The Maharlika Professional Basketball League (MPBL), founded by Manny Pacquiao, has taken decisive action against game-fixing, a persistent issue that has plagued the league in recent years.

In a significant move, MPBL has announced the banning of 47 players and team officials who were reportedly involved in game-fixing activities. This action underscores the league’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its competitions and ensuring fair play among its growing membership.

Despite the ban, the league has not released a list of the banned individuals, leaving the specific details undisclosed to the public. However, this stern measure reflects MPBL’s determination to address the problem head-on and root out any instances of corruption within its ranks.

The crackdown on game-fixing comes in the wake of previous challenges faced by the league. Two years ago, the Department of Justice (DoJ) recommended the filing of criminal charges against 17 players and personnel accused of multiple counts of game-fixing during the campaign of the Soccsksargen Marlins. However, there has been little update on the status of the case since then.

In the latest tournament, won by the Pampanga Giant Lanterns, MPBL Commissioner Kenneth Duremdes revealed that the Commissioner’s Office had compiled a list of names involved in suspicious matches. This list was regularly updated throughout the season as part of the league’s ongoing efforts to combat game-fixing and maintain the integrity of its competitions.