Hataw tabloid News
Jerry S. Yap
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Written in English and Filipino language and column of Mr. Jerry S. Yap, president, National Press Club of the Philippines on May 17, 2011.
Masisira si Comm. David sa kapalpakan ng trusted man niya!
LAST Tuesday, May 17, 2011, dumulog sa inyong Lingkod si Mr. GRAHAM LIM. To refresh your memory, si Graham Lim, ay dating Secretary General ng Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP).
Maayos naman ang kanyang pamamalakad sa BAP, pero, nang dahil sa maruming politika at sa isang influential tycoon, siya ay napatalsik sa kanyang pwesto.
Ginawa’n ng kung ano-anong kwento at kaso and worst, idineklara siya ng Bureau of Immigration (BI) na illegal alien at nagkaroon ng deportation case mula pa noong 2006.
Sabi ng Bureau of Immigration,
Lim is a Taiwanese, but he maintains that he is a Filipino citizen.
Lim was arrested sometime in 2009 and was immediately brought to the Bureau of Immigration for deportation proceedings.
Nakulong si Lim nang mahabang panahon sa BI Bicutan detention cell. Sa tulong ng National Press Club at ng kanyang mga kaibigan, siya ay nakapagpiyansa para sa kanyang pansamantalang kalayaan.Bagamat nakalaya si Lim, siya ay naging STATELESS citizen, na ang ibig sabihin ay walang nationality.
Ayaw siyang kilalanin ng Taiwan at China, ngunit siya ay protektado ng Articles 2, 17 at 26 ng 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons.Hindi na natin idi-discuss ang nasabing artikulo. Ang maliwanag dito, si Graham Lim ay may karapatan din.
At noong nakaraang linggo nga, he sought our help as NPC President, dahil si Graham ay member ng National Press Club.Tungkol ito sa kanyang request letter dated October 6, 2010 pa na humihiling sa BI na i-refund na ang kanyang cash bond (P100,000), in accordance to his rights under the said 1954 Convention.
Nagpadala ulit ng follow-up letter si Lim sa BI nitong March 15 (2011) but as usual, he was given the run around at the BI-OCOM.Halos linggo-linggo ay nagpa-follow-up siya sa kanyang request pero ang laging sagot sa kanya ay ipinare-review pa raw ni C.A. ret. Gen. LINO CALINGASAN na Chief of Staff daw ni Comm. Ric David.
Wala naman maibigay na formal reply sa kanyang request si Caangasan éste’ Calingasan.Malaking tulong kay Graham Lim ang perang ‘yun dahil pang-matrikula rin ng kanyang anak.
Alam natin ang ordeal ni Lim, kaya yours truly personally accompanied him at the BI-OCOM, at na-experience natin mismo kung gaano kahigpit ang cordon sanitaire ni acting BI Comm. Ricardo David, Jr.
Nag-fill-up kami ng visitor’s slip at isinulat rin ang purpose ng aming visit. Nilinaw rin natin hindi interview ang pakay naming do’n.
Ang hiling lang natin ay tatlong minuto para makaharap si Comm. David.Hindi agad tayo pinapasok, sa halip, sinabihan ng isang secretary doon na kakausapin muna ang inyong lingkod nina Atty. Tonette Mangrobang, Atty. Arvin Santos & a certain Atty. Mark Anthony Antonio.
Medyo nagulat tayo dahil si Comm. David ang gusto kong makaharap at hindi ang tatlong liar ‘este’ lawyer.
Anyway, para matapos na rin ang issue ay pumayag na akong makausap ang tatlong abogado. I referred the case of Graham Lim, na alam natin na very much aware sila sa kasong ito.
Sinabi ni Atty. Arvin Santos na wala raw problema sa kanyang case, ipinakita pa niya sa akin ang isang order for the release of the cash bond.
Sinagot naman natin ng: “‘E may order na pala bakit naka-TENGGA pa nang matagal sa BI-OCOM!?”Alam ba ninyo kung ano ang sagot nila?
Inire-REVIEW pa raw ni retired Gen. LINO CAANGASAN ‘este mali’ CALINGASAN pala.Muntik na tayong MA-HIGH BLOOD sa sinabi ng LAWYERS.Imagine, inire-REVIEW ng isang taong HINDI ABOGADO at CONTRACTUAL ang STATUS sa Bureau ang isang dokumento na kailangan ng LEGAL OPINION!?Aba, ’e ibang klase pala si Gen. Calingasan!? Ganyan ba siya ka-powerful sa BI-OCOM? As if, siya ang Little Commissioner?
Anyway, tinawag na kami ng secretary at pinapapasok na kami sa OCOM… Graham Lim and I finally met Comm. Ric David.Matindi ang dating ni Commissioner David. Ang bungad niya agad kay Graham Lim ay: “Ano ba ang problema mo?” Pointing to Graham Lim. “Sige maupo kayo,” he said.
Without much ado, I told him Graham Lim’s problem & to find out kung ano pa ang problema niya na inabot halos ng tatlong buwan sa kanyang opisina.Comm. David asked his Chief of Staff ‘kuno,’ Gen. Calingasan, kung ano ang problem sa petition for refund of bail ni Graham Lim.
Ang sagot ni Calingasan ay meron daw kasing complainant na pulis kaya inire-review pa niya.
Tinanong ulit siya ni David kung may FORMAL COMPLAINT ba. Ang sagot ni Calingasan ay WALA.Itinanong rin ni David kung nasaan ‘yung pulis na nagrereklamo raw.
Ang sagot ni Gen. Calingasan ay mukhang hindi na interesado ‘yung pulis na i-pursue ‘yung complaint against Lim.OH MY GOD!!! Muntik na naman tayong mahulog sa upuan! WALANG FORMAL COMPLAINT!
WALANG COMPLAINANT ‘e, bakit na-HOLD nang ganyan katagal sa BI-OCOM?!
Napansin natin na medyo galit na si Comm. David at nagpasaring pa na: Bakit kailangan pa ng third party o media sa mga ganyan kaso pero hindi na natin sinagot ang tinuran niya.
Anyway, nagbigay ng order si Comm. David kay BI Legal Chief Atty. Arvin Santos na ire-resolve ang case ni Graham Lim within three days.
After hearing that from Comm. David ay nagpaalam na tayo at nagpasalamat.Hanggang makalabas kami ng opisina ni Comm. David ay talaga naman napapailing tayo.
Nasabi tuloy natin kay Atty. Mangrobang at Atty. Santos na wala pa rin pagbabago at parang mas MAGULO pa ngayon ang Bureau after Roy Ledesma.
Nakita ko sa mukha no’ng dalawa na parang desmayado rin sila sa kalakaran sa Bureau. Mukhang takot lang silang kumontra sa gusto ng bossing nila kaya mas mabuting sumabay na lang sila sa agos.
Anyway, thank you, Immigration acting Commissioner Ricardo David!
Written in English and Filipino language and column of Mr. Jerry S. Yap, president, National Press Club of the Philippines on May 17, 2011.
Masisira si Comm. David sa kapalpakan ng trusted man niya!
LAST Tuesday, May 17, 2011, dumulog sa inyong Lingkod si Mr. GRAHAM LIM. To refresh your memory, si Graham Lim, ay dating Secretary General ng Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP).
Maayos naman ang kanyang pamamalakad sa BAP, pero, nang dahil sa maruming politika at sa isang influential tycoon, siya ay napatalsik sa kanyang pwesto.
Ginawa’n ng kung ano-anong kwento at kaso and worst, idineklara siya ng Bureau of Immigration (BI) na illegal alien at nagkaroon ng deportation case mula pa noong 2006.
Sabi ng Bureau of Immigration,
Lim is a Taiwanese, but he maintains that he is a Filipino citizen.
Lim was arrested sometime in 2009 and was immediately brought to the Bureau of Immigration for deportation proceedings.
Nakulong si Lim nang mahabang panahon sa BI Bicutan detention cell. Sa tulong ng National Press Club at ng kanyang mga kaibigan, siya ay nakapagpiyansa para sa kanyang pansamantalang kalayaan.Bagamat nakalaya si Lim, siya ay naging STATELESS citizen, na ang ibig sabihin ay walang nationality.
Ayaw siyang kilalanin ng Taiwan at China, ngunit siya ay protektado ng Articles 2, 17 at 26 ng 1954 Convention Relating to the Status of Stateless Persons.Hindi na natin idi-discuss ang nasabing artikulo. Ang maliwanag dito, si Graham Lim ay may karapatan din.
At noong nakaraang linggo nga, he sought our help as NPC President, dahil si Graham ay member ng National Press Club.Tungkol ito sa kanyang request letter dated October 6, 2010 pa na humihiling sa BI na i-refund na ang kanyang cash bond (P100,000), in accordance to his rights under the said 1954 Convention.
Nagpadala ulit ng follow-up letter si Lim sa BI nitong March 15 (2011) but as usual, he was given the run around at the BI-OCOM.Halos linggo-linggo ay nagpa-follow-up siya sa kanyang request pero ang laging sagot sa kanya ay ipinare-review pa raw ni C.A. ret. Gen. LINO CALINGASAN na Chief of Staff daw ni Comm. Ric David.
Wala naman maibigay na formal reply sa kanyang request si Caangasan éste’ Calingasan.Malaking tulong kay Graham Lim ang perang ‘yun dahil pang-matrikula rin ng kanyang anak.
