MANILA, Philippines - San Miguel Corporation has notified PBA commissioner Chito Salud it is changing the team name of San Miguel Beer to Petron by the season’s third and final conference, a move that may stymie Phoenix Fuel’s bid to join the pro league as new member ball club.
Salud said SMC can field Petron being a part of the SMC holdings, and it is up to the PBA board of governors now whether to accept Phoenix Fuel’s membership application.
The PBA board convenes in a meeting Friday to decide on whether to approve or not Phoenix Fuel’s plan to purchase the Barako Bull franchise. The meeting was originally set tomorrow.
The SMC group, made up of SMB, Barangay Ginebra and B-MEG Derby Ace, is likely to vote against entry of Phoenix Fuel, a direct competitor of Petron in the petroleum business.
“A business competitor of any PBA team isn’t allowed to enter into a co-branding deal in the league. What more entering as member team?” a league official said.
Salud, however, said the PBA by-laws and constitution are silent on this matter, thus, it’s really up to the board whether it approves or disapproves the Phoenix-Barako deal.
Phoenix needs two-thirds vote (at least seven of 10 PBA member teams) of the board to gain entry in the league.
Salud said he’s just tasked to present Phoenix Fuel’s financial statement that will show whether it has the capability to maintain a team in the league.
Several direct business competitors have been seen competing together in the pro league. There were Pepsi and Sarsi, San Miguel Beer and Manila Beer, Great Taste Coffee and Hills Brothers, and Purefoods and RFM Swift among others.
Barako Bull is currently on leave, allowing Smart Gilas to take its place in the ongoing Commissioner’s Cup.
The Energy Food and Drink Corporation of George Chua, however, has had an agreement with Phoenix Fuel for a franchise sale.
Phoenix Fuel has been a major sponsor of PBA out-of-town games in the last three years.