Obvious Game Fixing on Philippines MPBL Basketball League

[lionheart78]

I'm not defending the accused but banning them on mere suspicion seem to extreme to me. The right thing will be to set up pannel to investigate the games and until they reach a conclusion, they are not supposed to pronounce punishment so soon. What if the investigation proves them not while they are already servicing the punishment?

I think the authority is setting an example.  It is just bad luck for these people that they are the ones to be the first one got involved.  I also think that it is unfair since it was just a suspicion, not a verifiable fact, but in sports politics ... all is fair to use, sacrifice, dirty tricks, propaganda, etc...

Although match fixing is common in those small leagues and happen at an alarming rate, maybe this harsh decision was taken to discourage others from thinking towards that direction.

True, it is always the initial step of implementing rules that is harsh.  Setting an example like this will definitely discourage players and coach to even thinking of rigging a game.

[Alphakilo]

They are professionals but not as good as the heavily trained ones. 7 minutes with no points is possible. I have seen in the NBA 5 minutes with like 5 points only, especially if it's in the first quarter, where almost everyone still has a cold hand.

Now, if they already banned whoever did it, it just means they already found proof that the team is trying to rig the game. This is not good for the league, especially now that they are trying to gain an audience that actually works. One time I actually watched a full game of the MPBL because I was intrigued. Sad to say, but these things could really happen if there is money involved.

It's possible but the defense aren't that tight considering their opponent was already have the lead and if you'll saw the clip or just the whole game you'll also wonder. Yeah they are already banned and maybe fines will be imposed too. I think this should serve as a warning that leagues who try to be honest and be competitive shouldn't have any room for a game fixing because it will just lost credibility to the whole basketball community.

I think it just really belong to some players and staff and not the whole team.

Am sure this is one of the reasons why there is so much ban on gambling activities in that region, because they do illegal stuff just to try to win big amount and jeopardize the integrity of the game.
Match fixing as this, won't get dismissed easily even if a renowned celebrity owns one of the team and has voiced his concerns and hopes to appeal the decision, it's just what a perfect example is, that is a warning to others to beware of match fixing.

[Cantsay]

What if the game was truly fixed, you that's not an insider believing the game was fixed, what do you think will be the benefits of those behind it?

I think those involved are being paid a huge sum, there are people who are willing to pay a very large amount of money to get some athletes to fix match for them and as a result they’ll also have some people who would pay for those kind of information.

That’s why you see people bet an insanely large amount on a game that isn’t well known and then win it.

[arwin100]

Since I watched the local basketball matches in MBPL league in the Philippines a particular game between Bulacan and Bacolod teams few days back will surely trend due to unsual events on it.

Seriously the game was so obviously a game fixing scheme. Imagine no points incurred in the last quarter for more than 7 minutes of time? They are professional players and their play on the last minutes if not busted more like a broken play.

When the game ended I am surely this will be criticized by a lot and just as expected the commisioner of the said league ban some players and even coach.

"All individuals served with Red Cards are permanently banned from the league. The League is also announcing that the franchise's participation for the remainder of the season has been cancelled,” the MPBL said.

I dunno but since this league is own by Manny Pacquiao Im surely he will not let this slide as he commented on the issue too.Some prominent basketball icon like a reputable coach commented on the game fixing and some post from famous player like Kean Baclaan - "No to game fixing" Really hype on the socials in the PH and mass community continue criticizing the team for what they done.

Case like this become a virus in Sports industry not only giving a bad image on Philippines Sports but on the game itself. Allegedly some players or coach on the said team based on social media outbreak had some gambling bet with the stats thats why their trying to not score. Judging by the game outcome its seems its true.

News Article Source:
https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/07/31/regions/mpbl-bans-bacolod-players-coaches-amid-game-fixing-allegations/2395564
https://www.philstar.com/sports/2026/07/31/2546101/pacquiao-lashes-out-bacolod-masskara-after-suspected-mpbl-game-fixing

Lots of unusual happenings in that match up and situation happened on last 7 minutes of the game is not just bad basket, but rather pure manipulation. We have seen lots of broken play which is so unnatural scenario to happen in pro league.

