IBC-13 pulls out of PBA tv coverage

Games Sunday (Araneta Coliseum)

4 p.m. — Sta. Lucia vs San Miguel

6:30 p.m. — Shell vs Purefoods

From parallel, to simulcast, now down to a single covering station.

That’s where the television coverage of the PBA games has gone to as IBC 13 decided yesterday to pull out of the program after its partner defaulted in the payment of airtime costs now amounting to P70.8 million.

IBC-13 informed the covering group, which includes Summit Sports World Corp. and NBN-4, of its decision in a letter by IBC-13 acting corporate secretary Aline Malto.

NBN-4 chairman Mia Concio said Summit Sports also owed them P52 million in airtime but they’re keeping their commitment and obligation with the PBA.

"We wish to state that while we’re faced with the same concern, we feel that it’s our obligation to the PBA, its fans, the advertisers and the viewing public to continue with the airing of the games over NBN-4," Concio said.

"We feel that the PBA continues to be an indispensable part of Filipinos nationwide. And in the midst of all these trying times, we feel that the continued airing shall somehow show that the indomitable spirit of the Filipinos shall shine forth amidst the many crises besetting the country," she added.

The STAR failed to get reactions from PBA commissioner Noli Eala as he was to attend the NBA opening game in Japan yesterday.

PBA board chairman Jun Cabalan reportedly talked to the NBN-4 executives, asking them to make sure they complete the coverage of the PBA games at least this season.

Curiously, IBC-13 severed its ties with Summit Sports and NBN-4 just when the covering group settled its financial obligations with the PBA up to September through its advertising revenue. It only needs to settle its payment from October to December.

The group earned the broadcast rights to cover the PBA games this year by offering a P200-million deal and a unique parallel coverage, outbidding Viva Vintage and another group led by RFM Corp. top honcho Joey Concepcion.

Meanwhile, Red Bull Barako stayed in the hunt for the top seeding in the Samsung PBA Reinforced Conference semifinals as the Thunder roared to a ninth straight win with an 89-84 decision over the Coca-Cola Tigers last night at the Philsports Arena.

It was the first game this season not aired on IBC-13.

In the Purefoods-Ginebra Kings of the Court one-on-one competition, Talk n Text’s Asi Taulava advanced to the final in the 6-foot-4 and above group with a 20-8 rout of Shell’s Tony dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz and Purefoods’ Kerby Raymundo dispute the right to challenge Taulava in the final Sunday.