BACOLOD CITY - Mayor Greg Gasataya has demanded accountability and full transparency over the alleged game-fixing incident involving Bacolod MassKara and the Bulacan Kuyas in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) game on July 28.

The mayor welcomed the MPBL’s decision to permanently ban players and members of the Bacolod MassKara coaching staff following the team’s nearly eight-minute scoring drought in the final quarter of its 100-64 loss to the Bulacan Kuyas.

However, Gasataya stressed that those behind the alleged scheme must be held accountable to protect the integrity of the MPBL, the local sports program and cultural identity of this highly-urbanized city.

“They should be transparent as they are bringing the name of Bacolod and MassKara,” he said.

In a letter to MPBL Commissioner Emerson Oreta dated August 14, Gasataya also sought clarification on the ownership of the “Bacolod MassKara” franchise and who authorized the use of “MassKara” in its team name.

He cited Bacolod City Ordinance No. 1020, or the “MassKara Cultural Property Rights Ordinance,” which recognizes the MassKara Festival and MassKara Dance as important cultural properties of the city and provides for the protection of Bacolod’s cultural property rights.

“Again, we reiterate that the ‘MassKara’ name is a protected cultural trademark and a proud symbol of Bacolod City’s resilience,” Gasataya stated in the letter.

Gasataya called for a comprehensive review of the matter, noting that it was not the first time a team carrying Bacolod’s name had been associated with a controversy of this nature.

He also asked whether the team had properly coordinated with the local government before using the city’s name and identity, while urging MPBL officials to act promptly and continue cooperating with the investigation.

“We need an outcome of the investigation,” the mayor stressed, recalling that previous sports organizations had coordinated with the city government and even fielded local players from Bacolod.

“This prompted me to clarify kay gakahuy-an diri dala-dala ang ngalan ka Bacolod kag MassKara” (This prompted me to clarify because of shame on the names Bacolod and MassKara being carried along with it), he added.

Gasataya also wrote the Games and Amusements Board (GAB), which is conducting a comprehensive investigation into the alleged game-fixing and other possible violations arising from the incident.

He emphasized that accountability is necessary not only to uphold the credibility of professional basketball but also to protect the reputation, cultural identity, and good name of Bacolod City.