THREE more PBA players face stiff penalties from the Commissioner's Office as the pro league finally put its foot down on some of its players habitually playing in unsanctioned games, or more commonly known as 'ligang labas.'
Commissioner Willie Marcial underlined the league's hard stance against a practice in breach of the players' uniform PBA contracts by hitting 10 violators with fines amounting to P590,000, led by repeat offender Jio Jalalon with P100,000.
READ: 10 'ligang labas' violators hit with fines amounting to P590,000
To prove that he's not taking the violations lightly, Marcial said he will double the fines of players on the second offense and raise it to three times the minimum punishment of P50,000 plus a suspension for a third offense.
In the case of Jalalon, the Magnolia guard faces a penalty of P200,000 plus suspension if he gets caught getting involved in another 'ligang labas' game.
"Matigil na dapat ito," said Marcial. "Una, paano kung ma-injured sila sa ligang labas? Pangalawa, careers nila ito, Dapat alagaan nila. At nasa kontrata nila yan. Di bale sana kung pinayagan ng mga mother team nila."
Marcial said the support of PBA fans has made it easier for league officials to get wind of 'ligang labas' violations and gather evidence.
In fact, the league, Marcial said, has received photo and video evidence of at least three more PBA players taking part in another 'ligang labas' game.
Marcial declined to reveal the names, but said the three are outside the 10 players previously punished. He said the trio will receive summons once the investigation begins.
"Ang daming pinapasa sa amin na mga ebidensya ng mga players na naglalaro sa ligang labas," said Marcial, thanking the fans for the cooperation. "Kamukha yung huling laro sa Cebu, mga walo yatang videos ang napadala sa amin."
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