Former Senator Antonio Trillanes teased his potential candidacy for Caloocan City Mayor in 2025.
His opponent, incumbent Mayor Dale "Along" Malapitan, is the son of former Mayor and incumbent Congressman Oca Malapitan. Congressman Oca is the patron saint of this North Caloocan Stand-Bys team.
Despite the Malapitans governing the city for a significant time, Former Senator Trillanes poses a threat for a turnover of administration.
"This basketball team is in full support for incumbent Mayor Along Malapitan. We will vote for his second term because we believe in his capabilities for public service." GM Uiyu said.
Jules Elumbra, one of the longest tenured players of the team, reminds the Malapitan's sponsorship programs. "Sila yung nagbigay nung ring!", he exclaimed, "The court was just a grassland before. Pero tignan mo naman, nakasemento na at may ring!"
The home court of the Stand-bys were once was an unclaimed grassland, with a basketball ring made up of twisted metal wire scraps mounted on a bamboo stick.
Now it has a fully cemented court and a portable ring, with side spaces for announcers, and even audiences.
Asked what would happen if Mayor Along Malapitan loses the upcoming election, "Magkukudeta kami!" Elumbra answered.
But the general public have differing views. Former Senator Trillanes is believed to be a strong and brave politician, thanks to his military background and a coup d'etat attempt against the Arroyo administration.
Trillanes' senate investigation against the former Vice President Binay was also publicized in national television, adding to his political image as the citizen's sentinel in the government.
Does it matter?
"Utang na Loob" to the Malapitan's family is still apparent, especially for the senior players, despite the Stand-Bys now operating on their own and without the subsidy of the local government.
However, as the 2025 elections loom, there might be worries about the home court. Apparently, it is still an unclaimed grassland in the city.
"I believe there is no local ordinance or any official document stating that this area is to be used as our home court", GM Uiyu remarked. "It would depend on the local government if we were still allowed to play here".
The basketball team was once named as Caloocan Squatters, since they do not have a legitimate home.
"The rings can be folded and be relocated somewhere. But this is the place to play. Relocation is not an option. There are no more unclaimed grasslands here that we know of." He added.
The sponsorship marks on the court were removed long ago to avoid any political conflicts. But the court is still popularly known as the Oca Portable Court.
The court is remotely located, with no major roads nearby. Reconstructing the area for other purposes would be illogical. The land reclamation threat could be downplayed.
But the Malapitans will always be remembered on this court. Any maybe, just maybe, other politicians would despise that.
Last edited by Uiyu at 6/14/2024 1:40:28 PM
Last edited by Uiyu at 6/14/2024 5:48:33 PM