Eala, 39, called the appointment "a defining moment in my life" and "a fulfillment of one of my boyhood dreams of one day, being an integral part of a Filipino tradition like the PBA."
Not too many fans know that in the 1980s, Eala used to listen to the late Romy Kintanar’s sports programs on radio and often phoned in to make comments on the air as Carlo Ortiz, a pseudonym. He jumbled the letters of the first name of a friend Claro Ortiz, a lawyer, to come up with Carlo. It was Kintanar and another friend Jimmy Javier who later encouraged Eala to try out for a spot on the Vintage Sports broadcasting panel in 1990. And that led to an enduring love affair with the PBA.
In an exclusive interview, The Star recently put Eala–a product of both La Salle (elementary and high school) and Ateneo (political science and law)–on the spot and asked him 20 questions.
Listen to the PBA’s new Commissioner.
The Star: What is your first order of the day?
Eala: Going over the operating systems of the PBA, getting immersed in the transition process with Commissioner Jun in preparing for next season.
S: Will you bring in new staff?
E: Yes. I will bring in competent and qualified people whom I trust and am comfortable with. I will be reviewing the staffing as it relates to our work program. The rank and file will stay put. I will ask for courtesy resignations from those in high positions.
S: What is wrong with the PBA today?
E: Four things. First, a deteriorating product which has to do with the format and structure of the league, the structure of player contracts, and the quality of play. Second, a perception problem where the league is seen to be old, that the players lack enthusiasm, that there is a wedge between Fil-foreigners and local-born players. Third, a sense of lack of integrity with the eligibility of Fil-foreigners being questioned, the proliferation of gambling, and faulty officiating. Fourth, weak corporate governance where there is a weak system of prudent management, a lack of a culture of ethics that undermines the trustworthiness of the league and its credibility.
S: What is right with the PBA today?
E: A lot. First, it is rich in talent. Our players are the best in the land. The Board of Governors is open to change and is dynamic. We have competent people running the league–we just need to redirect their focus so their talents are harnessed properly. And the fans are still there. While the prognosis is we’re in for harder times, I am optimistic that the PBA as an entertainment vehicle will continue to be a viable option for the fans. I’m looking forward to a strong season next year.
S: What three things do you bring to the table as Commissioner?
E: My qualifications as a lawyer, media man, marketing man, and manager. My objectivity in that I have never been connected with any one of the PBA franchises. And thirdly, my youth.
S: Will your appointment mean the end to your broadcasting career?
E: I suppose as a sportscaster, yes. My radio program is on hold because of the work commitments of my partners Ben Evardone and Conrad Banal and myself.
S: How will you relate to the Players Association or Union?
E: I’ve lived with labor unions and worked out CBAs the last 10 years. I welcome the idea of a Players Association. It’s good for the players. It can strengthen the league. It can be a vehicle to connect with the players and listen to their ideas.
S: How do you intend to reach out to the PBA’s publics?
E: The social dimension is an integral part of my program. The PBA must be relevant, fan-based, and community-related. Social responsibility is a priority and I see the PBA getting involved in programs that promote a wholesome environment, education, and tourism. I also see the PBA doing visits to military camps. It’s all about being relevant, giving back and being socially meaningful.
S: Is the PBA losing its marketability?
E: Let’s put it this way. There are new trends in marketing that the PBA should consider adopting. We need some novelty and a lot of creativity in our marketing vision.
S: Is the Senate inquiry on the eligibility of Fil-foreigners impairing the PBA’s credibility?
E: I don’t think so. I think it will resolve this problem once and for all. After the inquiry, there should be no more questions about the eligibility of Fil-foreigners.
S: What is the role of Fil-foreigners in the PBA?
E: They play a big role. They bring enthusiasm to the game. They make the local-born players work harder. I look at Fil-foreigners as a key element in the vision of expansion where we will strive for parity in our league.
S: Is the PBA season too long?
E: I think so. The players need more time to rest and the fans, more time to crave for the PBA. It’s important for the players to know that they’re being cared for–it will make them play harder.
S: What have you learned from the previous Commissioners?
E: From Mr. (Leo) Prieto, vision. From Col. (Mariano) Yenko, gentlemanliness. From Attorney (Rodrigo) Salud, law and order. From Mr. (Rey) Marquez, good media relations. And from Commissioner Jun, adaptiveness and patience.
S: What will bring back TV ratings?
E: An improved product. The TV coverage must be more enthusiastic. There must be dynamism and novelty in the coverage. We’ve got to move forward with new programs, perhaps to include a satellite TV show on the PBA where the idea is to expose our players.
S: What will make next season different from the rest?
E: More relevant activities surrounding the PBA. I expect the players to play with more enthusiasm and intensity. I see the image of the league getting enhanced as we strengthen our connections with the fans.
S: Will you retain the PBA’s Metro Manila venues?
E: Yes. The difference is we will do more forward-planning in scheduling our games.
S: How important is playing in the provinces?
E: Very important. The provinces make up a major market for the PBA brands and our teams. When we play in the provinces, we won’t just fly in, fly out. I intend to rationalize our provincial games and connect our trips to town fiestas or some kind of celebration so that when the PBA visits, it’s always a major event. We want the players to spend time with the fans and strengthen our ties with provincial communities.
S: What is your position on hiring foreign coaches?
E: I believe in globalization and the spirit of competition. I don’t think we should bar foreign coaches because they bring in technology. But foreign coaches must transfer technology to Filipino coaches. That’s a must. In my program, I envision creating more opportunities for local coaches.
S: How will you address the issue of officiating?
E: First, I will definitely make changes in the composition of the technical committee. I will make officiating a real career for referees. I will review the compensation packages and consider more incentives for good performance. I will look at improving the ranks of our officials.
S: What is the status of the personal case against you?
E: It is a personal and private matter. The case does not affect my qualifications. It does not affect my attention to the job at hand. I assured the Board of Governors that I would settle it swiftly, justly, and quietly. I’m sure it would be a concern of the Board if I did nothing about it but I’ve told the Board that I’m taking care of it.
Comish Noli passed his baptism of fire with flying colors.