Bank records may pin Tanduay on ‘cap case’

The PBA fact-finding board looking into the alleged salary cap rule violation by Tanduay believed it has a case at hand versus the Basic Holdings Inc. franchise based on the documents submitted by key witness Jayvee Gayoso.

PBA finance officer Richard Palou, a member of a three-man probe team formed by commissioner Jun Bernardino, said Gayoso produced what appeared to be incriminating pieces of evidence against Tanduay which are now in the possession of PBA executive director Sonny Barrios.

Palou confirmed Gayoso submitted bank statements to prove his allegations that he had a "side contract" outside of the uniform player contract he had with Tanduay.

For the record, Gayoso had a three-year contract which was supposed to expire at the end of the year. The former Ateneo Blue Eagle, however, took an early retirement when the final year of his contract was bought out by Tanduay.

Apparently, the behavior of Gayoso’s accounts with three different banks underscored the player’s claim that he had an under-the-table deal with the ballclub.

Gayoso alleged he received an extra monthly pay of no less than P50,000 in the duration of his stint with the Rhum Masters. He had a monthly pay of P140,000.

Bernardino said they will study the Gayoso documents before making a report to the PBA board of governors.

If proven to have violated the cap rule, Tanduay will face severe sanction from the board that could force the team to push through its plan to bolt the league and join rival Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA).

League by-laws call for the forfeiture of a ballclub’s share from the league’s television earnings in case of a salary cap rule violation. This would amount to no less than P20 million.

The STAR tried to contact Tanduay team owner Bong Tan but he was not available.

Former Tanduay team manager David de Joya, meanwhile, refused to comment on the issue, saying he’s already out of the Tanduay organization. De Joya was the Tanduay team manager during the two seasons Gayoso played for the team.

The STAR likewise couldn’t get in touch with Tanduay chief finance officer Nestor Mendones.

Meanwhile, Shell seeks to clinch the top seeding in the PBA All-Filipino Cup matchup quarterfinals as it takes on Mobiline in the main game of a crucial twinbill at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Alaska and Pop Cola clash in the other game with both hoping to stay in contention for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarterfinals.