Pangilinan firm mulls PBA entry

MANILA, Philippines - Like San Miguel Corp., the Manny V. Pangilinan-led PLDT-Smart group would also be having three teams soon in the Philippine Basketball Association.

Maynilad Water, the water and wastewater services provider acquired by the Pangilinan group and DMCI Holdings Inc. in 2007, is keen on joining sister companies Talk n Text and Meralco in the PBA.

“If I were the only one to decide, I’d want it by next conference. But we have to consult with our shareholders,” said Maynilad president Ricky Vargas.

A reliable source said Maynilad and an existing PBA ball club have started negotiations for a franchise purchase, the same deal Meralco went through in taking over Sta. Lucia Realty.

The same source said the Pangilinan group has extended support to the cash-strapped team many times in the past.

Vargas, a longtime Talk n Text representative to the PBA board until his appointment as president of Maynilad Water, is excited about the prospect of their entry to the country’s premier cage league.

Vargas is vice chairman of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) and president of the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP).

Maynilad’s entry to the PBA could only intensify the growing rivalry between the teams under SMC Group and those owned by Pangilinan.

SMC has San Miguel Beer, Barangay Ginebra and B-MEG Derby Ace while Pangilinan has Talk n Text, Meralco and if ever Maynilad.

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Will Sol Mercado show up for the Rain or Shine-Barako Bull match tonight?

That’s the big question after his run-in with coach Caloy Garcia came to a head after a loss to Barangay Ginebra Friday night.

They figured in a heated verbal tussle with Mercado being heard asking the team management to fire the coach or him.

“I love the team but I can’t play for him (Garcia) anymore,” Mercado was heard telling team manager Bhoy Lapid.

Garcia benched Mercado for most of the second half in their 73-90 blowout by Ginebra.

“Matagal ng hindi magkasundo yan,” said a STAR source.