Alam natin ang ordeal ni Lim, kaya yours truly personally accompanied him at the BI-OCOM, at na-experience natin mismo kung gaano kahigpit ang cordon sanitaire ni acting BI Comm. Ricardo David, Jr.
Nag-fill-up kami ng visitor’s slip at isinulat rin ang purpose ng aming visit. Nilinaw rin natin hindi interview ang pakay naming do’n.
Ang hiling lang natin ay tatlong minuto para makaharap si Comm. David.Hindi agad tayo pinapasok, sa halip, sinabihan ng isang secretary doon na kakausapin muna ang inyong lingkod nina Atty. Tonette Mangrobang, Atty. Arvin Santos & a certain Atty. Mark Anthony Antonio.
Medyo nagulat tayo dahil si Comm. David ang gusto kong makaharap at hindi ang tatlong liar ‘este’ lawyer.
Anyway, para matapos na rin ang issue ay pumayag na akong makausap ang tatlong abogado. I referred the case of Graham Lim, na alam natin na very much aware sila sa kasong ito.
Sinabi ni Atty. Arvin Santos na wala raw problema sa kanyang case, ipinakita pa niya sa akin ang isang order for the release of the cash bond.
Sinagot naman natin ng: “‘E may order na pala bakit naka-TENGGA pa nang matagal sa BI-OCOM!?”Alam ba ninyo kung ano ang sagot nila?
Inire-REVIEW pa raw ni retired Gen. LINO CAANGASAN ‘este mali’ CALINGASAN pala.Muntik na tayong MA-HIGH BLOOD sa sinabi ng LAWYERS.Imagine, inire-REVIEW ng isang taong HINDI ABOGADO at CONTRACTUAL ang STATUS sa Bureau ang isang dokumento na kailangan ng LEGAL OPINION!?Aba, ’e ibang klase pala si Gen. Calingasan!? Ganyan ba siya ka-powerful sa BI-OCOM? As if, siya ang Little Commissioner?
Anyway, tinawag na kami ng secretary at pinapapasok na kami sa OCOM… Graham Lim and I finally met Comm. Ric David.Matindi ang dating ni Commissioner David. Ang bungad niya agad kay Graham Lim ay: “Ano ba ang problema mo?” Pointing to Graham Lim. “Sige maupo kayo,” he said.
Without much ado, I told him Graham Lim’s problem & to find out kung ano pa ang problema niya na inabot halos ng tatlong buwan sa kanyang opisina.Comm. David asked his Chief of Staff ‘kuno,’ Gen. Calingasan, kung ano ang problem sa petition for refund of bail ni Graham Lim.
Ang sagot ni Calingasan ay meron daw kasing complainant na pulis kaya inire-review pa niya.
Tinanong ulit siya ni David kung may FORMAL COMPLAINT ba. Ang sagot ni Calingasan ay WALA.Itinanong rin ni David kung nasaan ‘yung pulis na nagrereklamo raw.
Ang sagot ni Gen. Calingasan ay mukhang hindi na interesado ‘yung pulis na i-pursue ‘yung complaint against Lim.OH MY GOD!!! Muntik na naman tayong mahulog sa upuan! WALANG FORMAL COMPLAINT!
WALANG COMPLAINANT ‘e, bakit na-HOLD nang ganyan katagal sa BI-OCOM?!
Napansin natin na medyo galit na si Comm. David at nagpasaring pa na: Bakit kailangan pa ng third party o media sa mga ganyan kaso pero hindi na natin sinagot ang tinuran niya.
Anyway, nagbigay ng order si Comm. David kay BI Legal Chief Atty. Arvin Santos na ire-resolve ang case ni Graham Lim within three days.
After hearing that from Comm. David ay nagpaalam na tayo at nagpasalamat.Hanggang makalabas kami ng opisina ni Comm. David ay talaga naman napapailing tayo.
Nasabi tuloy natin kay Atty. Mangrobang at Atty. Santos na wala pa rin pagbabago at parang mas MAGULO pa ngayon ang Bureau after Roy Ledesma.
Nakita ko sa mukha no’ng dalawa na parang desmayado rin sila sa kalakaran sa Bureau. Mukhang takot lang silang kumontra sa gusto ng bossing nila kaya mas mabuting sumabay na lang sila sa agos.
Anyway, thank you, Immigration acting Commissioner Ricardo David!
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Manila bulletin news
Manila Bulletin columnist issued date November 28, 2008:
A conversation with Christian Tan
Ed Picson
If you talk basketball with Christian Tan, you better be prepared for a long and colorful conversation.
Tan, a successful businessman who owns and operates several diverse ventures, is the Executive Vice President of the BAP or Basketball Association of the Philippines. BAP you ask, isn’t that defunct? Well, apparently not.
Christian texted me in reaction to a piece I wrote here on the Court of Appeals decision reversing the RTC decision which upheld the BAP election of officers. The CA held that the BAP election was not valid and favored the one held by the SBP last June 12. Tan asked if I would be willing to hear their side and I immediately said yes to a breakfast meet yesterday.
Without going into the merits of the case because I believe the BAP is pursuing legal options available to them, the following is what Christian wanted to get across. He says that he is disappointed at the way the BAP has been portrayed as the bad guys. He maintains that his group is in basketball only for the love of it. "None of us draws salaries," he emphasizes.
He also takes the cudgels for the beleaguered former Secretary-General of the BAP, Graham Lim, an old high school classmate. "Graham has sold and mortgaged all his properties just to advance monies for basketball. The BAP does not owe the PSC any money because we have been pitching in for all the expenses.
It’s so unfair that Graham is pictured to be a shady character. He only loves basketball so much," Tan declared. "He even gave up the position of Sec-Gen and eventually Executive Director just to ensure peace. Is that the act of someone who wants to create chaos? He has sacrificed so much for Philippine basketball."
Christian also claims that the media has been unfair to their group. He says that when they have something to say, it is either twisted to make them look bad or not reported at all. When I reminded him that I readily accepted his invitation to hear his side, he just shrugged "not you, but others."
He also belies perceptions that they are against SBP President Manny Pangilinan. "We want him there! We had been trying to get him into our organization even before. We admire his passion for the sport and the support he is giving. We have nothing against MVP. But I don’t know who has been advising him and making us look like we are out to oust him. That’s totally false."
Christian avers that they bent over backwards and acceded to many of the acts of the SBP, which he claims were in violation of both signed and gentlemen’s agreements. "We have already agreed that the SBP take care of the formation of the national team. We only ask that we be allowed to use the extensive BAP network for regional basketball development. These regional directorates have been there for the past 72 years. Why not make use of them? What’s wrong with that?
"The thing is, everything we say or propose is treated with suspicion. We don’t want trouble; we just want to help the sport we all love. If things are set right, I am even willing to step down and just watch from the sidelines."
Tan also takes exception to what Noli Eala, SBP Executive Director told me that he was part of the committee that drafted the requirements for membership of the BAP-SBP. "I was in the board but was not part of the nominations committee headed by Eli Capacio. And that committee met only once and then Capacio came out with his version of the qualifications."
In sum, Tan insists they are misunderstood. The fact that they are holding their own tournaments in the countryside is, he says a continuation of their commitment to develop new talents.
"Our brand of basketball will never work in international competitions. That’s why we’re developing fresh talents whom we can indoctrinate in the style which is attuned to the international game. We wanted our teams to train in Australia and Korea, where they emphasize such style. But we have been frustrated by all this in-fighting."
There were many other topics that he touched on, specifically the terms and clauses in the SBP by-laws and other documents, but I am wary of violating the sub judice rule.
Suffice it to say that we covered a lot of ground.
I asked if it’s possible, for the sake of peace, for his group to allow the SBP to do things their way for a certain period of time and then they could assess if they are worthy of being the leaders of Philippine basketball. Christian did not exactly rule that out, but he insists that "what we’re doing is a matter of principle and we just want to do what is right."
Buckle up, guys.
A conversation with Christian Tan
Ed Picson
If you talk basketball with Christian Tan, you better be prepared for a long and colorful conversation.
Tan, a successful businessman who owns and operates several diverse ventures, is the Executive Vice President of the BAP or Basketball Association of the Philippines. BAP you ask, isn’t that defunct? Well, apparently not.
Christian texted me in reaction to a piece I wrote here on the Court of Appeals decision reversing the RTC decision which upheld the BAP election of officers. The CA held that the BAP election was not valid and favored the one held by the SBP last June 12. Tan asked if I would be willing to hear their side and I immediately said yes to a breakfast meet yesterday.
Without going into the merits of the case because I believe the BAP is pursuing legal options available to them, the following is what Christian wanted to get across. He says that he is disappointed at the way the BAP has been portrayed as the bad guys. He maintains that his group is in basketball only for the love of it. "None of us draws salaries," he emphasizes.
He also takes the cudgels for the beleaguered former Secretary-General of the BAP, Graham Lim, an old high school classmate. "Graham has sold and mortgaged all his properties just to advance monies for basketball. The BAP does not owe the PSC any money because we have been pitching in for all the expenses.
It’s so unfair that Graham is pictured to be a shady character. He only loves basketball so much," Tan declared. "He even gave up the position of Sec-Gen and eventually Executive Director just to ensure peace. Is that the act of someone who wants to create chaos? He has sacrificed so much for Philippine basketball."
