PBA chair backs pay hike; Gabe inks P8.4M pact

MANILA, Philippines - PBA board chairman Mamerto Mondragon said he would support proposal to raise the salary cap and, at the same time, would appeal to all ball clubs to comply strictly with the regulation.

The Rain or Shine executive believes there are certain teams violating the rules to form a lineup a lot more formidable than the others.

Meanwhile, Fil-Am guard Fil-Am Gabe Norwood no longer waited for the wage hike proposal to be approved, agreeing to P8.4 million two-year contract-extension deal with Rain or Shine.

“It’s hard to point which teams but it just can’t be denied. It has become an accepted practice,” rued Mondragon.

“At first, we’re against increasing the P350,000 maximum (monthly pay). But we’re supportive of the plan now. Let’s do it so we rid the PBA of bad perception,” Mondragon also said.

The board chair said he would make his own proposal to regulate bonus schemes.

“Yes, we give away won-game bonuses in our team. But then we hear of huge bonuses of others. It’s becoming an irritation. So again, it’s not fair,” Mondragon said.

The proposed wage hike will be approved during the PBA board meeting at the PBA office in Libis, Quezon City today.

PBA commissioner Chito Salud made the proposal, saying the old cap is no longer realistic and effective.

“It’s been the cap in the last 10 years. It’s time to review it for it to be effective,” Salud has said.

Salud is proposing a 20-percent increase in the P350,000 maximum monthly pay for the players.