Bernardino, 54, is leaving his post at the end of this year with a heavy heart.
"My only regret is having to say goodbye," says the former University of the Philippines (UP) varsity cager who assumed the position in 1994.
But there was no choice. Last year, Bernardino suffered a mild heart attack in Baguio and was airlifted to Manila in critical condition. He took a 4 1/2 month leave of absence to undergo chelation therapy under Dr. Estuita. Today, Bernardino says he’s close to 80 percent of how he was before.
"My heart doctor told me I couldn’t go on working like I used to," relates Bernardino, an education degree holder with a major in sports administration. "It’s because of my style of management. I’m a hands-on person. I don’t operate by remote control. In my condition, I just can’t go on doing my job in the same fashion and with the same passion. It wouldn’t be fair to the team owners, the players, the coaches, the staff, the fans and the media."
Unless the PBA Board of Governors decides otherwise, Bernardino plans to finish his tour of duty this season.
"It’s not easy saying goodbye to something I’ve loved almost since birth," he says. "I’m just thankful that I was given a chance to work in basketball up close."
Bernardino was coach Fely Fajardo’s assistant at Tefilin for two PBA seasons until the club disbanded in 1981. He was a PBA TV interviewer, known as "The Man on the Ball," early in the 1982 season then in July that year, joined the league as executive secretary, succeeding the late Pepito Castro. Bernardino went on to become executive director then deputy commissioner and finally, commissioner. He served under four commissioners – Leo Prieto, Mariano Yenko, Rudy Salud, and Rey Marquez – and became the youngest to be appointed to the position at the age of 46.
Bernardino points to the four previous commissioners as his guiding light. "Of course, the team owners also helped me a lot," he adds. "The players, too – they welcomed and cooperated with me. And I owe the fans and media for their support."
What are his three biggest achievements as commissioner?
"First, bringing the membership to 10 franchises after being dangerously close to not being viable with six teams," he replies. "Second, our innovations – the illegal defense, for instance, and later, modifying it. The introduction of the international rules which I strongly recommend to be applied beyond this season. Third, the conference formatting which is exciting and keeps the league interesting."
What would he advise his successor?
"Continue the work started by the past commissioners and do the work with the same passion and dedication," he says. "Be firm and decisive in making decisions without fear or favor. Finally, be open-minded, welcome comments and suggestions, because no one can claim a monopoly of ideas."
Is the PBA’s future secure? "Yes because I know basketball will always flourish – it’s what the fans want," he notes. "The PBA is here to stay. It has withstood the test of time. Teams may come and go, like players and commissioners. But the league will go on."
On the collapse of the Metropolitan Basketball Association (MBA), Bernardino says there are lessons to be learned. "The MBA’s regional concept is beautiful," he muses. "But the MBA isn’t the NBA (National Basketball Association). It’s important to reach out to the provinces and the PBA should continue to do it. But it can’t be done at the expense of putting the league’s financial position in jeopardy."
Bernardino rules out the possibility of holding a midyear dispersal draft to accommodate MBA stars. "A dispersal draft will cater only to a few players," asserts Bernardino. "Besides, it will also displace PBA players. Team rosters are full at this time. I’d rather see the MBA stars join our draft next year."
Bernardino says it will be difficult to expect the PBA to combine forces with another league but forging a working relationship is doable. "I don’t see a joint venture between the PBA and perhaps, the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) but I see areas of cooperation like playing and telecasting games of both leagues on the same day, if only to address the problem of too much basketball on TV," he explains.
Bernardino says a highlight of his 20-year stint in the PBA was dealing with team owners and their representatives. "It was both challenging and rewarding because of their professionalism," he comments. "The owners have their own interests but in the end, they always decide what is best for the league, what is best for all."
As for his successor, Bernardino recommends current executive director Renauld (Sonny) Barrios. "He’s my choice because it’s only logical," he says. "Sonny knows the PBA inside out. But this is only my suggestion. It is the Board’s call, not mine, and I know the Board will make the right decision. The other candidates? Rey (Gamboa) and Elmer (Yanga) know how the league works, too. Moying Martelino? He knows his basketball and has experience as a sports administrator."
Whoever succeeds Bernardino will step into what promises to be a banner season.
"I expect big things next year," says Bernardino. "The stars will be back playing for their mother teams. We won’t need to adjust our calendar for an international commitment. The MBA stars and collegiate standouts will join the draft. It should be a nice start for the new commissioner."
Next month, Bernardino leaves for the US to attend a seminar on chelation therapy and hobnob with global basketball leaders at the World Championships. Then, he’ll accompany the national team to the Asian Games in Busan up to October. If the Board allows, Bernardino will serve out his commissioner’s contract in the Third Conference – the All—Filipino Cup where Joseph Uichico’s Fighting 15 return to their clubs in what is expected to be a rousing homecoming.
Bernardino says an upside to his retirement is spending more time with his family – wife Mimi and their children Stephanie, 26, who lives in the US, Nolan, 24, Vera, 22, and Kristine, 20.
Bernardino leaves the PBA with a legacy of excellence, professionalism, and integrity. He’s a tough act to follow.