The Philippine Online Chronicles

Burger King guard Wynne Arboleda said that he is willing to donate his forfeited salary to the victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, Philstar.com reported.

Arboleda was suspended by the the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) for the rest of the 2009-2010 season after he mauled a fan during a BK-Smart Gilas game last October 16.

During a national journalism fellowship at the Thomas Aquinas Research Complex where Arboleda was a speaker, Arboleda expressed that he was "devastated" after the announcement of his suspension. “My father was a tricycle driver in Kalibo, where I was born. My mother worked as a labandera (washerwoman). Basketball was my way out of poverty,” he said.

Arboleda will reportedly lose around P2.73 million in income for the season.

He said that he would stay in shape by practicing with his BK teammates.“I know this is a test from God, but I also know God will take care of our family.”

Meanwhile, an online petition created by RockEd Philippines Founder and Executive Director Gang Badoy urges Burger King to donate the salary set aside for Arboleda to typhoon victims.

“We are aware that this is not a real loss to your profits because the amount has been earmarked and promised to Mr. Arboleda before he was suspended anyway,” the statement read.

“We would like to pressure Burger King Inc. and/or the Philippine Basketball Association to donate the salary set aside for Mr. Wynne Arboleda either to rehabilitate communities, to send relief goods to the still needy or organize a subsequent and periodic medical assistance program to flood-razed sites.”