Is referee Mangonon incompetent?

By Jesus A. Garcia Jr.

FEBRUARY 5 and it was the 15th day of hostilities in the 2012 Mangaldan SK Inter Barangay Basketball Tournament when the very first uproar inside the court was heard due to countless inaccurate calls of one of the referees in the league. This was the battle between barangay Poblacion and Bari teams in the elimination round, two teams out of the 24 that many say (especially those who are avidly following the skirmishes from day one, January 14, up to the present), are strong title contenders. The hubbub started when Poblacion head coach PJ Samson gave a dirty finger sign plus uttered invectives against the referee Ferdinand “Enan” Mangonon due to series of bum calls. The incident prompted Mangonon to slap two technical fouls and ejection from the court against the incensed Samson, and the league’s organizing committee later penalized the Poblacion mentor with one game suspension.

I saw the confrontation although a bit late to catch everything because I was taking a phone call. Initially, patay-malisya ako because it was not my team Buenlag that was involved. But many observers said Samson was just pushed to the limit because of Mangonon’s numerous gaffe calls and arrogance. But despite the situation, the Poblacion quintet kept their morale and won in a lopsided way, 107-63.

February 28 and the first quarterfinals game started and a similar situation happened. This was the encounter between Buenlag and Amansabina. At the fourth quarter, the controversial referee Mangonon warned Buenlag coach Jazy Garcia (my son) of a technical foul for excessive complaints during the scrimmage. I was there and saw my son Jazy complaining in deep frustration because of the numerous bum calls of referee Mangonon and his two partners. But instead of correcting their errors, the referees headed by Mangonon warned Jazy. What a guy.

After Buenlag lost the game, 79-83, Bari resident Antonio G. Aquino warned me and said “sigurado ako na kapag kinurot ninyo sila sa dyaryo o sa radio ay lalong pag-iinitan ang Buenlag team ng mga referees na yan at tiyak na ikakahulog ng Buenlag sa mga susunod pang mga laro nila.” Aquino’s statement was echoed by Armando Lalata, my barangay mate. I told the two that in case that ever happens, the referees have their work and I also have my mine. “Inumpisahan nila, tatapusin ko and it will be a war,” borrowing the words of the late FPJ. “Tit for tat” ‘ika nga as said by the prophet Moses.

Now the question, is referee Mangonon incompetent? My answer is I don’t think so. Is he being bribed as said by some inveterate bettors? I don’t think so. But what I do know is that his skills at officiating has declined tremendously. Ask PJ and Jazy (and the spectators) and they will give you the same answer.

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The annual Mangaldan bikefest dubbed “Werweran ed Mangaldan” will definitely unfold on March 4. (See related story on this page). The one-day cycling road race which in the older days was an open event was almost cancelled due to lack of funds. Knowing that the Mangaldan town fiesta would not be complete without the famous bikefest, the financial constraint problem was remedied by the town’s chief executive Hermino A. Romero and Mangaldan town fiesta executive chairman Councilor Ritchie G. Abalos and execom secretary Adjie Cabrera during my meeting with them last February 27. Yan nga lang, the competition will be for amateur and ex-pro riders only, unlike before. Mabuhay kayo mga ginoo. 

In other sporting events in Mangaldan which are also in conjunction with the celebration of the town fiesta, I’m glad to hear from Supt. Mateo C. Casupang, chief of police of Mangaldan, that the 2nd Mayor Hermino A. Romero Cup which will be conducted at Jharrsel Firing Range in barangay Bari, Mangaldan, is ready to blast on March 2 and end on March 4 with around 250 or more expected to participate. Contestants will be coming from different places like Tarlac, Angeles City, Metro Manila, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Nueva Ecija to name a few, aside from the various gun clubs from Pangasinan. Casupang also said there are 148 trophies at stake. Director of Intelligence Group Chief Supt. Manuel Barcena will be the Guest of Honor and Speaker. The three-day affair is hosted by Mangaldan Practical Shooting Association, Inc. with Casupang himself as the president. 

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QUOTE OF THEWEEK: “He who is often rebuked, and hardens his neck, will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when a wicked man rules, the people groan.” PROVERBS 29: 1-2

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