The Commission on Human Rights calls upon the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to practice a no tolerance policy in the enforcement of its rules regulation against the use of racial taunts and gestures. Unsportsmanlike actions, denigrating words and gestures by players from the league, especially ones with racial undertones must be strictly condemned.

In light of the controversy, the Commission welcomes the apology of the athlete involved in the said action. However, for an apology to be genuine and have real and lasting effect, future
actions of the athlete must manifest actions towards continued personal development and understanding of the ills of discrimination.

The Commission reiterates its strict condemnation of all forms of prejudice and discrimination against individuals and collective groups of people. The underpinnings of discrimination against a certain racial category often by those who perceive themselves as socially superior is based on social construct and is inimical to human development and progression of human rights.

In the interest of accountability, the Commission urges the league and its players to bear in mind that all human beings are born free and equal, and that while the freedom of expression and action is constitutionally protected, it is subject to limitations once it is injurious to an individual’s character, reputation, or business.