Christian also claims that the media has been unfair to their group. He says that when they have something to say, it is either twisted to make them look bad or not reported at all. When I reminded him that I readily accepted his invitation to hear his side, he just shrugged "not you, but others."
He also belies perceptions that they are against SBP President Manny Pangilinan. "We want him there! We had been trying to get him into our organization even before. We admire his passion for the sport and the support he is giving. We have nothing against MVP. But I don’t know who has been advising him and making us look like we are out to oust him. That’s totally false."
Christian avers that they bent over backwards and acceded to many of the acts of the SBP, which he claims were in violation of both signed and gentlemen’s agreements. "We have already agreed that the SBP take care of the formation of the national team. We only ask that we be allowed to use the extensive BAP network for regional basketball development. These regional directorates have been there for the past 72 years. Why not make use of them? What’s wrong with that?
"The thing is, everything we say or propose is treated with suspicion. We don’t want trouble; we just want to help the sport we all love. If things are set right, I am even willing to step down and just watch from the sidelines."
Tan also takes exception to what Noli Eala, SBP Executive Director told me that he was part of the committee that drafted the requirements for membership of the BAP-SBP. "I was in the board but was not part of the nominations committee headed by Eli Capacio. And that committee met only once and then Capacio came out with his version of the qualifications."
In sum, Tan insists they are misunderstood. The fact that they are holding their own tournaments in the countryside is, he says a continuation of their commitment to develop new talents.
"Our brand of basketball will never work in international competitions. That’s why we’re developing fresh talents whom we can indoctrinate in the style which is attuned to the international game. We wanted our teams to train in Australia and Korea, where they emphasize such style. But we have been frustrated by all this in-fighting."
There were many other topics that he touched on, specifically the terms and clauses in the SBP by-laws and other documents, but I am wary of violating the sub judice rule.
Suffice it to say that we covered a lot of ground.
I asked if it’s possible, for the sake of peace, for his group to allow the SBP to do things their way for a certain period of time and then they could assess if they are worthy of being the leaders of Philippine basketball. Christian did not exactly rule that out, but he insists that "what we’re doing is a matter of principle and we just want to do what is right."
Buckle up, guys.
Manila Standard today news on february 5, 2008.
General Edgar Dula Torres (L) in 1995
General Edgar Dula Torres
Former "Coup" General comes to Graham's rescue
From: "ARMAN ARMERO" <[email protected]>
Subject: General Edgar Dula Torres story
Former "coup" general comes to Graham's rescue
TO many who do not know him, Basketball Association of
the Philippines (BAP) secretary-general , Graham Lim
is an overstaying alien and the scourge of Philippine
basketball.
But perception is not always the truth, and his
friends from both the sports and political spectrum
are one in saying that Lim is being persecuted for all
the wrong reasons.
That's why when the Supreme Court ruled with finality
that he is not a Filipino citizen and should be
deported, his friends immediately came to his aid.
One of these is former Brig. Gen. Edgar Dula Torres,
former Northern Police District Director and
Commissioner of the National Police Commission for 12
years.
"I couldn't believe it," said Gen. Dula Torres upon
learning of the Supreme Court's decision. "Knowing
him as I do, and what he has heroically did for the
country, his dedication and service to the community,
Graham does not deserve all this."
Graham is more Filipino than most Filipinos I know. He
is a civic and sports leader who had shown generous
concern not only to my men but also to his
constituents in sports," added Dula Torres.
Dula Torres, who now enjoys retirement with his six
children and 26 grandchildren in his modest home in
Sta. Mesa, Manila, recalled that Lim was a "heroic"
figure during the December 1989 coup attempt against
then President Cory Aquino.
“During that time, without being asked, Graham came
to my rescue when we were in Camp Tomas Caringal and
were being attacked by enemy forces. He voluntarily
brought food and drinks to my men. He even volunteered
to join me when I was about to go to Camp Aguinaldo
and assess the situation there, but I persuaded him
not to for his own safety," Dula Torres said.
The amiable general, who started as a patrolman and
rose from the ranks to become one of the most
respected police offers during the Cory Aquino
presidency, said Lim continued to do his civic duty as
a consultant in Filipino-Chinese affairs during his
tenure as NAPOLCOM Commissioner.
“Graham was always there for his country in times of
trouble and in times of peace. He has sacrificed so
much, so it comes as a surprise that some people are
trying to put him down,” Dula Torres said.
Lim himself insists that he is a Filipino born and
raised in the country, married to a Filipino with whom
he bore two kids.
"Saan nila ako ide-deport? (Where can I be deported?) I have no other country but the Philippines and I challenge anyone to prove that I am a Chinese citizen," Graham said.
Former "Coup" General comes to Graham's rescue
- By: Arman Armero
- February 5, 2008
From: "ARMAN ARMERO" <[email protected]>
Subject: General Edgar Dula Torres story
Former "coup" general comes to Graham's rescue
TO many who do not know him, Basketball Association of
the Philippines (BAP) secretary-general , Graham Lim
is an overstaying alien and the scourge of Philippine
basketball.
But perception is not always the truth, and his
friends from both the sports and political spectrum
are one in saying that Lim is being persecuted for all
the wrong reasons.
That's why when the Supreme Court ruled with finality
that he is not a Filipino citizen and should be
deported, his friends immediately came to his aid.
One of these is former Brig. Gen. Edgar Dula Torres,
former Northern Police District Director and
Commissioner of the National Police Commission for 12
years.
"I couldn't believe it," said Gen. Dula Torres upon
learning of the Supreme Court's decision. "Knowing
him as I do, and what he has heroically did for the
country, his dedication and service to the community,
Graham does not deserve all this."
Graham is more Filipino than most Filipinos I know. He
is a civic and sports leader who had shown generous
concern not only to my men but also to his
constituents in sports," added Dula Torres.
Dula Torres, who now enjoys retirement with his six
children and 26 grandchildren in his modest home in
Sta. Mesa, Manila, recalled that Lim was a "heroic"
figure during the December 1989 coup attempt against
then President Cory Aquino.
“During that time, without being asked, Graham came
to my rescue when we were in Camp Tomas Caringal and
were being attacked by enemy forces. He voluntarily
brought food and drinks to my men. He even volunteered
to join me when I was about to go to Camp Aguinaldo
and assess the situation there, but I persuaded him
not to for his own safety," Dula Torres said.
The amiable general, who started as a patrolman and
rose from the ranks to become one of the most
respected police offers during the Cory Aquino
presidency, said Lim continued to do his civic duty as
a consultant in Filipino-Chinese affairs during his
tenure as NAPOLCOM Commissioner.
“Graham was always there for his country in times of
trouble and in times of peace. He has sacrificed so
much, so it comes as a surprise that some people are
trying to put him down,” Dula Torres said.
Lim himself insists that he is a Filipino born and
raised in the country, married to a Filipino with whom
he bore two kids.
"Saan nila ako ide-deport? (Where can I be deported?) I have no other country but the Philippines and I challenge anyone to prove that I am a Chinese citizen," Graham said.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tito Talao Column on November 30, 2004
Manila Bulletin
Last Shot
Tito Talao
For basketball?s sake, Graham Lim should go
Graham Lim, the whipping boy, secretary-general of the Basketball Association of the Philippines, has been the recipient of a lot of bashing lately. And he probably deserves the heap of flak being?dumped on him.
Imagine sending a collegiate squad into a major invitational tournament abroad, clothing the players with national colors, having them called Philippine team, and then letting them loose in a den full of lions? That they got mercilessly devoured in the Stankovic Cup in Taipei was nothing. That they got mercilessly devoured in front of the ESPN camera for the whole world to see was what really made the blood curdle.
Imagine players who probably ride camels going to the gym, and negotiating vast tracks of sand, burying us under tons of offensive debris. That's why Graham finds himself getting carve up again like some Thanksgiving turkey. If the fellow follows the suggestion that he resigns, maybe he would be doing Philippine basketball a favor.
But Graham reads the sports pages, finds out he's taken another direct hit, smiles and scratches an imaginary itch from his brow, and proceeds to buy more shares into the BAP.
The guy simply is impervious to criticism. Someone takes away his passport, Graham immediately flies out to 10 different destinations around the globe. Somebody demands that he gets deported, he at once makes plans for Christmas. And on the day a call for an indignation rally against him was sounded, Graham Lim sat in the same room with the leaders of Philippine sports to hail the election of former congressman Peping Cojuangco as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Basketball Association practically rolls out the red carpet for him, waiting until Graham approves a memorandum of agreement that would allow the PBA to field a team to the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) men's championships, and probably the Olympic Games, before picking the national coach. Joel Banal, Chot Reyes, Yeng Guiao and Tim Cone, four of the greatest coaching minds in the country, are kept frozen in suspense while Graham scratches his brow and probably say, "Malay ko naman na magkakaroon ng ESPN doon." But then Graham Lim isn't going anywhere.
At least not until Carl Ching Menky, the FIBA president, has something to say in the affairs of international amateur basketball. Or until somebody of the stature and political persuasion of the newly-installed POC president takes an interest in bringing back the glory days of Philippine basketball.
You either hate him or you tolerate him. No need to love the guy, really. This, I figured, is what the PBA has finally accepted; the reason the pro league has agreed to waltz with Graham Lim. Is this bad for Philippine basketball? Not for the Japan-bound 2005 RP team that will be shooting for a slot in the World Olympics, if you ask me. Nor the 2007 national squad that will be gunning for an Olympic berth for 2008 in Beijing.
