![“I call upon our faithful in the Archdiocese to offer prayers for his [Pope Francis] eternal repose. What remains now is to continue to pursue the dream he cultivated — that God is near and journeys with us," says Jaro Archbishop Midyphil Billones. JARO METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL PHOTO](https://www.panaynews.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/archbishop_1_resized-218x150.jpg "Jaro archbishop calls for prayers following death of Pope Francis")
MANILA – The status of the 2020-2021 Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Mumbaki Cup remains uncertain. Some teams are opting to take a leave of absence.
MPBL commissioner Kenneth Duremdes said he understands the decision of these teams to not ball this incoming season due to the economic damage brought by coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
“Marami kasing teams na tinamaan din nitong virus. May ilang teams na nagpadala na ng feeler na magte-take ng leave of absence next season,” said Duremdes on an Instagram live session with Cedelf Tupas.
He added: “Napakaimportante nating malaman kung kaya pa ba ng team owners magpatakbo ng team. Kapag makita ng league na wala talaga, we might cancel the season.”
However, Duremdes reiterated that these are all just plans. MPBL’s priority is to finish its Lakan Cup playoffs even if means playing in closed-door venues.
“Kung i–allow tayo to finish the Lakan Season without fans attending, yes. Four teams na lang yan. Definitely, kailangan na natin ito tapusin,” Duremdes said.
Another main plan which is subject to the approval of MPBL founder Sen. Manny Pacquiao, according to Duremdes, is a new format that would limit the games of the season.
“We will limit the games, at magkakaroon tayo ng sariling tournament lang ng South at sariling tournament alone ng North division. Hindi na sila magcro-crossover,” Duremdes said.
“Magkikita na lang ‘yung champion ng North at South sa National Finals,” he added./PN
