DESPITE the alleged game-fixing controversy and other hurdles in its first season, the Pilipinas Vis-Min Super Cup is not losing sight of its two ultimate objectives: provide entertainment to basketball fans and livelihood to players and other team members.

Pilipinas Vis-Min Cup chief operating officer Rocky Chan assured the basketball community that the fledgling professional league based in the Visayas and Mindanao will overcome all the birth pains they are now experiencing and emerge bigger and better in the next conference.

“We’re here to stay. We”re growing, we’re getting better,” said Chan during the “Usapang Sports on Air” by the Tabloids Organization in Philippine Sports (TOPS) via Zoom yesterday.

“Right now, we have moved on from all the negative incidents from the past and learned a lot to better manage the league. Iisa lang naman ang layunin nating lahat at ito ay ang makatulong sa development ng basketball at makatulong sa kabuhayan ng ating mga players,” added Chan.

Chan said Vis-Min Cup officials have already investigated the controversial game between the Siquijor Mystics and Lapu-Lapu City Heroes and meted out the necessary fines and penalties based on the recommendation of knowledgeable people.

“We admit we had some shortcomings as a new professional basketball league. Lahat naman may pagkukulang sa simula. But we also have a lot of officials and team owners who want to help us succeed,” added Chan during the weekly public service program sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) and Games and Amusements Board (GAB).

Four Vis-Min Cup team owners — Gail Jao of Tubigonn-Bohol Mariners, Ricky Verdida of Mandaue-KCS Computer Specialist, Ken Ancis of Dumaguete Warriors and Dandy Ferenal of Tabongon Voyagers — also came out in the open to express support to Chan and the Vis-Min Cup.

“Some individuals are questioning our credibility as team owners. But I was not offended at all. You are free to check our credentials and backgrounds,” Jao told editors and reporters during the weekly forum.

“We may still be young, but we can manage our teams. We’re on different era, a new world. Millennials are multi-tasking and we’re here for a long haul, so to speak,” explained Jao “I earn my own money. I’m old enough to understand things. It’s the time of new generation, new breed ready to take over.”

Jao also shrugged off allegations of game-fixing in the league.

“Sabi nga nila, good or bad is publicity. Napag-uusapan yun liga. But seriously, I am more concerned sa mga players ko. I know their sacrifices para makalaro sa Vis-Min Cup sa Alcantara. Yun iba sa kanila, may pamilya na iniwan muna para lang makapag-laro sa bubble,” explained Jao, who also underwent mandatory quarantine just to be able to join the team.

“I called their attention. I gave them morale support. Sabi ko nga sa kanila, huwag hayaang ma-apektuhan sila ng mga nangyayari. They are professional enough to handle things.

Verdida, on the other hand, admitted the allegation of game-fixing is a big slap to th e league.

But he said the whole Mandaue team is satisfied with the efforts of the Vis-Min Cup organizers to find a win-win solution and avoid a repetition of the incident.

“Nakikita naman namin yun effort ng mga Vis-Cup officials para maituwid anuman ang pagkakamali. May mga hakbang na ginagawa na din para maiwas na maulit yun pangyayari at naniniwala kami sa integridad ng liga,” he said.

“Sa Mandaue, binibigyan talaga namin ng emphasis yung credibility at integrity ng team. Kaya nga kahit hirap kami financially, yung respect ng mga players at coaches sa game hindi nawawala.”

Ancis said Dumaguete players and coaches will continue to work hard despite the negative issues that hit the league.

“Pangarap ko talaga ang maglaro ng basketball. Bagamat hindi natupad ay naging successful naman ako sa pagiging chef sa US, pati na sa bitcoin currency business. Ngayon gusto kong makatulong sa basketball at mabigyan ng oportunidad yun ibang mga players,” said Ancis.

“Bukod sa passion natin ang basketball, I think Vis-Min Cup is a good avenue for marketing promotions,” explained Ferenal.