The development was bared by Commissioner Willie Marcial a day after the initial talks he had over the phone with Batangas City Mayor Beverly Dimacuha and Batangas 5th District Rep. Marvey Mariño.

“Nakausap ko si Mayor Beverley Dimacuha at si Congressman Marvey Mariño na okay naman makapag-practice doon,” said Marcial. 

“Pupunta ang team namin doon at ‘yung team nila, mag-uusap para sa mga protocols at paano ang disinfection sa Friday,” he added.

According to Marcial, Batangas City Coliseum and Batangas State University Gym were the two venues being offered by the local government for the scrimmages with the possibility of a third venue in the Lyceum-Batangas Gym being added.

Despite the local government agreeing to the league’s request, team practices can only begin after they secure a Joint Administrative Order from the Department of Health, Games and Amusements Board, and Philippine Sports Commission.

Batangas City is currently under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) until May 31 and practices can only commence if the quarantine classification will downgrade to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) or if PBA can get a special permit from Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF).

“Kung GCQ pa, kailangan hintayin namin na makausap kami ng Task Force [IATF]. Kung sa May 15, MGCQ na ang Batangas, makakapag-practice na tayo doon,” said Marcial.

Six to seven teams are looking to train in Batangas City and will be following a closed-circuit setup traveling to and from Manila and Batangas.

While one or two teams are eyeing to head to Laoag City upon the invitation of Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Manotoc, Marcial also bared.

“May nagsabi din sa akin na two teams naman sa Ilocos, so ‘yun, tingnan natin ‘yung iba,” said Marcial. 

“Pasabi pa lang pero wala namang final.”