PBA Finals: No Eric Castro, Bong Pascual at courtside in Game 3

PBA deputy commissioner Eric Castro and technical committee member Bong Pascual were absent from their usual seats at the technical committee area during Game 3 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals between the San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang 5G at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

This absence followed significant criticism directed at Castro after the controversial decision to overturn Mo Tautuaa's dunk as basket interference during Game 1. While Commissioner Willie Marcial did not provide a reason for their absence, eyewitnesses confirmed both officials were present at the venue, though their specific roles during Game 3 were unclear.

Technical committee members Joey Guanio, Junior Bengua, and Rosc Teotico, along with an additional non-assigned "Class-A" referee, were present at the table instead. The game itself was officiated by referees Nol Quilinguen, James Paez, Rommel Gruta, and Jerry Narandan. Notably, Gruta and Narandan were among the officials involved in the controversial Game 1.