People are not blind to spot those matters easily, then good to see the league act fast and implement penalties. This game fixing does not only ruin the reputation of single team or players, but rather it destroy the credibility of the league, if they didn't act fast many of their fans will start to believe that game result is not reliable.

I feel bad with players and other personnel involve in this controversy, but well this is the penalty of those bad actions and decisions done. Now they face heavy penalty which could possibly ruin their careers.

This is not the first time game fixing happened on that league, there are several teams and players got penalize about engaging in this activity before.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1137016
https://www.spin.ph/basketball/mpbl/list-players-teams-banned-from-the-mpbl-a2437-20250812

[nelson4lov]

Is relying solely on 7-minute scoring drought enough proof though? I've seen this weird scoreless period in basketball before, but it's rare i know.

Don't know what their investigation turns up, I don't follow it much. But I admit this is not a new problem in MPBL either. I have seen big action against match fixing in past too.

In these cases it’s not just a few corrupt player to blame. I think incentives is a big reason too. In the minor leagues it is not uncommon for corruption to occur if a fixing offer exceeds a player's season earning. So just banning some people will not remove the root cause of the problem.

But 7 minutes brother? 2 minutes is suspicious enough because each each team gets around 4 possessions in 2 minutes. In 7 minutes, they get like 12 possessions each. There's no way you'll say professionals that practice basketball for most part of their life during their career days can't hit in 12 full possessions per team. Ain't no way. Basketball isn't like football where a team will defend for full 90 minutes and let the other team play. That's why there's a shot clock violation if a team can not score.

I also believe people who saw the game live will know it's match fixing. If match fixing happens in the NBA especially in recent times, certainly smaller leagues will be more susceptible.

[AmoreJaz]

What if the game was truly fixed, you that's not an insider believing the game was fixed, what do you think will be the benefits of those behind it?

I think those involved are being paid a huge sum, there are people who are willing to pay a very large amount of money to get some athletes to fix match for them and as a result they’ll also have some people who would pay for those kind of information.

That’s why you see people bet an insanely large amount on a game that isn’t well known and then win it.

When it comes to small leagues, it is quite easy to rigged the game. However, if they are just starting, the reputation is on the line. Thus, it would be hard for them to move forward if they are already tagged with this kind of cheating. So it is up to their management if they are willing to put their credibility at stake.

[blockman]

I think those involved are being paid a huge sum, there are people who are willing to pay a very large amount of money to get some athletes to fix match for them and as a result they’ll also have some people who would pay for those kind of information.

That’s why you see people bet an insanely large amount on a game that isn’t well known and then win it.

Yes, usually with this kind of scandal they're also scaring their players that they won't sign them after the season. And that's why these players have no choice but to follow what's being told them to do. It's possible that they're also not paid for it but that won't allow them to escape for being involved whether they're paid or not. Because doing such is already against the rules of the league. Manny Pacquiao is mad and although he's also a casino endorser and ambassador, he won't let this pass because it's a league that he loved and established while others are taking advantage of it.

[ralle14]

I've also seen long droughts in the NBA, but whenever something is too obvious, there's no questioning it anymore. This probably became the last straw, because the article mentioned that the team already had a yellow card before this happened.

Crazy to think that a lot of them are in on it, though I can't blame them when financial issues could be looming and I wouldn't be surprised to see another case show up in the future, given it's a league that's a step lower than the PBA.

[TypoTonic]

This is not the first time game fixing happened on that league, there are several teams and players got penalize about engaging in this activity before.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1137016
https://www.spin.ph/basketball/mpbl/list-players-teams-banned-from-the-mpbl-a2437-20250812

Damn, 47 people involved in game-fixing during the 2023 season. The list not only include players, but even coaches and team managers too. I don't really follow the MPBL, but it seems like this has been a long-standing problem in their league.

Allegedly some players or coach on the said team based on social media outbreak had some gambling bet with the stats thats why their trying to not score.

Well, since there has already been a history of game-fixing in that league before, it's not impossible that those rumors are true.

[r_victory]

In a statement on Thursday, the league issued red cards to several players and coaches of Bacolod MassKara who were implicated in “potential game-manipulation."

“The League stresses that these measures are preventive and administrative, as the league will continue its investigation together with relevant government agencies."

The article mentions that the investigation is still ongoing. So it seems to me that this ban was based on speculation, which doesn't justify making such a decision based solely on suspicions. What happens if nothing is proven? A suspension during the investigations is more plausible than a ban... If it is proven, then yes, a ban is the ideal course of action.

[Hispo]

...

Case like this become a virus in Sports industry not only giving a bad image on Philippines Sports but on the game itself. Allegedly some players or coach on the said team based on social media outbreak had some gambling bet with the stats thats why their trying to not score. Judging by the game outcome its seems its true.

If the match fixing is so blatant that even the average observer can realize there is something off, then some actual punishment must be taken by authorities in the Philippines. No questions asked, otherwise the problem will only get worse and worse as time passes and nobody gets punished...

And you are right, match fixing is like an illness which infects and spoils every single aspect and corner of sports, that is one of the most significant reasons there are millions of gamblers who don't take minor leagues seriously for them to bet in...

[Questat]

And you are right, match fixing is like an illness which infects and spoils every single aspect and corner of sports, that is one of the most significant reasons there are millions of gamblers who don't take minor leagues seriously for them to bet in...

We have to be realistic here. Match-fixing can happen not only in small leagues but also in bigger ones.

The real damage starts when fans feel that it is already common. Once people lose trust in the games, the whole league’s reputation suffers. That is why management has to act seriously, and based on the news, they already banned some players, coaches, and teams involved.

The rules should probably be stricter, but proving match-fixing is not always easy. A game can look suspicious, but that alone is not enough. Sometimes a team can go several minutes without scoring, and that also happens even in the NBA.

Unless there is strong evidence, an investigation, or someone directly involved admits it, we still cannot say for sure that every suspicious game was fixed.

[cryptoaddictchie]

Assuming that players and or coaches are found guilty, I hope some stiff penalties are handed out. Hefty fine, jail time, and a lifetime ban from any professional sports might send the right message to anyone else considering engaging in match fixing. The league or whomever regulates it needs to pay attention to bank accounts and see if any unusual activity is happening.

Yeah they got banned and suspended not sure of the total penalty of this case but it should thorough enough to punish those involved. Make sense to monitor bank of those guys but what if they smart and uses a dummy account or apps to receive funds. Im bettimg they not a crypto wallet cause they will totally be chill and safe.

Btw this league is owned by a famous Manny Pacquiao hopes he treats this seriously.

I think those involved are being paid a huge sum, there are people who are willing to pay a very large amount of money to get some athletes to fix match for them and as a result they’ll also have some people who would pay for those kind of information.

That’s why you see people bet an insanely large amount on a game that isn’t well known and then win it.

Likely they are cause their reputation is on the line cause if this was a cheap pay day then not totally worth it unless they dont mind it.

The article mentions that the investigation is still ongoing. So it seems to me that this ban was based on speculation, which doesn't justify making such a decision based solely on suspicions. What happens if nothing is proven? A suspension during the investigations is more plausible than a ban... If it is proven, then yes, a ban is the ideal course of action.

This is a legitimate concern but "watching the game" and seen how blatantly the players act and perform its not like their opponent is so strong to not even score.

Im sure investigation will follow and wishing to see some results. Anyway will update on this case.

[Cointxz]

Is relying solely on 7-minute scoring drought enough proof though? I've seen this weird scoreless period in basketball before, but it's rare i know.

Don't know what their investigation turns up, I don't follow it much. But I admit this is not a new problem in MPBL either. I have seen big action against match fixing in past too.