When the future of Philippine basketball was in a terrible state of confusion, Graham, in shocking statements given us, parted the dark clouds by agreeing, among others, to draw up a new MOA with the BAP, send an all-PBA team to the ABC, and allow the PBA to run the show until the 2008 Olympics.
I was on the other line when Graham made this promise and I initially thought the guy was running a fever or was into some kind of substance. He wasn't. Somebody probably just got to him first.
At any rate, I urge people who had a hand in convincing Graham Lim to send that collegiate team - not a pro-reinforced team, not a UAAP or NCAA squad, or a team from the Philippine Basketball League - to the massacre in Taipei to come out and say a few words or make a few calls.
Not that Graham Lim needs it. But I think doing so would lessen the aggravation felt by those who desperately loves to resurrect Philippine basketball.
About Johnny Tam, Graham Lim's favorite coach. Now, that would be a tough one to whip a column around.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Tito Talao Column on November 30, 2004
Manila Bulletin
Last Shot
Tito Talao
For basketball?s sake, Graham Lim should go
Graham Lim, the whipping boy, secretary-general of the Basketball Association of the Philippines, has been the recipient of a lot of bashing lately. And he probably deserves the heap of flak being?dumped on him.
Imagine sending a collegiate squad into a major invitational tournament abroad, clothing the players with national colors, having them called Philippine team, and then letting them loose in a den full of lions? That they got mercilessly devoured in the Stankovic Cup in Taipei was nothing. That they got mercilessly devoured in front of the ESPN camera for the whole world to see was what really made the blood curdle.
Imagine players who probably ride camels going to the gym, and negotiating vast tracks of sand, burying us under tons of offensive debris. That's why Graham finds himself getting carve up again like some Thanksgiving turkey. If the fellow follows the suggestion that he resigns, maybe he would be doing Philippine basketball a favor.
But Graham reads the sports pages, finds out he's taken another direct hit, smiles and scratches an imaginary itch from his brow, and proceeds to buy more shares into the BAP.
The guy simply is impervious to criticism. Someone takes away his passport, Graham immediately flies out to 10 different destinations around the globe. Somebody demands that he gets deported, he at once makes plans for Christmas. And on the day a call for an indignation rally against him was sounded, Graham Lim sat in the same room with the leaders of Philippine sports to hail the election of former congressman Peping Cojuangco as president of the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Basketball Association practically rolls out the red carpet for him, waiting until Graham approves a memorandum of agreement that would allow the PBA to field a team to the Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) men's championships, and probably the Olympic Games, before picking the national coach. Joel Banal, Chot Reyes, Yeng Guiao and Tim Cone, four of the greatest coaching minds in the country, are kept frozen in suspense while Graham scratches his brow and probably say, "Malay ko naman na magkakaroon ng ESPN doon." But then Graham Lim isn't going anywhere.
At least not until Carl Ching Menky, the FIBA president, has something to say in the affairs of international amateur basketball. Or until somebody of the stature and political persuasion of the newly-installed POC president takes an interest in bringing back the glory days of Philippine basketball.
You either hate him or you tolerate him. No need to love the guy, really. This, I figured, is what the PBA has finally accepted; the reason the pro league has agreed to waltz with Graham Lim. Is this bad for Philippine basketball? Not for the Japan-bound 2005 RP team that will be shooting for a slot in the World Olympics, if you ask me. Nor the 2007 national squad that will be gunning for an Olympic berth for 2008 in Beijing.
When the future of Philippine basketball was in a terrible state of confusion, Graham, in shocking statements given us, parted the dark clouds by agreeing, among others, to draw up a new MOA with the BAP, send an all-PBA team to the ABC, and allow the PBA to run the show until the 2008 Olympics.
I was on the other line when Graham made this promise and I initially thought the guy was running a fever or was into some kind of substance. He wasn't. Somebody probably just got to him first.
At any rate, I urge people who had a hand in convincing Graham Lim to send that collegiate team - not a pro-reinforced team, not a UAAP or NCAA squad, or a team from the Philippine Basketball League - to the massacre in Taipei to come out and say a few words or make a few calls.
Not that Graham Lim needs it. But I think doing so would lessen the aggravation felt by those who desperately loves to resurrect Philippine basketball.
About Johnny Tam, Graham Lim's favorite coach. Now, that would be a tough one to whip a column around.
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Letter to Manila standard today publisher/chief editor
========================================================================================
Graham Letter to the Editor of Ronnie Nathanielsz’s column entitled “What quiet life?"
=========================================================================================
February 8, 2008
Mr. Teodoro L. Locsin
Publisher
Manila Standard Today
Attention: Miss Adelle Chua Tulagan, Editor, Opinion
cc. Mr. Francis S. Lagniton, News Editor
Mr. Riera U. Mallari, Sports Editor
Dear Sirs,
I read with much interest Mr. Ronnie Nathanielsz’s column entitled “What quiet life?” which came out in your paper last February 5, 2008.
Mr. Nathanielsz has so eloquently written that I was rebuffed by FIBA president Bob Elphinston over my “penchant” for organizing “miscellaneous tournaments without the proper sanction (underscoring mine) by the Basketball Association of the Philippines - Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas…”
True, Mr. Elphinston’s letter asked me to refrain from organizing tournaments and to sort of toe the FIBA line, and his reply, which was copy-furnished to BAP-SBP Executive Director Patrick Gregorio, was immediately used by most newspapers as ammunition against me.
But isn’t it funny how we Filipinos readily jump in the mere say-so of a white man, hiding behind the cloak of authority, in this case the FIBA, without examining if there is merit in their pronouncements?
I actually e-mailed back Mr. Elphinston (I can give a copy to Mr. Nathanielsz if he wants one) and flatly told him that he has no business interfering with the league I am organizing (National City League) since this is not a sanctioned tournament by the FIBA. (For Mr. Nathanielsz’s information, not all basketball tournaments in the world are sanctioned by FIBA. Europe League basketball, for example, has broken away from FIBA and holds its own tournaments).
Additionally, the BAP does not need any sanction from the BAP-SBP nor do I need to inform them of my intention to hold local tournaments.
Why? Does Mr. Gregorio inform the BAP of his plans to hold tournaments, propose mergers (such as the failed UAAP-NCAA merger) and his many activities?
The last time I checked, the Philippines is a democratic country, and any one with good intentions can hold and conduct any activity, sports-related or otherwise.
Besides, I don’t ask money from Mr. Gregorio and the BAP-SBP so why is the BAP-SBP and its minions (I hope Mr. Nathanielsz does not qualify as one) froth in the mouth if I organize tournaments? Since Mr. Nathnielsz is all-knowing, perhaps, he could advise me all and sundry when will BAP-SBP going to organize its first ever challenge.
Mr. Nathanielsz also accused former Congressman Prospero “Butch” Pichay of accepting the BAP presidency “to ride on it for personal benefit and publicity,” while at the same time praising Mr. Manny Pangilinan as someone who would “provide integrity and decency at the highest level” in the BAP-SBP.
I do not question Mr. Nathanielsz’s own personal judgment, but I doubt very much if he truly knows the true character of both Mr. Pichay and Mr. Pangilinan. You see, one can criticize and praise a person, but the criticism and praise oftentimes are clouded with bias or some other considerations.
What bothers me about Mr. Nathanielsz’s judgment of Mr. Pichay is the way he adopt the herd mentality which accuses all politicians in sports as publicity-hungry and in his own words, have “ruined Philippine sports because of their desire not really to help develop and grow a particular sport.”
Curiously, Mr. Nathanielsz’s statements echo that of other columnists and writers who have taken the cudgel for the “esteemed” Mr. Pangilinan. I just wonder why.
Of course, Mr. Pichay is a politician, but as a sports leader, he did not “ruin” a sport, but in fact, helped nurture chess in this country. Under his leadership in the national chess association, the country has produced three grandmasters in a span of four months, something that most national sports association leaders have failed to accomplish in years. Mr. Pichay is a proven winner, and we need somebody like him in basketball.
If Mr. Pichay desires to head the BAP-SBP in the future, what is wrong with this? The BAP-SBP, whose merger ended last February 5, will soon conduct an election and anyone, even Mr. Pangilinan, can run for the top post if he wishes to. So why prevent Mr. Pichay if he wishes to run? As I’ve said, this is a free country, or have Mr. Nathanielz forgotten that?
Or maybe the right question is, why are you afraid of Mr. Pichay?
Lastly, I thank Mr. Nathanielsz for sympathizing with my plight with regards to my impending deportation. Like me, Mr. Nathanielsz is not a pure-blooded Filipino and is a Sri Lankan by birth, but has been adopted by this country which made him a full-pledged Filipino, thanks to his well-meaning friends, who I’m sure include some politicians.
Mr. Nathanielsz is truly fortunate. The Philippines has been good to him, while in my case, I have yet to be fully embraced by this country which I have served with honor and dignity.
Very truly yours
GRAHAM C. LIM cc. Cong. Luis R. Villafuerte
Secretary General BAP Chairman and BAP-SBP Chairman
BAP
Cong. Prospero A. Pichay Jr. President, BAP
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Graham Letter to the Editor of Ronnie Nathanielsz’s column entitled “What quiet life?"
