NO charges were filed against Filipino pool legend Efren ‘Bata’ Reyes for playing in an exhibition game in San Pedro, Laguna, a video of which is circulating on social media and picked up by news outlets.
This was confirmed by a person who was at the event but requested for anonymity, saying that Reyes as well as other persons such as spectators were brought to the barangay office but were later allowed to go home.
Reyes is shown on video with local authorities after playing in an exhibition game, in breach of COVID-19 pandemic protocols. The match also drew a number of spectators, as seen in the video.
The words “walang permit” being said by local authorities were prominent in the viral video as they appeared to confiscate several billiards equipment at the site.
The person claimed that the stoppage of the match was due to the absence of social distancing in the venue.
“Hindi nahuli ng pulis si Champ,” said the person, referring to Reyes. “Napatigil lang ang laban dahil sa nawala sa ala-ala ng tao ang distancing kasi nga si Champ, naglalaro.”
The person questioned how the incident was handled by authorities and why the video appears to “humiliate” Reyes.
“Saka ‘yung issue na ‘yan, tao lang nagpapalala. ‘Yung nakumpiska dapat picture lng ng item ng bilyaran, hindi si Champ lang ang bini-video ng taga-barangay. Hinihiya nila ‘yung tao,” said the person.
“Masyado nilang pinopokus si Champ sa kahihiyan,” he added.
The person added that the match, as far as the person knows, was held with a permit which is why Reyes agreed to the invitation.