Balingit return to PBA put on hold

Tanduay, already hardpressed to put up a competitive squad following the ouster of Sonny Alvarado and with Eric Menk’s status still in limbo, yesterday rejected Pop Cola’s trade offer that would have paved the way for Bonel Balingit’s return to the PBA.

Sources in the Tanduay camp said team officials were forced to turn down Pop Cola’s offer to trade Balingit and Nelson Asaytono for Bong Hawkins and a future draft pick because of salary cap restrictions.

The hulking Balingit, bidding for a PBA comeback after a two-year stint with the San Juan Knights in the MBA, is reportedly asking for a P250,000 monthly salary.

Asaytono, on the other hand, receives P400,000 a month from Pop.

Pop Cola, which holds the signing rights for Balingit, has signified its intention to acquire Hawkins, one of the vital cogs in Alaska’s domination in the 90s.

Earlier, Pop Cola was reported to have agreed to yield its right on Balingit plus the live contract of Wynne Arboleda in exchange for either of Tanduay’s two draftees in Ricaredo Calimag or Charles de Jesus plus a future draft pick. — Dante Navarro