RIVAL COACHES CHOT, AUSTRIA SIT DOWN WITH REFS AHEAD OF PBA FINALS

THE PBA expects the best officiating possible from its officials as the 50th Season Philippine Cup Finals between San Miguel and TNT tips off on Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Commissioner Willie Marcial said they have filtered the referees’ pool from 24 officials at the start of the season-opening conference to half at 12 referees for the best-of-seven title series.

Marcial is reminding game officials to be on their toes, but also hopes for understanding from the Beermen and the Tropang 5G whenever there would be calls or non-calls that they are not happy with.

"Sana maayos ang tawagan. Di naman mawawala [ang mga questionable calls]. Pero gagawin namin lahat," Marcial said during the Finals press conference on Monday at Novotel in Quezon City.

"Parang mga players din yan eh. Kung (ano) tingin nila dapat nilang gawin o tulad ng sinabi ng mga players depende sa gising, pero sa referees, kailangan talaga sila laging handa. Masu-suspend sila or baka matanggal sila," he added.

For the first time, the Commissioner’s Office held a meeting between PBA Finals protagonists Leo Austria and Chot Reyes and game officials at the league office in Libis, Quezon City on the eve of Game One to create clarity about the upcoming officiating.

Making the decision after its last board meeting on Thursday, the league hosted the meeting to build clear communication and better understanding of officiating standards, and discuss officiating guidelines, rules, and management.

"Para makita kung ano appreciation sa tawagan, paano tawagan. Magkaroon ng konting liwanag ang mga coaches pati yung mga referees," Marcial said.

Marcial said the league plans to hold the coaches-referees meeting regularly now every conference.

2026-01-20T08:15:03Z