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The PBA is confident it can manage a season resumption free of virus while observing strict health protocols in a bubble program in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga starting Oct. 9.

But even if they are hit by infections to some players, league officials said there would be necessary measures in place and they could go on with the compact tourney at the nearby AUF Gym.

PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and board chairman Ricky Vargas said the league is determined to restart Season 45 Philippine Cup, for one, to offer the Filipinos with some form of entertainment amidst the pandemic.

“Tuloy ito,” said Marcial to stress his optimism on getting through with the bubble play.

“Laban na ito, kaya kahit six players for a team in uniform, we’ll allow to do the round-robin and play the game. We’ve trimmed down the number of players to avoid default from eight to six,” Marcial also said.

A 350-strong PBA group will be holed up in Clark for the bubble play that will run for a little over two months. Each team is limited to a total of 25 individuals, including coaches, players and support staff.

“Ang mga teams ang bahala sa composition ng 25-man group nila,” said Marcial.