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Manila Bulletin devider Sports devider Basketball devider MPBL joins forces with GAB to curb game-fixing

MPBL joins forces with GAB to curb game-fixing

Published Jan 31, 2026 08:52 pm

At A Glance

  • Due to the enormity of the task, the country's top regional league has renewed its partnership with the Philippines' professional sports regulatory body to purge players, coaches, officials and referees found to be involved in rigging the games.
MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta greets GAB Commissioner Atty. Francisco Rivera. MPBL CEO Joe Ramos and Chief Legal Counsel Glenn Gacal were also present.
MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta greets GAB Commissioner Atty. Francisco Rivera. MPBL CEO Joe Ramos and Chief Legal Counsel Glenn Gacal were also present.
The MPBL (Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League) is intensifying its drive against game-fixing in coordination with the GAB (Games and Amusement Board) for the MPBL Eighth Season.
Due to the enormity of the task, the country’s top regional league has renewed its partnership with the Philippines’ professional sports regulatory body to purge players, coaches, officials and referees found to be involved in rigging the games.
Toward this end, MPBL Commissioner Emmer Oreta, along with Chief Executive Officer Joe Ramos and Chief Legal Counsel Glenn Gacal, paid a courtesy call on GAB Chairman Atty. Francisco Rivera on Wednesday to discuss measures aimed at preventing game manipulation.
Given attention was stiffer sanctions, cross-league application of sanctions, and the engagement of integrity service providers to spot suspicious game activity through data-driven analysis.
“We discussed clear steps to strengthen the integrity of the league. I look forward to continuing this work and ensuring that MPBL remains credible, fair, and worthy of the trust of our fans and stakeholders,” said Oreta.
“The long-term interest of the league is integrity. If fans no longer believe in the outcome of games, the sport itself suffers. With this, we hope that the MPBL can help us in curbing game-fixing in Philippine sports,” said Rivera.
MPBL Founder Manny Pacquiao has always been at the forefront of the campaign to rid the league of unscrupulous individuals. In 2019, he filed game-fixing raps against 17 members of the Soccsksargen Marlins, and in 2024, he banned 47 players from joining the league. The case went viral and prompted a Senate inquiry. Last year, Pacquiao urged member teams not to hire players and coaches with sanctions and dubious reputations.
“The long-term interest of the league is integrity. If fans no longer believe in the outcome of games, the sport itself suffers. With this, we hope that the MPBL can help us in curbing game-fixing in Philippine sports,” said Rivera.
The MPBL 2026 Preseason Invitational: Road to Tip-off, the league’s first major undertaking under Oreta, will start on February 7, with the league and the GAB committed to upholding fair play while protecting the players’ rights.
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