=========================================================================================
February 8, 2008
Mr. Teodoro L. Locsin
Publisher
Manila Standard Today
Attention: Miss Adelle Chua Tulagan, Editor, Opinion
cc. Mr. Francis S. Lagniton, News Editor
Mr. Riera U. Mallari, Sports Editor
Dear Sirs,
I read with much interest Mr. Ronnie Nathanielsz’s column entitled “What quiet life?” which came out in your paper last February 5, 2008.
Mr. Nathanielsz has so eloquently written that I was rebuffed by FIBA president Bob Elphinston over my “penchant” for organizing “miscellaneous tournaments without the proper sanction (underscoring mine) by the Basketball Association of the Philippines - Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas…”
True, Mr. Elphinston’s letter asked me to refrain from organizing tournaments and to sort of toe the FIBA line, and his reply, which was copy-furnished to BAP-SBP Executive Director Patrick Gregorio, was immediately used by most newspapers as ammunition against me.
But isn’t it funny how we Filipinos readily jump in the mere say-so of a white man, hiding behind the cloak of authority, in this case the FIBA, without examining if there is merit in their pronouncements?
I actually e-mailed back Mr. Elphinston (I can give a copy to Mr. Nathanielsz if he wants one) and flatly told him that he has no business interfering with the league I am organizing (National City League) since this is not a sanctioned tournament by the FIBA. (For Mr. Nathanielsz’s information, not all basketball tournaments in the world are sanctioned by FIBA. Europe League basketball, for example, has broken away from FIBA and holds its own tournaments).
Additionally, the BAP does not need any sanction from the BAP-SBP nor do I need to inform them of my intention to hold local tournaments.
Why? Does Mr. Gregorio inform the BAP of his plans to hold tournaments, propose mergers (such as the failed UAAP-NCAA merger) and his many activities?
The last time I checked, the Philippines is a democratic country, and any one with good intentions can hold and conduct any activity, sports-related or otherwise.
Besides, I don’t ask money from Mr. Gregorio and the BAP-SBP so why is the BAP-SBP and its minions (I hope Mr. Nathanielsz does not qualify as one) froth in the mouth if I organize tournaments? Since Mr. Nathnielsz is all-knowing, perhaps, he could advise me all and sundry when will BAP-SBP going to organize its first ever challenge.
Mr. Nathanielsz also accused former Congressman Prospero “Butch” Pichay of accepting the BAP presidency “to ride on it for personal benefit and publicity,” while at the same time praising Mr. Manny Pangilinan as someone who would “provide integrity and decency at the highest level” in the BAP-SBP.
I do not question Mr. Nathanielsz’s own personal judgment, but I doubt very much if he truly knows the true character of both Mr. Pichay and Mr. Pangilinan. You see, one can criticize and praise a person, but the criticism and praise oftentimes are clouded with bias or some other considerations.
What bothers me about Mr. Nathanielsz’s judgment of Mr. Pichay is the way he adopt the herd mentality which accuses all politicians in sports as publicity-hungry and in his own words, have “ruined Philippine sports because of their desire not really to help develop and grow a particular sport.”
Curiously, Mr. Nathanielsz’s statements echo that of other columnists and writers who have taken the cudgel for the “esteemed” Mr. Pangilinan. I just wonder why.
Of course, Mr. Pichay is a politician, but as a sports leader, he did not “ruin” a sport, but in fact, helped nurture chess in this country. Under his leadership in the national chess association, the country has produced three grandmasters in a span of four months, something that most national sports association leaders have failed to accomplish in years. Mr. Pichay is a proven winner, and we need somebody like him in basketball.
If Mr. Pichay desires to head the BAP-SBP in the future, what is wrong with this? The BAP-SBP, whose merger ended last February 5, will soon conduct an election and anyone, even Mr. Pangilinan, can run for the top post if he wishes to. So why prevent Mr. Pichay if he wishes to run? As I’ve said, this is a free country, or have Mr. Nathanielz forgotten that?
Or maybe the right question is, why are you afraid of Mr. Pichay?
Lastly, I thank Mr. Nathanielsz for sympathizing with my plight with regards to my impending deportation. Like me, Mr. Nathanielsz is not a pure-blooded Filipino and is a Sri Lankan by birth, but has been adopted by this country which made him a full-pledged Filipino, thanks to his well-meaning friends, who I’m sure include some politicians.
Mr. Nathanielsz is truly fortunate. The Philippines has been good to him, while in my case, I have yet to be fully embraced by this country which I have served with honor and dignity.
Very truly yours
GRAHAM C. LIM cc. Cong. Luis R. Villafuerte
Secretary General BAP Chairman and BAP-SBP Chairman
BAP
Cong. Prospero A. Pichay Jr. President, BAP
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Atty. Vicente letter to FIBA's Baumann for abuse of authority
Atty. Vicente letter to FIBA's Baumann for abuse of authority
Authors: Atty. Romeo Rizal Vicente, ESQ
September 4, 2006
Mr. Patrick Baumann
Secretary General
FIBA
Dear Patrick,
I am one of many or millions who loves basketball in our country, I have been following the event since last year when you personally suspended the Philippines from participating in all FIBA sanctioned tournament.
I had gather all information from the news print in our daily national newspapers, from the national federation that is recognized by FIBA – Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP).
First, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) suspended the BAP and subsequently expelled the BAP in June 2005, later on August 30, 2005, you sent letters to those parties involved, these were the POC, BAP and the newly formed national federation created by POC known as Philippine Basketball Federation Inc. (PBFI), your result investigation that the BAP was expelled was inappropriate and out of proportion.
So you clearly stated that your own investigation was cleared enough that it was illegal act of POC and using political maneuver to expelled a national sports association without valid grounds based on the IOC Charter.
It was cleared also that POC Charter has stated the an NSA is autonomous and can’t be touch without any reason or that will goes against the POC or IOC Charters.
I am a commission in the Supreme Court and I have been gathering facts that FIBA under your supervision has been committed to politicking and diplomatic approach that causes your political mischievous. You are working for FIBA and sad to say, the BAP was punished without any ground and under the FIBA Statute and General By-Laws, there was no mention in any article that you have the right to suspend a national federation.
I am a practicing lawyer for the last 45 years and as I know, you are a Swiss lawyer too, but your decision has created so much politics and diplomatic without good judgment but a violation of human rights practice and abusive authority.
As I follow as a corporal lawyer, a strong resolution from Asia to FIBA Central Board was not discussed, instead continued to create an ignorance of governance, inviting our association, which again was created by POC leader which in the first place should not be involved at all, to attend the World Congress in Japan so that to talk to BAP officials attending the event and settled this issue.
Yes, there was a agreement between the BAP and the newly POC creation federation “Pilipinas Basketball” but still the Asia resolution was considered not important for the lifting of the suspension on the Philippines and FIBA as a whole, is part of conspiracy promoting politics in sports.
Rather to lift the suspension, you decided through your puppet and funny control board, FIBA Central Board, still you decided not to lift the suspension and put the BAP and the entire Filipnos in vain, to pressure or not but the intention was injustice and put the Asia members as a tool of nothing but an Asian countries which FIBA doesn’t consider the Asia of FIBA resolution as useless, because you call the shot in your board as a puppet organization.
It is really a discrimination of Asia, whose four members of your central board members came from Asia.
To say the least, Mr. Carl Ching, FIBA President came from Asia, which I know supported the Asia Resolution to lift the Philippines’ suspension, together with Asia of FIBA secretary general Dato Yeoh Choo Hock who have campaign so hard, but to no avail, Asia is consider by FIBA as a second class members without a say.
Asia as one of the Zone representative in the FIBA Central Board, even there was a resolution and all the investigation by Patrick, in the end, Patrick as an contracted employee, Patrick maneuver through political means and diplomatic courtship. Mr. Carl Ching, what is your position in the FIBA, was it just a puppet and control by employee of FIBA who directed what all the national federations should follows and making us look foolish and stupid.
I have read several times about the MOU signed by Patrick and POC, it was a shocking how a employee connive to destroy a national federation in good standing and never violated any ground subject to dismissal.
Patrick, you have cause so inhuman decision and put the 85 millions Filipinos to suffer for your own personal convenience, what a joke as a lawyer who doesn’t follow the internal regulation of FIBA.
I am preparing to suit FIBA for this inhuman act on the Filipinos, you have make the situation worse from the start and never stand what is right for the member.
I will filed that complaint in an International Court and suit you damages of US$100 million that cause so much trouble of your different version on your own abusive style.
I am preparing and working with a group of lawyers to fight you in International Human Right Commission and International Court in the United States which I have contacted for legal advise.
You have really abuse your authority and crime on humanity.
I, as Concern Advocate of True Justice and Fair Treatment.
Atty. Romeo Rizal Vicente, ESQ
Authors: Atty. Romeo Rizal Vicente, ESQ
September 4, 2006
Mr. Patrick Baumann
Secretary General
FIBA
Dear Patrick,
I am one of many or millions who loves basketball in our country, I have been following the event since last year when you personally suspended the Philippines from participating in all FIBA sanctioned tournament.
I had gather all information from the news print in our daily national newspapers, from the national federation that is recognized by FIBA – Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP).
First, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) suspended the BAP and subsequently expelled the BAP in June 2005, later on August 30, 2005, you sent letters to those parties involved, these were the POC, BAP and the newly formed national federation created by POC known as Philippine Basketball Federation Inc. (PBFI), your result investigation that the BAP was expelled was inappropriate and out of proportion.
So you clearly stated that your own investigation was cleared enough that it was illegal act of POC and using political maneuver to expelled a national sports association without valid grounds based on the IOC Charter.
It was cleared also that POC Charter has stated the an NSA is autonomous and can’t be touch without any reason or that will goes against the POC or IOC Charters.
I am a commission in the Supreme Court and I have been gathering facts that FIBA under your supervision has been committed to politicking and diplomatic approach that causes your political mischievous. You are working for FIBA and sad to say, the BAP was punished without any ground and under the FIBA Statute and General By-Laws, there was no mention in any article that you have the right to suspend a national federation.
I am a practicing lawyer for the last 45 years and as I know, you are a Swiss lawyer too, but your decision has created so much politics and diplomatic without good judgment but a violation of human rights practice and abusive authority.
As I follow as a corporal lawyer, a strong resolution from Asia to FIBA Central Board was not discussed, instead continued to create an ignorance of governance, inviting our association, which again was created by POC leader which in the first place should not be involved at all, to attend the World Congress in Japan so that to talk to BAP officials attending the event and settled this issue.
Yes, there was a agreement between the BAP and the newly POC creation federation “Pilipinas Basketball” but still the Asia resolution was considered not important for the lifting of the suspension on the Philippines and FIBA as a whole, is part of conspiracy promoting politics in sports.
Rather to lift the suspension, you decided through your puppet and funny control board, FIBA Central Board, still you decided not to lift the suspension and put the BAP and the entire Filipnos in vain, to pressure or not but the intention was injustice and put the Asia members as a tool of nothing but an Asian countries which FIBA doesn’t consider the Asia of FIBA resolution as useless, because you call the shot in your board as a puppet organization.
It is really a discrimination of Asia, whose four members of your central board members came from Asia.
To say the least, Mr. Carl Ching, FIBA President came from Asia, which I know supported the Asia Resolution to lift the Philippines’ suspension, together with Asia of FIBA secretary general Dato Yeoh Choo Hock who have campaign so hard, but to no avail, Asia is consider by FIBA as a second class members without a say.
Asia as one of the Zone representative in the FIBA Central Board, even there was a resolution and all the investigation by Patrick, in the end, Patrick as an contracted employee, Patrick maneuver through political means and diplomatic courtship. Mr. Carl Ching, what is your position in the FIBA, was it just a puppet and control by employee of FIBA who directed what all the national federations should follows and making us look foolish and stupid.
I have read several times about the MOU signed by Patrick and POC, it was a shocking how a employee connive to destroy a national federation in good standing and never violated any ground subject to dismissal.
Patrick, you have cause so inhuman decision and put the 85 millions Filipinos to suffer for your own personal convenience, what a joke as a lawyer who doesn’t follow the internal regulation of FIBA.
I am preparing to suit FIBA for this inhuman act on the Filipinos, you have make the situation worse from the start and never stand what is right for the member.
I will filed that complaint in an International Court and suit you damages of US$100 million that cause so much trouble of your different version on your own abusive style.
I am preparing and working with a group of lawyers to fight you in International Human Right Commission and International Court in the United States which I have contacted for legal advise.
You have really abuse your authority and crime on humanity.
I, as Concern Advocate of True Justice and Fair Treatment.
Atty. Romeo Rizal Vicente, ESQ
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
On Wed, 14/12/05, Christopher Castro <[email protected]> wrote:
From: Christopher Castro <[email protected]>
Subject: SENTIMENTS
What is happening in our Political system and Sports?
By Christopher "Bong" Castro
To: "lily ramos" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "JOEY LINA Executive Office Manila Hotel" <[email protected]>, "jerome jr galunan" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "charles maxey" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "kelvin canizares" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "yannie" <[email protected]>
Cc: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "SPORTS RADIO" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "virgie romano" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "third guillermo tejida III" <[email protected]>, "the freeman" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "manny villaruel" <[email protected]>, "jun labadia" <[email protected]>, "erwin lirazan" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "raffy alas" <[email protected]>, "peaches cordova" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Date: Wednesday, 14 December, 2005, 2:41 PM
What is happening in our Political system and Sports?
Today, December 14, 2005, is the final day of the 15-day expiration date given to Graham Chua Lim, secretary general of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) to appeal his deportation case to the higher court -- the Court of Appeal -- after the Office of the President denied for the second time the appeal regarding his citizenship status.
The Bureau of Immigration under Commissioner Alipio Fernandez has announced earlier if Graham Chua Lim can’t get a restraining order from the Court of Appeal, then the BI will pursue the deportation case against him after the given date expires.
It is to believe that the case against Lim is a political issue. For the last five years it became a circus going around the sports circle and sad to say, government agencies are involved and being used to attack a person who happened to fight some political figures involved in Philippine sports.
It was a circus in our political society enjoyed by politicians who are close to the present government or whose primary concern is their own personal interest. So many government agencies got involved in this circus extravaganza ran by people so adept with dirty politics and had not only invoked the involvement of the Bureau of Immigration and the Office of the President but also other agencies like the Department of Justice and Department of Foreign Affairs, not to mention local court where Lim filed his case.
Lim earlier commented that his case is an issue of human rights violation, abuse of power and political harassment. His passport was cancelled without court decision, his subject for deportation by the Immigration Bureau is to be implemented without a court decision or order.
So where is the political justice now?
Was it because Lim had no political connection in the present government unlike his rivals who had close ties with Malacanang Palace?
I do agree and we’ve seen a lot of government officials who misbehaved with an attitude for abuse of authority without any reservation or conscience in life.
As of this writing, why is Lim so precious for these politicians and others to push for his deportation?
Lim was born in Manila and never committed any wrong doing nor has a criminal record but still we can’t understand where would the Immigration Bureau deport him?
And should Justice be two-faced?
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita earlier stated a decision regarding the case of “Fil-Shams” likes Rudy Hatfield saying he can’t be deported until a court lays its decision on the case whether Hatfield is a Filipino or not.
Thus, how could Graham Lim’s case be any different from similar cases like the Fil-Sham issue tugged under the mercy of the Office of the President ?
Such was the case of Police Senior Superintendent Michael Ray Aquino who was involved in espionage charges and violation of immigration laws in the United States.
The Consul General of the Philippine embassy in New York stated that Aquino’s passport couldn’t be canceled unless ordered by a competent court in the Philippines.
Take another case of Congressman Harry Angping who was declared to be an alien and violated the country’s immigration laws but still Angping’s passport can’t be cancel without a court order as declared by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Now, do you think the political system of this present government is fair to Graham Chua Lim where his mother and ancestors came from Tuguegarao City in Cagayan Valley during the Spanish era in the 1800’s.
Lim’s case of deportation was a subject of complaint raised by his former close associates since 2001, and Lim was informed that his former associates in the BAP were being used and fraudulently compensated into filing a complaint at the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration.
These former associates who filed the complaint versus Graham Chua Lim were well compensated with monthly allowances and special benefits by former BAP top official and a former political figure involved in one of the national sports association who can’t even come out openly attacking Lim since these peoples are used to abuses of power and rigged political entertainment to gain their personal ambitious by way of mischievous act and spread of lies to the public.
I remember a politician told me that keep saying lies, and in the end these lies become true. That is why we know for a fact that some politicians or government officials who got involved in sports still exercise this can of “lies” exploration. But still, Lim knows the underlying effects that will happen.
God will judge them by their conscience.
Lim appealed to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo but to no avail. Lim’s appeal got no word of welcome especially from the Office of the President. Since a month ago, an insider at the Office of the President has informed Lim that his first appeal for his citizenship to the OP was denied and filing for a Motion for Reconsideration is useless.
The best option on my deportation case then was to file it at the Court of Appeal where I may be given a fair justice. But I was surprised to learn that government officials allegedly “listened to” the said politician against Lim because they too could benefit from it.
Lim point blankly asked several times “Where is the “Rule of Laws”? A democratic society may look bad seeing such political connivance between political figures and key government officials in laying out a decision that utterly defies and dictates that what “Rule of Law” should be.
It was such a disgrace for democratic political system.
)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
On Wed, 14/12/05, Christopher Castro <[email protected]> wrote:
From: Christopher Castro <[email protected]>
Subject: SENTIMENTS
What is happening in our Political system and Sports?
By Christopher "Bong" Castro
To: "lily ramos" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "JOEY LINA Executive Office Manila Hotel" <[email protected]>, "jerome jr galunan" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "charles maxey" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "kelvin canizares" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "yannie" <[email protected]>
Cc: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "SPORTS RADIO" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "virgie romano" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "third guillermo tejida III" <[email protected]>, "the freeman" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "manny villaruel" <[email protected]>, "jun labadia" <[email protected]>, "erwin lirazan" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>, "raffy alas" <[email protected]>, "peaches cordova" <[email protected]>, "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Date: Wednesday, 14 December, 2005, 2:41 PM
What is happening in our Political system and Sports?
Today, December 14, 2005, is the final day of the 15-day expiration date given to Graham Chua Lim, secretary general of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) to appeal his deportation case to the higher court -- the Court of Appeal -- after the Office of the President denied for the second time the appeal regarding his citizenship status.
