Charter change finalized today?

The PBA governors and the league commissioner and his staff may engage in some heated discussions during their crucial meeting today but, in the end, they are expected to reach an agreement on new provisions in their charter that could make the league stronger and more attuned to the times.

That could well be the scenario as the PBA top officials sit down in a meeting anew today at the Shangri-La Edsa Plaza.

There’s no question that the governors will push for some amendments in the league by-laws and constitution, but Commissioner Emilio "Jun" Bernardino is expected to first give his views and probably reservations on some of the provisions in question.

Although there were conflicting reports, league insiders see the move of the board to allow Bernardino to review the proposals first a sign that today’s meeting will be cordial.

"Everybody will come to the meeting in good faith. There may be disagreements and discussions, for sure, but in the end, those involved will be guided by a common goal to make the PBA a stronger league (in the future)," said a Star source.

The same source said the board proposed several new provisions but it is not meant to drag the commissioner to a some kind of a battle for turf.

"There’s no need for the board to drive the message that this is their league. And for sure, they will be the last persons who would want the league to go astray," said the league insider.

The two parties are likely to clash on two points – the process of appeal on the decisions of the commissioner and his authority to select people for key positions in the PBA secretariat.

Apparently, that are several proposals with regards to appointing people to key posts in the league’s front office with all pointing to the board getting a little say on the matter.

Meanwhile, the PBA Governors Cup elimination round reaches its final stretch and the road to the next phase of the tourney appears to be getting tougher for Shell, Pop Cola and Ginebra.

Tonight, the Zoom Masters, the Panthers and the Gin Kings see action at the same time at the Philsports Arena with all hoping to come out victorious to keep their head above water.

Shell clashes with Red Bull in a duel of the league leader and tailender at 5:15 p.m. with the latter fighting for dear life while Pop Cola and Ginebra collide in the other match at 7:30, disputing the solo eighth place in their penultimate outings in the one-round elims.

Red Bull (6-1) has gained a twice-to-beat advantage, Mobiline (5-2), Tanduay (4-2) and Alaska (4-3) have assured themselves of a quarterfinals slot while Sta. Lucia (3-3), Purefoods (3-3) and San Miguel (3-3) are a win shy of the quarters.

That left Shell, Pop Cola and Ginebra to dispute the last quarters slot with the Zoom Masters having the slimmest chance of making it with a woeful 1-6 mark and the fact that it faces a redhot team in the Thunder tonight.

Although assured of a spot in the Magic Four, the Thunder are expected to play hard in their last two games to finish on top and thus earn the easiest draw in the quarters.

At 2-5, Pop Cola and Ginebra enjoy a big edge over Shell with both gaining a playoff crack at the last quarters slot with a win tonight.

And the Gin Kings loom as the slight favorite against the Panthers with coach Allan Caidic’s boys checking their skid with a 92-76 rout of the Mobiline Phone Pals Sunday. Pop Cola, meanwhile, is coming off four straight losses.