Former PBL commissioner promotes cockfighting

CHINO Trinidad, a noted broadcaster and former commissioner of the Philippine Basketball League, has embarked on a new journey and advocacy.

Trinidad is out to promote cockfighting as a sport and ‘an integral part of Philippine culture.’ in the quarterfinals as the Beermen ousted the Triple Giga, 22-14, while Ken Bono imposed himself in the paint during the semis, finishing with nine points and 11 rebounds in San Miguel’s 18-10 win over Cavitex to advance in the title game. execute them, Puno said, is of utmost priority.

“Based on history, it’s the oldest sport in our country, and played by our ancestors,” said Trinidad during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

The popular sports figure plans to use all avenues, including the tri-media, to send his message across that cockfighting is “beyond gambling” but a sport that adheres to honesty.

Trinidad also recognized that cockfighting in the country has become a multi-billion industry.

The Beermen banked in the P50,000 runner-up purse. Cavitex beat Terrafirma for the battle for third, 21-15. Ken Ighalo topscored with eight points, while Tonino Gonzaga added six for the Braves, who bagged P30,000.

Earlier in the quarterfinals, the Braves slammed the door on Meralco, 21-17, Terrafirma denied newcomer Wilcon Depot a semifinals seat, 20-18, and Ginebra downed Pioneer Elastoseal, 19-16, to advance.

“From the breeding process, feeds, vitamins, supplements all the way to the derbies, it truly is a multi-billion industry in the Philippines and a great contributor to the economy,” he said during the weekly forum presented by San Miguel Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, MILO, Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

“But my ultimate goal is to develop the appreciation of the sport and ‘yung mai-present ang sabong hindi sa negative side. What we want to preserve here is the sport being part of who we are as Filipinos,” he added.

“Sayang because cockfighting here was never given the opportunity to be included in mainstream sports like horse racing,” added Trinidad, who stressed that he’s not into cockfighting.

“Hindi po ako sabungero but a lover of Philippine culture. I’m just fascinated by this industry,” he added.

“Our goal is to make it to the Olympics via the Asian qualifying events, and win the gold in Paris,” he said. Puno then added to applause, “At kasama na rin sa pangarap natin na magwagi ng ginto sa Olympics ay ang mai-angat ang buhay ng ating mga boksingero at nang kanilang mga pamilya.”

Concurrently the vice chairman of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas and an instrumental figure in the passage of House bills naturalizing players like Marcus

Douthit, Andray Blatche, Ange Kouame and lately Justin Brownlee for Gilas Pilipinas, Puno addressed his ascension to ABAP chief with a touch of humor.

“Nagtataka nga ako kung bakit ako ang napili na maging ABAP president. Kako, hindi naman siguro dahil congressman ako kasi may 300 pa naman sa ‘min na puwedeng pagpilian,” he told his audience, who broke into laughter when he added, “Sa totoo lang, minsan lang akong nasuntok noon, naiyak pa ko. Kaya nga nag-basketball na lang ako.”

Puno was later joined by Vargas and MVP Sports Foundation officials Jude Turcuato, Maita David and Art Aro in handing over incentives to boxing medalists in the recent Southeast Asian Games in Phnom Penh. The Philippines took home four gold medals, five silvers and one bronze.

Vargas, also the chairman of the Philippine Basketball Association and vice president of SBP, provided some explanation for Puno’s appointment.

“Sa sports kasi, especially kami sa basketball, oftentimes, we call on Congressman Robbie to help us resolve certain issues; he has been our go-to guy in basketball,” said Vargas.

“E medyo nainggit naman kami dito sa boxing, kaya ginawa na rin namin siyang go-to guy ng ABAP.

Isa pa, he’s a very good family man, a very loving family man. And here at ABAP, we’re one big family so he’s the perfect choice to head it.”

Vargas spoke of the Olympic Games next year as being on its “fourth cycle” since 2009 when ABAP calculated it would take that much time before it strikes gold.

“Sinabi namin noon, on the fourth cycle of the Olympics, mananalo tayo nang gold,” he said, addressing the boxers. “Yan ang cycle na pinakaimportante, at yan ang cycle ngayon. That’s why the Asian Games [in September] is so important kasi don ka magka-qualify. At kaya nating gawin ito.”