Barako's participation won't need board approval -- Pardo

Barako Coffee’s participation in the next Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season is secured. This after acting PBA chairman Rene Pardo of B-Meg Derby Ace clarified that the Energy Coffee Masters’ continued membership in Asia’s first play-for-pay league won't need board approval. Pardo said he welcomes Barako’s plans of reinforcing the team and make it more competitive next season. The Photokina franchise expressed its intentions to continue participating in the PBA despite being challenged financially the previous years. Barako Coffee was forced to unload its marquee players one after another just to free up space from its salary cap. But coach Junel Baculi promised that the squad will have a more competitive roster in the coming 36th season, this after getting directives from no less than team owner George Chua. "I was given directives to look for players who will make the composition of our squad. We want to have a more competitive squad next season," said Baculi. It was a move very much welcomed by Pardo. "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," said Pardo. Meralco's entry needs PBA board approval But while the incoming chairman sees no problem with Barako's participation, Meralco (Manila Electric Company), which expected to take over Sta. Lucia's franchise, will need to get the PBA board's approval. "Barako is already an existing franchise and does not need board approval to continue participating. I told Commissioner Sonny Barrios that it's a statement for Meralco and not Barako," said Pardo in a text message, referring to an early report. Barako Energy Coffee entered in a co-branding agreement with Harbour Centre in the ongoing PBA Fiesta Cup. Barako board representative Raffy Casiao said they are planning to talk with Harbour regarding the possibility of another co-branding agreement. He also added that the Photokina franchise would also seek amendments on some of the league's provisions, which will make the co-branding rule permanent. "We requested it to the board if we can make a co-branding rule with another company in the Fiesta Cup, which is why, the PBA allowed Harbour to become our sponsor even if it's not part of the Photokina company," said Casiao. Under the existing PBA rules, a member team can put other brand names on the team jersey provided that the brand is also owned by the same company. "That's the reason why Air21 has been maximizing full use of the co-branding rule by putting the brand name of Mail and More, which is also being owned by the Lina Group, on its team jersey," said PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios. - Rey Joble/JVP, GMANews.TV