CHAMPION COACH Haydee Ong has resigned as commissioner of the Women’s Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (WMPBL), citing “irreconcilable differences” within league management.
The UST Growling Tigresses head coach announced her decision in a statement posted on Facebook Sunday, April 5. She said her resignation took effect immediately.
Ong said her decision was difficult, but it was made with “a clear conscience.”
“When I accepted this role, I had one vision: to create a professional platform for Filipina basketball players to showcase their talent,” Ong said.
“However, over the past several months, it has become increasingly clear that the current environment within the league’s management has made that mission impossible to fulfill,” it added.
The outgoing commissioner pointed to “irreconcilable differences” in handling critical decisions, signaling a deep divide behind the scenes of a league that has positioned itself as a key avenue for the growth of women’s professional basketball in the country.
Ong, a respected figure in Philippine basketball both as a player and a tactician, made it clear that her departure was rooted in principle, rather than a disengagement from the sport.
“I am stepping down not to abandon the sport but to preserve the values I have spent my entire career upholding,” she said.
Ong also addressed the players directly, emphasizing their importance to the league’s future.
“To the players, you are the heart of this league. You deserve a leadership that is as committed to the game as you are,” the champion coach said.
Despite her resignation from WMPBL , Ong gave assurance that she remains committed to advocating for women’s basketball. F
