Airfreight 2100 newest PBA member

Airfreight Inc. 2100/FedEx became the newest member of the Philippine Basketball Association as the league board of governors unanimously approved last night its proposed purchase of the Tanduay Rhum franchise.

According to PBA commissioner Jun Bernardino, the board took no more than 30 minutes of deliberation to come up with the decision, allowing Airfreight’s takeover of the Tanduay franchise immediately.

Airfreight officials will attend their first function as member of the PBA family on Jan. 11 when the board holds its annual general meeting and election of officers at the Manila Golf club - also the venue of last night’s special meeting.

Bert Lina, chairman and CEO of Airfreight, will be the ballclub’s governor with Lito Alvarez, Airfreight president, alternate governor. The two presented Airfreight’s company profile during the meeting.

The PBA board, however, gave no concession to the new member and drew a commitment from the Lina-owned company of a minimum of five years of stint in the league.

With representation from Tanduay’s lawyer, Tony Cedo, the board, however, agreed that Airfreight be given 100 percent share from the league’s television revenue right in its first year of participation in the league.

Bernardino said he was sad to see Tanduay go, particularly since he was instrumental in the ballclub’s return to the league.

"I’m sad to see them go. But I’m also glad because in their leaving, they took it upon themselves to find an able replacement. It showed that they have a heart for the PBA," said Bernardino.

Taking over the Tanduay Rhum franchise for P75 million, Airfreight, in the process, acquired all the priveleges, assets and liabilities of the former Basic Holdings Inc. ballclub.

This was the contention by the board in denying Airfreight’s appeal that it be given a concession of hiring at least two players without going through the draft.

"The board said they should go by what they acquire... rights on Tanduay players, rights on Tanduay’s draft picks and rights to trades," said Bernardino.

In the same meeting, Viva Vintage proposed to change the format of its telecast of PBA games from the usual three-day playdate a week to four days. Under the proposal, the PBA will only have one game on Tuesdays and Thursdays to be shown at 6 p.m. while two games will be held each on Saturday and Sunday starting at 4 p.m.