WEBB AGAINST MORE FIL-AM PBA CAGERS
Manila, Dec. 11, 1997 - Senator Freddie Webb says the entry of more Fil-American players in the Philippine Basketball Association deprives native talent the opportunity of joining the league.
Senator Webb, himself a former basketball pro, is chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth and Sports which he said will conduct an inquiry on the matter.
He noted that Fil-American cagers who join the PBA have a fallback position should they fail to make the grade or become injured. "They have American passports so they can go back and earn a living in the US. On the other hand, local players are dislodged from securing a sport in the PBA because of the presence of the Balikbayans."
He also bewailed the disparity in salaries between the locals and the imports. "While the Fil-Am usually gets a salary of P120,000 as a rookie, a rookie local has to settle for P40,000 because he has no choice."
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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