The Bureau of Immigration under Commissioner Alipio Fernandez has announced earlier if Graham Chua Lim can’t get a restraining order from the Court of Appeal, then the BI will pursue the deportation case against him after the given date expires.
It is to believe that the case against Lim is a political issue. For the last five years it became a circus going around the sports circle and sad to say, government agencies are involved and being used to attack a person who happened to fight some political figures involved in Philippine sports.
It was a circus in our political society enjoyed by politicians who are close to the present government or whose primary concern is their own personal interest. So many government agencies got involved in this circus extravaganza ran by people so adept with dirty politics and had not only invoked the involvement of the Bureau of Immigration and the Office of the President but also other agencies like the Department of Justice and Department of Foreign Affairs, not to mention local court where Lim filed his case.
Lim earlier commented that his case is an issue of human rights violation, abuse of power and political harassment. His passport was cancelled without court decision, his subject for deportation by the Immigration Bureau is to be implemented without a court decision or order.
So where is the political justice now?
Was it because Lim had no political connection in the present government unlike his rivals who had close ties with Malacanang Palace?
I do agree and we’ve seen a lot of government officials who misbehaved with an attitude for abuse of authority without any reservation or conscience in life.
As of this writing, why is Lim so precious for these politicians and others to push for his deportation?
Lim was born in Manila and never committed any wrong doing nor has a criminal record but still we can’t understand where would the Immigration Bureau deport him?
And should Justice be two-faced?
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita earlier stated a decision regarding the case of “Fil-Shams” likes Rudy Hatfield saying he can’t be deported until a court lays its decision on the case whether Hatfield is a Filipino or not.
Thus, how could Graham Lim’s case be any different from similar cases like the Fil-Sham issue tugged under the mercy of the Office of the President ?
Such was the case of Police Senior Superintendent Michael Ray Aquino who was involved in espionage charges and violation of immigration laws in the United States.
The Consul General of the Philippine embassy in New York stated that Aquino’s passport couldn’t be canceled unless ordered by a competent court in the Philippines.
Take another case of Congressman Harry Angping who was declared to be an alien and violated the country’s immigration laws but still Angping’s passport can’t be cancel without a court order as declared by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Now, do you think the political system of this present government is fair to Graham Chua Lim where his mother and ancestors came from Tuguegarao City in Cagayan Valley during the Spanish era in the 1800’s.
Lim’s case of deportation was a subject of complaint raised by his former close associates since 2001, and Lim was informed that his former associates in the BAP were being used and fraudulently compensated into filing a complaint at the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Bureau of Immigration.
These former associates who filed the complaint versus Graham Chua Lim were well compensated with monthly allowances and special benefits by former BAP top official and a former political figure involved in one of the national sports association who can’t even come out openly attacking Lim since these peoples are used to abuses of power and rigged political entertainment to gain their personal ambitious by way of mischievous act and spread of lies to the public.
I remember a politician told me that keep saying lies, and in the end these lies become true. That is why we know for a fact that some politicians or government officials who got involved in sports still exercise this can of “lies” exploration. But still, Lim knows the underlying effects that will happen.
God will judge them by their conscience.
Lim appealed to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo but to no avail. Lim’s appeal got no word of welcome especially from the Office of the President. Since a month ago, an insider at the Office of the President has informed Lim that his first appeal for his citizenship to the OP was denied and filing for a Motion for Reconsideration is useless.
The best option on my deportation case then was to file it at the Court of Appeal where I may be given a fair justice. But I was surprised to learn that government officials allegedly “listened to” the said politician against Lim because they too could benefit from it.
Lim point blankly asked several times “Where is the “Rule of Laws”? A democratic society may look bad seeing such political connivance between political figures and key government officials in laying out a decision that utterly defies and dictates that what “Rule of Law” should be.
It was such a disgrace for democratic political system.
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Sent: Sunday, 1 July 2007, 10:49 a.m.
Subject: 5th Asian University Basketball Championship in Daet Municipal conclusion
By Christopher Castro
He’s perhaps the most controversial figure not only in Philippine basketball but in the whole Philippine Sports scene.
But in the international scene, more so in the Asian region, Graham C. Lim is undoubtedly one of the most influential and respected personalities who rubs elbows with the top honchos of basketball.
For the past two years, Graham, the secretary general of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) has been the main target of twisted maneuvering and politicking of the so-called “major stakeholders of Philippine basketball”. He’s been bruised black and blue by issues on his citizenship, his imprisonment at the Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City and the expulsion of the BAP from the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Even the media was “used” as Lim’s disclaimants and rebuttals were denied of newspaper spaces and proper forum. As if it were not enough, his critics even went all the way to the Federation Internationale Basketball or FIBA to grab recognition for the “new RP cage body” and knock him out of the limelight.
Blame it on his unassuming character, his enemies thought they could put him down. Without even lifting a finger of revenge, Lim got himself vindicated and his enemies were shocked to learn that despite their media maneuvering and the money they spent, they failed to totally eradicate Graham from the basketball scene. Yes, they got the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP)-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) approved but it’s officially called as BAP-SBP and Graham remains in the Executive Board of the new Philippine cage body.
Well, the public cannot be blamed for misjudging his personality, after all they were not fully aware of the scuttles and events in the past that led to the controversies in Philippine Basketball. Otherwise, if they only knew his achievements, the Filipino people should have been proud of Graham Lim for keeping the Philippines in the map of world basketball even though realistically, we have tough chances of beating the top guns like the United States and China in the Olympics.
“Probably I’m just an ordinary man who loves basketball that much. And just like every Filipino, I also dream to regain the country’s glory days in world basketball,” quipped Graham.
“I am accused as an alien and not a Filipino even though I was born and raised here, But I believe I am more nationalistic and a true Filipino at heart. Since I assumed position as BAP secretary-general, I’ve been very active in developing Filipino talents through our BAP sanctioned events. However, I got a hard time tapping these talents we developed as they were lured by money in big-time basketball leagues which refused to lend these players to carry the country’s colors in international competitions. So who’s the Filipino now and who’s not? To be a Filipino per se is very, very subjective,” Lim explained.
RP’S LOSS COULD BE ASIA ’S GAIN?
Despite all the stones hurled at him, Graham Lim still refused to fight back. He decided to move on. Well if Philippine basketball refuses to appreciate all he had done, he’ll just continue doing it for his own agenda – to pursue his dreams for Philippine basketball and his vision for Asian dominance.
Just recently, he got his appointment as part of the FIBA Youth Commission and took on the task as secretary general of the Asian Universities Basketball Federation (AUBF) now headed by new president, Korean basketball legend Shin Dong Pa.
Even without support from the Philippine Sports Commission, Graham managed to stage a highly successful AUBF Championship recently in Daet, Camarines Norte through the valuable help of government officials and private entities who still believed in him.
If the success of the AUBF were to be a gauge, Lim could be a big loss for the Philippines and a huge gain for Asian basketball.
Lim was very thankful to the big support of Camarines Norte Governor Jesus “Atoy” Typoco and his constituents as host of the prestigious event as well as the major corporate support of Burlington as the official sock, VEGA as the official ball, the executive outfitters from Grand Sports of Thailand who provided referee and table officials’ new uniform image to make it colorful, a corporate like “Healthy Options” provide food supplement, Tanduay, Air-21 Express, Summit Mineral Water, Baker’s Fair, Fronte Motor and the official film - Fuji Film and YKL Color.
The Federation of School Sport Associations of the Philippines (FESSAP) through its president Tisha Abundo and Secretary General Prof. Robert Milton Calo was also a big factor in its huge success together with BAP President Go Teng Kok provided moral and logistic support, BAP Regional Director for Region 5 Dr. Abundio Palencia provided the manpower and the cooperation of the whole BAP-Bicol Chapter.
The closing ceremony was also attended by Congressman Renato Unico and Daet Mayor Elmer Panotes who also gave their share of support. After the event, Lim pay a courtesy call to Bicolano Congressman Luis Villafuerte in Naga city to make the final report and even had to join Villafuerte’s hectic motorcade schedule during the campaign period to relay the wonderful outcome of the said staging.
The secret behind the success of the event was Lim’s hardwork and dedication going around the Bicol region to campaign for support and encouraging the other nearby provinces and municipalities all the way to Masbate to watch the 5th Asian University Basketball Championship in Daet.
Lim also expressed his gratitude for the trust and confidence of China, Korea and Indonesia in this endeavor led by basketball great Mr. Shin Dong Pa of Korea who is the President of Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF) and Korean-Filipino cultural director Park Hyun Mo, Madam Liu of China, Indonesian Ministry of Education thru Director Dr. Ekodjatmiko Sukarso and former FIBA President Dr. Carl Menky Ching known as the “Asia Basketball Man of the Century”, who is the honorary chairman of Asian University Basketball Federation.
Sukarso, in his letter, even stated “We should have salute Mr. Graham Lim and company for their dedication and commitment in helping the AUSF through the five successful AUBF all held in the Philippines . And in vision of making the AUBF a much bigger event, Mr. Lim stepped down and took the post as Secretary General and gave the chairmanship to Korea ’s Mr. Shin Dong Pa with high hopes of expanding the AUBF in 2008.”
