It's about 'winning with integrity': Alaska owner slams 'underhanded' tactics in PBA

MANILA, Philippines — Alaska team owner Wilfred Uytengsu Jr. had one thing to say about his organization in the PBA: the Aces always win with integrity.

After receiving the PBA Press Corps Lifetime Achievement Award, Uytengsu slammed "underhanded tactics" at work in the PBA.

"Don’t get me wrong, I’m still looking for that fifteenth championship, and the sixteenth and the seventeenth and so on. But it will always be about winning with integrity," he said.

Taking the podium during the PBAPC Awards Night at Novotel Manila in Cubao Monday, the Alaska head honcho said there was an "uneven playing field" in the PBA — blaming the disparity on dubious trades and ignoring the league's salary cap when obtaining players.

Curiously, this statement came at the heels of Aces head coach Alex Compton's "kawawa ang liga" comment following Terrence Romeo signing with powerhouse team San Miguel Beer. The Beermen quickly responded to Compton, calling his comments 'unnecessary'.

Amidst all these so-called tactics, Uytengsu is proud that Alaska has not and will not succumb to such strategies.

"I can tell you that we always respected the league and honored the game by not participating in these tactics," he said.

For Uytengsu, there is more to his team and the league than just winning games and adding another championship to his already decorated franchise.

"I believe we have a greater responsibility than just winning games, and that is to set an example and show the next generation how to do things the right way," he said.

With a less than desirable track record of controversies in the past, will the PBA be able to work its way into a truly level and fair playing field?