MANILA, Philippines — PBA commissioner Willie Marcial simply described it as “a meeting of the minds.”
But for now, it’s positive news that the pro league intends to pursue talks with 2025 senatorial candidate Luis “Chavit” Singson regarding the construction of what could be the PBA’s permanent home in Pasig City.
Singson dangled before the PBA his property along Ortigas Ave., saying it could house a brand-new coliseum.
“I will help the PBA build its own venue,” said Singson, a seasoned politician, businessman and sportsman taking a crack at a Senate seat in the midterm elections in May.
The former governor of Ilocos Sur, who has Bengal tigers and lions for pets, was a regular fixture in the recent PBA Governors’ Cup finals between back-to-back champion TNT and Ginebra.
The man behind the country’s successful hosting of the 2016 Miss Universe pageant had the chance to rub elbows with members of the PBA board.
Singson was a big hit among PBA fans, being mobbed for selfies, and treated like a rock star. He plans to turn his vast property into a “New City.”
Singson first brought up the idea of loaning his property to the PBA with Marcial. In no time, it became a hot topic within the PBA board, including Alfrancis Chua and Robert Non of San Miguel Corp. and Ronald Dulatre of NLEX.
Before Wednesday’s Game 5 at the Big Dome, Singson briefly joined the table of MVP Group big boss Manny V. Pangilinan and PBA chairman Ricky Vargas of TNT inside the cozy Owners’ Circle lounge.
Marcial said the PBA, and its partners, can take care of the construction, an ambitious project that would cost billions and may take at least three years to build.
The 15,000-seat Mall of Asia Arena, which opened in 2012, on paper cost P3.6 billion to build. With inflation and all, the amount could triple.
“Kami ang magpapagawa. Basta lupa ka lang Gov. (Singson),” Marcial told Singson.
“Nag-uusap na kami. What’s important is that meron ng meeting of the minds,” Marcial told The STAR later on.
“I’m willing to help. Let’s see how we can do this,” said Singson.
He may hold the key to the PBA’s dream home.