MANILA, Philippines - PBA chairman Patrick Gregorio said yesterday outgoing commissioner Chito Salud will be remembered for his three biggest achievements – the creation of the PBA D-League, the expansion to a record 12 teams and the introduction of Asian imports in the coming Governors Cup – during a highly successful term marked by record sales and attendance.
“It was a sad day for me when commissioner Chito announced his retirement,” said Gregorio. “But I wasn’t surprised. Months ago, he expressed his intention to move on after my own term as chairman expires. Of course, I want him to stay on. He’s one of our best commissioners ever and he enjoyed strong support from the Board of Governors. We just have to respect his decision.”
Gregorio gave a hint of why Salud is stepping down. “It’s possible that commissioner Chito might want a second crack at corporate life while he’s still young at 52,” he said. “With his credentials, I’m sure he’ll get a lot of offers. Is he tired from the stress of working in the PBA? Perhaps, it’s a very stressful job after all. He has his personal reasons for leaving and I think we should respect his privacy. What I can say about commissioner Chito is he’s very professional, cool and unassuming. Beyond all that, he’s a nice guy and a dear friend.”
Gregorio said the Board paved the way for Salud’s success. “Commissioner Chito made it happen,” he continued. “He was able to do a lot because he was supported by the Board. At the Board level, there was mutual respect. We, the Governors, were friends. We were enemies on the court but outside the court, we were conscious of our goal of protecting the league. With commissioner Chito, we saw the Board working as a team, aggressive, proactive and friendly. We’ve even done away with voting on issues. When there are matters to be taken up, we make sound decisions as a group. That’s how solid our Board is.”
Gregorio said under Salud’s watch, the PBA soared to new heights. Sales zoomed to over P200 million and a record 52,612 witnessed the opening of the 40th season at the Philippine Arena last October. Salud brought back the three-conference format that had a significantly positive impact on sales and attendance. As for legacy, Gregorio said Salud’s imprint will be forever etched in PBA history for establishing the PBA D-League, bringing together a record 12 franchises and welcoming Asian imports in the coming third conference. When he leaves, Salud will have served as commissioner for five years.
“What makes commissioner Chito special is not just his competence but also his attention to detail,” added Gregorio. “The Board supported commissioner Chito even when he took calculated risks because we knew he was on top of things. He was involved in settling issues related to tournament formats, officiating, scheduling and even the configuration of seats in the arena. His objective was growth and his thinking was out-of-the-box. He was present in all the games, including out-of-towners. He supervised officiating. Commissioner Chito is a process person whose philosophy is to achieve results through constant improvement and growth.”
Choosing Salud’s successor is the next step and Gregorio admitted it’s a daunting challenge. “Commissioner Chito is a tough act to follow,” said Gregorio. “The Board is convening on Feb. 26 to discuss the criteria of selection for the next commissioner. We hope to announce the choice by the end of the second conference. Commissioner Chito will stay on through the Governors Cup with his successor in a transition period.”
Gregorio said historically, the candidates for commissioner are invited by the Board. “Right now, we’re open to options, including accepting applications,” he said. “We’re even open to female candidates, why not? The PBA is not exclusive, it’s inclusive. It’s not just a league of Filipinos but also a league that’s evolving to be open to Asians. The league is now on its 40th year and it’s bigger than ever.”
While the Board will still decide on the criteria of selection, Gregorio said there are three things he’ll look for in the next commissioner. “First, a solid marketing background,” he said. “Second, the ability to function as a crisis manager, under control, cool under pressure. Third, a risk-taker, someone with the intelligence, guts and charisma to take the PBA to a higher level over the next five years.”
Several names have been floated in media as possible candidates, including PBA legend Robert Jaworski and former PBA governors Lito Alvarez and J. B. Baylon. Asked if he would consider the position, Jaworski hesitated to reply directly, only saying, “basketball is where I came from.” Alvarez and Baylon are both employed at the moment. Alvarez, former Customs commissioner, heads Philippine Airlines cargo while Baylon is vice president for communications of Nickel Asia. Baylon is the promoter of the PBA All-Star Week in Puerto Princesa, Palawan, next month. PSC commissioner Jolly Gomez and former Baguio City Mayor Peter Rey Bautista reportedly expressed interest in succeeding Salud.