TNT Tropang 5G governor now holds two of the highest positions in Philippine basketball after being elected Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president.
Ricky Vargas is the new Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas president.
Vargas is replacing Al Panlilio at the helm, with the latter remaining as member of the board since he holds the position as FIBA Central Board member.
Vargas is also the concurrent PBA chairman.
“This new SBP Board is a healthy mix of wisdom-filled veterans and passionate young leaders who share a common purpose — to build a stronger, more unified future for Philippine basketball,” said Vargas, TNT’s representative to the PBA board.
“We’re setting the foundation for the next generation of sports leaders to continue the growth and excellence that Filipino basketball is known for.”
Aside from Vargas, also occupying seats in the SBP board are PBA team owner Manny V. Pangilinan, Ginebra team governor and PBA vice chair Alfrancis Chua, and Converge governor Archen Cayabyab.
The aforementioned represent the commercial and professional sector.
Also elected as members of the board are: Paul Tristan Laus (North Luzon), Atty. Edgar Francisco (South Luzon), Robert Uy (Visayas). Renauld Barrios (Mindanao), Jose Franco Soberano (Youth sector), Maria Vivian Manila (Women’s sector), as well as Bo Perasol, Manuel Raymund Castellano, and Eric Altamirano (School sector).
The new president also appointed co-opted members Jacob Ang and Chaye Cabal-Revilla. Ryan Reyes and Peachy Cheng Medina was also tapped as player representative and 3x3 interim representative, respectively.
A noteworthy milestone of this election is that 10 of the 17 trustees are serving on the SBP Board as a Trustee for the first time, reflecting the federation’s renewed commitment to new perspectives. The mix of experienced veterans and new faces ensures that Philippine basketball continues to grow with both continuity and innovation.
Here are the elected officers:
- Chairman: Manuel V. Pangilinan
- Vice Chair: June Cheryl Chaye Cabal-Revilla
- President: Victorico “Ricky” P. Vargas
- Vice President: Robert Uy
- Corporate Secretary: Marievic R. Anonuevo
- Treasurer: Lennie G. Nocum
- Executive Director: Erika T. Dy
SBP Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan emphasized the federation’s continued drive for inclusivity and development across all levels of the sport.
"This new SBP Board is a reflection of how far Philippine basketball has come — more inclusive, more representative, and more forward-looking. For the first time, we have three female trustees on the Board, even with fewer seats overall, ensuring that the voice of women in basketball continues to grow stronger," he said.
"The addition of player and 3x3 representatives further broadens our perspective. And with promising young leaders like Jacob Ang and Franco Soberano, we’re making sure that basketball development in the country never stops — it only grows deeper and more united."
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.