AHEAD of its game against Pasig City on Wednesday, the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League has revoked the Iloilo franchise and permanently banned team officers for abandonment of obligations and breaches within the league rules and agreement.
The Western Visayas team only just returned to the regional league after a leave of absence in the 2025 season, with the likes of Vic Manuel, Kyt Jimenez, and James Sena tapped to bolster the team.
Those same players would later cry foul over the treatement they received from the team.
"The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL)The Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) has determined that the management of the Iloilo franchise has abandoned its obligations and participation in the League in clear violation of its franchise agreement and league rules and regulations," the statement said.
"As a result, the Iloilo franchise has been revoked, and its officers have been permanently banned from the MPBL and are subject to appropriate sanctions and penalties, including but not limited to the indefinite suspension of all league privileges and the enforcement of their outstanding obligations."
Making this more alarming, the league has found 'questionable' moves from the squad which could lead to an investigation on possible game fixing.
"Additionally, due to the reports of our third-party integrity partner Sportradar and the recommendation of our Technical Committee, the MPBL, in close coordination with the Games and Amusements Board, may open an investigation into lloilo's owners, managers, coaches, staff, and/or players, including but not limited to potential game manipulation and any unpaid financial obligations."
The Switzerland-based sports technology company is responsible for analysis on sports data and anomalies, and together with the Games and Amusements Board, governs the league for possible game-fixing incidents.
Tensions began brewing after their game against the Marikina Shoemasters on June 12 was forfeited after the team was a no-show at the One Arena in Cainta, Rizal.
Following that, Iloilo supposedly had another game on June 17 against the Negros Hacienderos in the same venue, but was also forfeited for the same reason
Independence day walkout
The initial forfeiture stemmed from a mass exodus of most of their key players during the trade window, including Manuel, Jimenez, Art Patrick Aquino, Jasper Longalong, EJ Perez, Steven Cudal, Alexis Hitman, and homegrown player Josh Devara.
Sources that claimed to be privy to team operations pointed the departures to Iloilo's failure to deliver player salaries on time, which has long plagued various MPBL franchises in its eight years of existence.
With the revocation, Iloilo is officially booted from the South Division, finishing their record at 2-12.
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