In 2007, after Noli Eala was forced to resign by the Philippine Basketball Association as commissioner due to his disbarment, two candidates were up for the position: former telecommunications executive Lambert Ramos and lawyer Chito Salud. Neither man had enough votes to be appointed commissioner; San Miguel, Ginebra, Coke, Welcoat, and Red Bull – the SMC bloc – voted for Salud, while Air 21, Alaska, Sta. Lucia, and Talk N Text – the MVP bloc – voted for Ramos.

However, each man needed six out of the nine votes (voting rights haven’t been restored to Purefoods at the time) to be appointed commissioner. Unable to break the deadlock, the board decided to appoint Renauld “Sonny” Barrios, who at the time was OIC of the PBA, to the commissionership full time.

Continue reading "The curious politics of Sonny Barrios’ appointment as SBP executive director"

Patricia Hizon broke the news on Twitter that the three San Miguel Corporation teams in the PBA – San Miguel Beer, Ginebra, and B-MEG Derby Ace – have voted against allowing the sale of the Barako Bull franchise to Phoenix Petroleum. With Air 21 voting alongside the conglomerate, it effectively prevents the sale from happening, as league rules dictate that a franchise sale needs the approval of 2/3rds of the board, or 7 out of 10 votes. The board ended up voting in favor of the sale, 6-4, which was not enough to approve it.

Continue reading "SMC, Air 21 block Barako sale to Phoenix"

Multiple outlets this morning are reporting that Phoenix Petroleum is in talks to acquire the Barako Bull franchise. If and when the transaction pushes through, it will finally put an end to one of the most pathetic episodes in PBA history, which saw the once-proud Red Bull franchise crippled by financial problems and forced to sell its key players to barely make payroll from month to month. Finally, the nightmare is over.

But while talk of Phoenix’s entry over the next few months will revolve around basketball-related matters – Will they be able to become competitive? How will they rehabilitate a team whose lineup has been ransacked? – let’s take a look at the most important part of this transaction: Will they be able to afford supporting a PBA team?

Continue reading "Phoenix Petroleum in talks to buy Barako and what it means to the PBA’s future"

Listed below are ten statements about the PBA Commissioner's Cup, which kicks off tonight with the Ginebra-Meralco game in Laoag City. In the comments, leave a post on whether you think each statement is true or false, and a short explanation why this is so.

Continue reading "True or False: 2011 PBA Commissioner’s Cup"

I swung by the PBA office last Wednesday for a chat with Commissioner Chito Salud. I had wanted to talk to him about the plans for the PBA’s developmental league, which I’ll be writing about for the March issue of Baller magazine. I’d introduced myself by name as a Baller writer when I booked the interview, so I was a bit surprised when the commissioner’s executive secretary, Ms. Coy, asked me, “Are you Fire Quinito?”

Apparently, my reputation preceded me.

Continue reading "One-on-one with Commissioner Chito Salud: Barako, Gilas, salary cap and other issues"

Nelson Beltran reports in today’s Philippine Star (sadly, the story doesn’t seem to be online read the story here) that Barako Bull is taking a leave of absence from the Philippine Basketball Association. The move would pave the way for Smart Gilas to play two conferences in the PBA, an idea that initially drew apprehension from Commissioner Chito Salud because it would disrupt the league’s calendar. With Barako dropping out, Smart Gilas could take the Energy Boosters’ slot in the Commissioner’s Cup and the Governors’ Cup.

James Ty posted a few more details on Twitter, saying that Barako will pay the salaries of the remaining players under contract, and they will be allowed to try out for other teams as well. The marquee names in the Barako Bull lineup include Marlou Aquino, Lordy Tugade, and Rob Wainwright, who has also ready taken to Twitter to look for a team.

Continue reading "Barako Bull takes a leave from the PBA"

Hehe, who would have ever thought “Kris Aquino” and “Lou Gatumbato” would appear in the same headline? Only on Fire Quinito! Also, a reminder for everyone that the Philippines vs. Burma game tonight will be broadcast on ESPN at 8:30 PM.

Anyway, here are some interesting reads to get you through humpday:

Continue reading "Wednesday bullets starring the Azkals, Kris Aquino’s leading man, and Lou Gatumbato"

Can I just share that, while you are reading this, I have spent the last couple of nights in Koronadal, South Cotabato. Koronadal is also known by its other name Marbel. Yes, I spent the last two evenings in the hometown of 1998 PBA Most Valuable Player, Captain Marbel Kenneth Duremdes. Anyway, quick takes on each of the PBA teams in the Philippine Cup so far:

Continue reading "2010 PBA Philippine Cup first impressions, part 1"