On Duremdes tug-of-war controversy; Pals’ offer ‘ above board’

Mobiline alternate governor Debbie Tan yesterday defended the Phone Pals’ offer sheet to Philippine Basketball Association top wingman Kenneth Duremdes as above board, saying the team observed the proper procedure and protocol when it sought the Alaska Milk cager’s services.

Tan described as ‘unfortunate’ that it failed to bring Duremdes to the Phone Pals squad but said the team would continue to be competitive and remain focused in winning a first PBA championship when the league opens next week.

Tan’s remarks came after Duremdes’ mother team matched the P48 million, seven-year offer by Mobiline recently. The contract, which includes a generous bonus scheme, was the biggest seen in the Philippine professional sports.

She said Mobiline already stepped back when it learned Duremdes finally agreed to re-sign with the Aces much earlier. Following another standoff with the Aces over some clauses in the contract, the Duremdes camp contacted Mobiline and said the wingman is still unsigned.

Though Mobiline gave no offer sheet to Duremdes, Tan said the team got the impression that Alaska will be open to discussion. But the Aces said no trade would be made.

As opposed to what is perceived by other quarters, she said Mobiline exhausted all means before deciding to formally lodge the proposed contract to Duremdes.

With PBA governor and Mobiline official Ignatius Yenko out of the country, Tan tried to contact Alaska Milk top honcho Wilfred Steven Uytengsu before finally lodging an offer sheet to Duremdes, who formally signed the multi-million offer.

Under the Mobiline offer, Duremdes will earn the maximum of P500,000 a month and also stands to receive a bonus package, which reportedly includes P1 million with another Most Valuable Player (MVP) award.

The Mobiline official said the effort to lure Duremdes has been an emotional issue and the team is happy that the cager and Alaska finally came to terms.