Pacquiao: Don’t even think of game-fixing
Manny Pacquiao hopes that the MPBL’s partnership with a top-notch sportsbook company will help raise the profile of the country’s touring basketball tournament.
“This partnership marks a new era for the MPBL,” Pacquiao said during a contract-signing between the league and gaming outfit SportsPlus. “We are not only growing on numbers, we are also growing in structure, systems and scale.”
But the boxing legend and former senator threw in a warning that, betting aside, he will keep an eye on performances to make sure no one tries to manipulate the game results.
“I warn all the players, teams and coaches, as the founder of the MPBL, I will always keep a watchful eye to ensure the integrity of the MPBL name,” Pacquiao said in Filipino.
“Don’t even think of getting into game-fixing,” he added. “Gambling syndicates are just using you and you will destroy your integrity. Remember you are working for your families.”
Pacquiao urged teams and players to help stop game-fixing and other attempts to manipulate game results.
“Don’t be afraid to tell me if you know something’s happening,” he said. “Let us take care of taking action against those illegal things, game-fixing. We are working hard to show the people the games that they want to see and the games that will make them happy.”
The contract signing was held at Gameville Ball Park in Mandaluyong, with Pacquiao joined by SportsPlus president and CEO Andre Uy and MPBL commissioner Emmerson Oreta.
“This is another meaningful step for us in supporting Philippine sports and empowering homegrown talent,” said Uy. “We believe in tying up with platforms like MPBL that create real opportunities for athletes and bring the game closer to communities across the country.”
