Asi's pact stays - Mobiline

Despite the deportation order on Asi Taulava by the Bureau of Immigration, Mobiline has no plans of rescinding the controversial cager's mega-buck contract, stressing it will appeal his case.

Mobiline team manager Debbie Tan said they will continue to honor their obligation to Taulava as stipulated in their contract although the hulking slotman will serve as practice player pending the result of the appeal they will file with the Office of the President or the Court of Appeals.

Mobiline officials refused to reveal the amount of money they are paying Taulava but a reliable source said the player is guaranteed a monthly take of P.5 million -- the maximum allowed in the league -- in the next two years.

And despite the ouster of Taulava in their lineup, Mobiline officials remain confident they can still be competitive and hopeful they will salvage a slot in the quarterfinal round of the ongoing PBA All-Filipino Cup.

"No doubt, Asi will be a big loss to our team. But since he's now out, we should still try to look at it positively. Anong malay natin, his absence may have the team drawing the best from its other players," said Tan.

Coach Louie Alas has re-activated Gido Babilonia from the reserve list following the ouster of Taulava. The 6-foot-5 former Pasig Pirate will serve as Jerry Codiñera's back-up in the middle.

The Phone Pals have yet to really get their game going two months into the season with the team hampered by injuries to their key players. Jherome Ejercito and Patrick Fran had been sidelined by various injuries. Vic Pablo is nursing a pulled muscle at the moment.

Meanwhile, Sta. Lucia Realty seeks to clinch the No. 5 slot in the quarterfinals draw as it goes up against Alaska Milk in the second to the last playdate of the All-Filipino Cup eliminations today at the Araneta Coliseum.

Red Bull, the first team eliminated in the race to the quarters, makes its farewell appearance in the tournament as it takes on San Miguel Beer in the other game.

It's Red Bull versus San Miguel at 4:15 p.m., then Sta. Lucia against Alaska at 6:30 p.m. -