PBA board accepts Salud resignation

MANILA, Philippines - The PBA board of governors accepted the resignation of commissioner Chito Salud in a special meeting yesterday, and set another meeting on Feb. 26 to formulate the criteria and procedure for the search of the next PBA chieftain.

Board chairman Patrick Gregorio said they want the new commissioner known by the end of the current Commissioner’s Cup, with Salud stepping down from his post at season’s end.

“We want time for the transition period,” said Gregorio, who with the other members of the PBA board, joined Salud in a press conference announcing his resignation after serving five terms as the league’s eighth commissioner.

“Ayaw nga sana namin ang press conference na ito (We would’ve rather not have this press conference),” said Gregorio insinuating they had asked Salud to reconsider his decision.

  “Our presence here is proof of our full-support to the commissioner and our satisfaction on the service he lent the PBA in the last five years,” Gregorio pointed out.

 Salud formally tendered his resignation to the board, saying it’s time to turn over the PBA rein to a new leader.

“After five years as commissioner, I believe the time is right to pass the baton to a new and fresh leadership, a fresh face with a fresh voice and fresh ideas that will take the league to greater heights,” said Salud.

“There will be a proper time to acknowledge the members of the PBA family and our friends in media whose selfless and generous support I shall always be grateful for. In the meantime, we remain focused on our task of running the league and constantly improving the quality of games that we deliver to our fans,” he added.

He nixed speculations he’s leaving the PBA to jump into politics. “Politics? No. Let’s leave that to the experts,” he said.

“At the end of the season, I will spend time with my family and maybe face a different challenge. I don’t know yet what lies ahead for me,” he added.

Would he endorse anyone as his successor? “I’m sure names will come up. Many out there are capable, but it should be a consensus (among the board),” Salud said.