BMPAP HEAD MARIANO TELLS BSCP PREXY ILAGAN: RESIGN; ILAGAN IS WILLING TO RESIGN IF…

BILLIARDS Managers and Players Association of the Philippines (BMPAP) founding head Ceferino “Perry” Mariano on Saturday called on Billiards and Snooker Congress of the Philippines (BSCP) president Arturo “Bong” Ilagan Jr. to resign from his post out of delicadeza.

“How can you discipline and gain the respect of the players if you are asking money from them. If i where in Bong Ilagan’s shoes i will resign” said Ceferino “Perry” Mariano, heads Bugsy Promotions, which has a stable of star players led by former double world champion Ronnie “Volcano”Alcano, 2007 World Pool Championship runner-up Roberto “Pinoy Superman” Gomez, newly-installed World Pool Master titlist Dennis “Robocop” Orcollo and Southeast Asian Games gold medallist Gandy “Yang-Yang” Valle.

In the 25th Southeast Asian Games was held in Vientiane, Laos, in December 2009, Alcano and reigning women’s world ten ball champion Rubilen “Bingkay” Amitl led the RP snooker and billiards team into victory. Alcano and Amit headed the RP cue artist cash incentives for winning the coveted gold medal. Then, BSCP get a share in cash incentives with the national athlete medallist.

“Actually, sina Efren (Reyes) at Django (Bustamante) ang nag pursige na bigyan ng kaparte ng cash incentives ang BSCP para may funds ang federation. Sabi ko nga kina Efren (Reyes) at Django (Bustamante) h’wag ng hatian ang federation pero ininsist pa din nila para may funds ang federation.” said Ilagan, who is willing to give up his post but first, the player should have a written note to the board of directors (BSCP) as well to the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

” Saka kung ayaw na nila (national athlete) sa akin ay willing naman akong umalis sa puwesto as BSCP president. Gusto lamang nating makatulong sa pagpapalaganap ng sports kaso ganito pa ang nararanasan natin,” added Ilgan, a former Gintong Alay executive director. “Puro abono na nga kaming mga director ng BSCP kasi wala namang funds ang federation,” he added.

Early this year, Mariano slams Ilagan in cue artists exodus issue after the latter’s statement to Alcano and other national athlete who is working and planning to work in abroad as coach.

“Y’ung tungkol kina Alcano at Gabica, dapat naman talaga may qualifying round, paano natin i seeded ang mga player gayung wala naman dito at nag wo work sa abroad as coach. Actually sumali nga si Alcano sa qualifying but unfortunate he didn’t make it sa Asian Games,” insisted Ilagan. “Saka maraming magagaling na player natin,”

Despite the current situation, Ilagan is optimistic that the RP billiards and snooker team will perform well in the forthcoming Asian Games in Guangzhou, China on November 12 to 27.

“Kumpiyansa pa din kami (BSCP) na maganda ang ilalaro ng mga player natin sa Asian Games. Especially malaking tulong si Efren na playing coach. Araw-araw sila nagpa practice at strict kami (BSCP) sa attendance ng mga player. Saka maganda ang teammanship,” last word of Ilagan.

BY: MARLON BERNARDINO