THE war of words between Barangay Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua and Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao is far from over.
Chua went on an offensive mode anew a day after the Game 4 incident of the PBA 50th Season Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, saying he’s likewise protecting his own team just like Guiao invoking his right to do the same.
“Sabi niya I’m just protecting my team. Bakit siya lang ba ang puwedeng mag-protect ng team? Yung team ko hindi ko po-proteksyunan?,” said the San Miguel Corporation executive in a phone call on Thursday.
READ Guiao hits out at Ginebra's Chua for 'intimidating the referees'
READ Chua to Guiao: 'Ang team n'ya pakialaman n'ya, wag team namin'
The two feisty officials had a heated exchange after Rain or Shine’s 97-85 win at the Smart Araneta Coliseum as Guiao felt Chua had been an intimidating presence on the Ginebra bench over the way he’s been admonishing game officials since the start of the best-of-seven series.
But Chua said more than him, it’s Guiao who actually cast a huge shadow over the referees during games by shouting foul words directed at them.
“Siya rin naman di ba sinisigawan niya yung mga referees? Pati nga technical committee. O, hindi ba intimidating yun,” said the SMC sports director.
“Siya nga minumura niya mga referees mismo sa tenga. Tapos sasabihin niya ako nag i-intimidate. E, mas grabe siyang mang-intimidate.”
Chua also recalled the champion coach's altercation and shouting match with players of opposing teams in the past.
“Siya lang ang coach na gumagawa nun. Minumura yung players ng kabilang team,” he said.
At the same time, Chua added he believes team officials likewise have the right to complain before game officials, saying, “kami dahil governor bawal naming kausapin ang referees?”
The former coach turned SMC executive also noted the comparisons Guiao made between him and Rain or Shine’s own team governor Atty. Mamerto Mondragon.
“Bakit nya ikukumpara yung governor niya sa pagka-governor ko?,” asked Chua. “Kung ayaw ng governor niya na tumayo or ayaw magsalita, kasalanan ko ba yun? Tapos iko-compare niya sa akin. Kailangan kung anong gagawin ng governor niya, yun din ang gagawin ko? Anong pakialam ko dun.”
'Namumulitiko'
To end it, Chua describes Guiao’s move as ‘namumulitiko.’
“Sinabihan niya lang daw ako (na huwag kausapin ang referees). Ano ang right niya para kausapin ako at sabihan ako ng ganun? Pag boss ko ang nagsabi sa akin nun, okay. Pero sino siya para sabihan ako,” he added.
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