Barako to compete anew; SLR bids goodbye

What's the future in store for Barako Energy Coffee and Sta. Lucia Realty? The Photokina franchise said that it will continue participating in the Philippine Basketball Association's (PBA) 36th season while Sta. Lucia is expected to leave the big league and a new company will take over -- Meralco. Newly-installed PBA chairman Rene Pardo of B-Meg Derby Ace told GMANews.TV in a telephone interview that Barako management assured the board that it would field a team when the first conference opens later this year. "I was informed that they will continue participating in the PBA," said Pardo, referring to Barako's intent of continuous participation. Barako Coffee coach Junel Baculi also assured of the team’s participation next season. "I was given directives by the management headed by boss George Chua. He told me what direction we would like to take next season and that we want to form up a more competitive team," said Baculi, who is also National University's athletic director. But while Barako will have no problem in continuously participating, Meralco, which will take over Sta. Lucia's franchise, will need to seek board approval. "We want to see how competitive the team (Meralco) will be fielding in and how long can they commit in joining the PBA, that's why they will need board approval. As for Barako, it won't need board approval because it's already an existing franchise." "People would want to see games played at a more competitive level and they want to see competitive teams. If we have competing teams with inferior line up and not winning games, it will definitely hurt the league's attendance," added Pardo. Barako Coffee is one team affected by the economic pinch. The team has had financial difficulties, trading their marquee players and some members of the squad reportedly encountered delays in the payment of their salaries. Before the start of the Fiesta Cup, Barako Coffee entered a co-branding agreement with Harbour Centre. "We're thankful with Harbour because they've helped us a lot, especially in the Fiesta Cup. But I want to clarify some things. It's true that there were delays coming from Harbour, but there's no serious issue between Barako and Harbour. The delays in terms of financial matters is nothing but normal," said Casiao, who added that they will request to the PBA board on the amendment of the league's constitution to have the co-branding rule to take effect permanently on all the team participants. Harbour Centre team manager Erick Arejola said that the two companies had an agreement regarding the co-branding, but not the sale of the franchise. "We came as a sponsor," said Arejola. "It was offered to us, and we agreed. It's for the Fiesta Cup only. But we've never discussed the sale of the franchise. So far, our main objective now is the coming Asean Basketball League." As for Sta. Lucia, its franchise is expected to be taken over by Meralco. A PBA insider said that the team has sent notice of its intent of "taking a leave or non-participation starting next season." "Of course, the next step there is probably the announcement of sale of its franchise to another company," said the source. Asked for comments regarding the matter, Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez was advised by team manager Buddy Encarnado to "wait for the team meeting." "So far, we're still on vacation and we're waiting for the meeting with boss Buddy," said Fernandez who also clarified that his contract is co-terminus with the management of Sta. Lucia. GMANews.TV tried to get Encarnado's side but calls were not answered. Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has expressed its desire of returning to cage scene via the PBA. - JVP, GMANews.TV