It’s truly rare on professional league but assuming this MPBL which is different league compared to our Philippines Basketball Association(PBA) which is home for more elite and professional player I think this event is understandable to happened especially that it was on the last quarter and possibly players are already exhausted.

I dunno if they will investigate this issue properly since it’s hard to determine match fixing if both teams are involved.

[Woodie]

Seriously the game was so obviously a game fixing scheme. Imagine no points incurred in the last quarter for more than 7 minutes of time? They are professional players and their play on the last minutes if not busted more like a broken play.

I thought these leagues are sometimes high scoring, and in a scenario where the points difference has a big margin.. I think it's just good sportsmanship to slow down the scoring as the damage has already been done, just like what we see in the last minutes of the game when both teams stop trying to get more basket's..sometimes not foul play but I have seen this kind of play forcing overtimes..

[freedomgo]

I thought these leagues are sometimes high scoring, and in a scenario where the points difference has a big margin.. I think it's just good sportsmanship to slow down the scoring as the damage has already been done, just like what we see in the last minutes of the game when both teams stop trying to get more basket's..sometimes not foul play but I have seen this kind of play forcing overtimes..

I understand your point. In basketball, when one team already has a big lead and there is almost no chance for the other team to catch up, they usually slow down the game.

Sometimes they even put in the bench players because the result is already decided, and it also helps prevent injuries. That is normal in basketball and doesn’t automatically mean there is foul play.

But this case is different because many people already noticed something unusual. If it was just normal sportsmanship, I don’t think that many viewers would suspect that the game was fixed. The problem is that the same questionable plays were noticed again and again.

[Curious T]

I would be so pissed if I gambled on a game to get a certain amount of points, but both teams refused to score the remaining points in the last 7 minutes of the game. Similar things have happened to me before, but not this long.

However, I don't see any clear case of match fixing. It is highly unusual for a team not to score a point in 7 minutes in basketball, but it is not impossible. There is a possibility of that happening. What should happen is a critical investigation instead of making final decisions based on suspicions alone. Some things might look very obvious but still have a different meaning from what you interpret.

[coinrifft]

And this is the reason why I stay away of the MPBL league. Because I have long suspected that there could be game fixing even if it being own by the legendary Manny Pacquiao. Manny wanted to compete with the obvious longest reigning basketball league in Asia which is PBA. But if they have this kind of controversies, it might really affect MPBL.

Manny should let this one pass, he has invested billions in  this league. There should be accountability and it's going to be very hard for local bettors.

[suzanne5223]

As betting in the Philippines MPBL basketball league is concern dont do it, and that's if you want to save yourself from the trouble of recurring of match fixing.
If i could remember correctly, in the year 2024, 47 players and officials were banned for alleged involvement in game-fixing schemes in the MPBL basketball league.
This is the reason why some bookmakers don't support the provision of betting services for local leagues.

Now I'm beginning to see more to the reason why some leaks are exempted from being considered by the bookmakers because of issues like this, sport is not what should be taken for granted and the players as well as the management teams should also consider this as a serious business without permitting for any form of loss on their integrity, it does not make sense seeing that people are gambling on what has already been match fixed, it is a complete highest order of cheating and such should be discouraged.

Yes, it is completely sad because it's killing the game's thrills and the enthusiasm of people who truly have affection for the game. But the reason the game fixing (which i believe is driven mainly by financial motivations tied to illegal gambling syndicates, combined with the structural vulnerabilities in lower-tier professional basketball, nd when dopamine takes over, some gamblers will do something ridiculous) makes it beyond saving, despite the tough judgment given to the people who are found guilty of match fixing

[Peanutswar]

In my country Philippines which is too many corrupt people, and some of the people suffer in the lower-class stage of living. Tons of them no doubt, would like to grab the chance to earn money and most of them are into the lower tier of the management of the sports. Actually not even in that games but also there is a politics, money and marketing even in the PBA makes the game longer and getting paid to throw up the game so of course no one will spill about this but this is how does the upper management of sports liches for money. Only those people who really true believe the capability of the players and the team to become top but still they are just a followers.