there is confusion in the basketball community," said Pangilinan.

"On the contrary, Philippine basketball is not in disarray. All our programs are in place and our national teams are getting ready to compete. Where is the problem?" he added.

Pangilinan also questioned the timing of the three-day meeting in Geneva, coming just days before the FIBA-Asia championship in China.

"Why the rush? Why can't FIBA set it after the FIBA-Asia to remove suspicions that it will use the event for SBP to bend to its wishes," he said.

Pangilinan said they don't want to go to Geneva with the sword of suspension hanging above their head.

"Reset the meeting after FIBA-Asia and we will go," he stressed.

Rather than call a meeting in Geneva, Pangilinan suggested that the special commission to go to Manila and check the real situation of basketball in the country.

"Talk to stakeholders. Go to SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission).  Check with our courts. Observe our program and compare it with the BAP's. Di kami natatakot dahil wala kaming tinatago," he said.

Pangilinan also raised the issue of the pending case at the Supreme Court.

"What if the FIBA chooses BAP and the Supreme Court upholds the Court of Appeals' decision recognizing SBP's authority. What happens now?" Pangilinan asked.

Whether the meeting pushes through or not, Pangilinan said that it will come down to one question: Which between SBP and BAP will FIBA choose to be the country's governing body for basketball?

In the event that FIBA dictates terms that they cannot accept in conscience, Pangilinan said they would be willing to sacrifice and give way so that the country would be spared of FIBA suspension.

"National interest comes first. If FIBA wants us to go so that the Philippines won't get suspended, we will go," said Pangilinan. "Frankly, it will be a relief."