Sangmu of Korea emerged as champion after beating runner-up Rizal Technological University (RTU), 106-85, in the finals held at the Agro Sports Center . Huaquiao University of China ended the 2nd Runner-up while Bicol’s Best and University of Perpetual Help-Rizal (UPHR) wound up fourth and fifth. Emilio Aguinaldo College was sixth. Putra Riau of Indonesia was seventh, University of Baguio was eighth while Jimei University of China ended ninth.
Lee Song Jun was voted Most Valuable Player of the week-long tournament and was joined by Ryan Regalado of RTU, Kim Sung Han and Le Song Jun of Korea, Joemar Punzalan of Bicol’s Best and Chee Li Wei of Huang Qiao in the Mythical Five. Kim Sung Han, also emerged the Finals Most Valuable Player.
Despite the loss, States’ Colleges Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Champion’s RTU coach Loreto Tolentino said the Koreans weren’t that impregnable. “we can beat the Korean if we managed to maintain like playing in the first two quarters. The Korean really well prepared and managed to control our shooter. Besides, we really played badly in the last quarter.”
The Sportsmanship Award went to Jimei University of China , while Lee Hun Jae of Sangmu of Korea was named as the Best Coach.
“I’m very happy over the success of the 5th AUBF Championship in Daet, Camarines Norte which also opened big doors to municipalities far away from Manila as equally successful hosts of such prestigious events,” said Lim.
“We do things to reach beyond the heart of the provincial area. We want to achieve things other can’t do, sharing our contribution to the community to make our provincial brothers happy. Though it may be hard, but what really matters to us is giving them the chance to turn a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness an international event a reality,” he added.
Upcoming events that will be held after this championship are the National Junior Championship in Region IV, National Inter-Club Championship in Baguio City, Asian University Championship for Junior Men and 3 on 3 competition in August, National City League Championship and the National Basketball League from regional meets to be initiated and hosted by BAP Chairman Congressman Luis R. Villafuerte, Congressman Douglas Cagas, Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento with other partners congressman in the House of Representatives and the Mayor’s City League of the Philippines.
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Subject: 5th Asian University Basketball Championship in Daet Municipal conclusion
By Christopher Castro
He’s perhaps the most controversial figure not only in Philippine basketball but in the whole Philippine Sports scene.
But in the international scene, more so in the Asian region, Graham C. Lim is undoubtedly one of the most influential and respected personalities who rubs elbows with the top honchos of basketball.
For the past two years, Graham, the secretary general of the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP) has been the main target of twisted maneuvering and politicking of the so-called “major stakeholders of Philippine basketball”. He’s been bruised black and blue by issues on his citizenship, his imprisonment at the Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City and the expulsion of the BAP from the Philippine Olympic Committee.
Even the media was “used” as Lim’s disclaimants and rebuttals were denied of newspaper spaces and proper forum. As if it were not enough, his critics even went all the way to the Federation Internationale Basketball or FIBA to grab recognition for the “new RP cage body” and knock him out of the limelight.
Blame it on his unassuming character, his enemies thought they could put him down. Without even lifting a finger of revenge, Lim got himself vindicated and his enemies were shocked to learn that despite their media maneuvering and the money they spent, they failed to totally eradicate Graham from the basketball scene. Yes, they got the Basketball Association of the Philippines (BAP)-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) approved but it’s officially called as BAP-SBP and Graham remains in the Executive Board of the new Philippine cage body.
Well, the public cannot be blamed for misjudging his personality, after all they were not fully aware of the scuttles and events in the past that led to the controversies in Philippine Basketball. Otherwise, if they only knew his achievements, the Filipino people should have been proud of Graham Lim for keeping the Philippines in the map of world basketball even though realistically, we have tough chances of beating the top guns like the United States and China in the Olympics.
“Probably I’m just an ordinary man who loves basketball that much. And just like every Filipino, I also dream to regain the country’s glory days in world basketball,” quipped Graham.
“I am accused as an alien and not a Filipino even though I was born and raised here, But I believe I am more nationalistic and a true Filipino at heart. Since I assumed position as BAP secretary-general, I’ve been very active in developing Filipino talents through our BAP sanctioned events. However, I got a hard time tapping these talents we developed as they were lured by money in big-time basketball leagues which refused to lend these players to carry the country’s colors in international competitions. So who’s the Filipino now and who’s not? To be a Filipino per se is very, very subjective,” Lim explained.
RP’S LOSS COULD BE ASIA ’S GAIN?
Despite all the stones hurled at him, Graham Lim still refused to fight back. He decided to move on. Well if Philippine basketball refuses to appreciate all he had done, he’ll just continue doing it for his own agenda – to pursue his dreams for Philippine basketball and his vision for Asian dominance.
Just recently, he got his appointment as part of the FIBA Youth Commission and took on the task as secretary general of the Asian Universities Basketball Federation (AUBF) now headed by new president, Korean basketball legend Shin Dong Pa.
Even without support from the Philippine Sports Commission, Graham managed to stage a highly successful AUBF Championship recently in Daet, Camarines Norte through the valuable help of government officials and private entities who still believed in him.
If the success of the AUBF were to be a gauge, Lim could be a big loss for the Philippines and a huge gain for Asian basketball.
Lim was very thankful to the big support of Camarines Norte Governor Jesus “Atoy” Typoco and his constituents as host of the prestigious event as well as the major corporate support of Burlington as the official sock, VEGA as the official ball, the executive outfitters from Grand Sports of Thailand who provided referee and table officials’ new uniform image to make it colorful, a corporate like “Healthy Options” provide food supplement, Tanduay, Air-21 Express, Summit Mineral Water, Baker’s Fair, Fronte Motor and the official film - Fuji Film and YKL Color.
The Federation of School Sport Associations of the Philippines (FESSAP) through its president Tisha Abundo and Secretary General Prof. Robert Milton Calo was also a big factor in its huge success together with BAP President Go Teng Kok provided moral and logistic support, BAP Regional Director for Region 5 Dr. Abundio Palencia provided the manpower and the cooperation of the whole BAP-Bicol Chapter.
The closing ceremony was also attended by Congressman Renato Unico and Daet Mayor Elmer Panotes who also gave their share of support. After the event, Lim pay a courtesy call to Bicolano Congressman Luis Villafuerte in Naga city to make the final report and even had to join Villafuerte’s hectic motorcade schedule during the campaign period to relay the wonderful outcome of the said staging.
The secret behind the success of the event was Lim’s hardwork and dedication going around the Bicol region to campaign for support and encouraging the other nearby provinces and municipalities all the way to Masbate to watch the 5th Asian University Basketball Championship in Daet.
Lim also expressed his gratitude for the trust and confidence of China, Korea and Indonesia in this endeavor led by basketball great Mr. Shin Dong Pa of Korea who is the President of Asian University Basketball Federation (AUBF) and Korean-Filipino cultural director Park Hyun Mo, Madam Liu of China, Indonesian Ministry of Education thru Director Dr. Ekodjatmiko Sukarso and former FIBA President Dr. Carl Menky Ching known as the “Asia Basketball Man of the Century”, who is the honorary chairman of Asian University Basketball Federation.
Sukarso, in his letter, even stated “We should have salute Mr. Graham Lim and company for their dedication and commitment in helping the AUSF through the five successful AUBF all held in the Philippines . And in vision of making the AUBF a much bigger event, Mr. Lim stepped down and took the post as Secretary General and gave the chairmanship to Korea ’s Mr. Shin Dong Pa with high hopes of expanding the AUBF in 2008.”
Sangmu of Korea emerged as champion after beating runner-up Rizal Technological University (RTU), 106-85, in the finals held at the Agro Sports Center . Huaquiao University of China ended the 2nd Runner-up while Bicol’s Best and University of Perpetual Help-Rizal (UPHR) wound up fourth and fifth. Emilio Aguinaldo College was sixth. Putra Riau of Indonesia was seventh, University of Baguio was eighth while Jimei University of China ended ninth.
Lee Song Jun was voted Most Valuable Player of the week-long tournament and was joined by Ryan Regalado of RTU, Kim Sung Han and Le Song Jun of Korea, Joemar Punzalan of Bicol’s Best and Chee Li Wei of Huang Qiao in the Mythical Five. Kim Sung Han, also emerged the Finals Most Valuable Player.
Despite the loss, States’ Colleges Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) Champion’s RTU coach Loreto Tolentino said the Koreans weren’t that impregnable. “we can beat the Korean if we managed to maintain like playing in the first two quarters. The Korean really well prepared and managed to control our shooter. Besides, we really played badly in the last quarter.”
The Sportsmanship Award went to Jimei University of China , while Lee Hun Jae of Sangmu of Korea was named as the Best Coach.
“I’m very happy over the success of the 5th AUBF Championship in Daet, Camarines Norte which also opened big doors to municipalities far away from Manila as equally successful hosts of such prestigious events,” said Lim.
“We do things to reach beyond the heart of the provincial area. We want to achieve things other can’t do, sharing our contribution to the community to make our provincial brothers happy. Though it may be hard, but what really matters to us is giving them the chance to turn a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness an international event a reality,” he added.
Upcoming events that will be held after this championship are the National Junior Championship in Region IV, National Inter-Club Championship in Baguio City, Asian University Championship for Junior Men and 3 on 3 competition in August, National City League Championship and the National Basketball League from regional meets to be initiated and hosted by BAP Chairman Congressman Luis R. Villafuerte, Congressman Douglas Cagas, Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento with other partners congressman in the House of Representatives and the Mayor’s City League of the Philippines.
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