PBA board acknowledges need to improve lottery process

MANILA, Philippines – The PBA board of governors recognized the right of Rain or Shine to question the manner the draft lottery was conducted Tuesday and promised to review the policy in an emergency meeting held before Saturday’s Leo Awards.

Chairman Mon Segismundo, though on an official trip abroad, clarified his position on the matter.

“We learned from their (Rain or Shine’s) valuable feedback, and we will work on improvements immediately,” said Segismundo in a statement.

“I have the highest respect for Rain or Shine and its owners Raymund Yu and Terry Que, and my colleague Governor Mert Mondragon, and value their contributions to the betterment of the league,” Segismundo added.

In his initial reaction on the issue that became viral on social media, Segismundo told The STAR: “For me it’s a non-event. It’s no big deal. I don’t think we should make a big fuss about nothing.”

RELATED: Segismundo: Guiao’s PBA lottery gripe ‘no big deal’

On Rain or Shine’s plan to elevate the matter to the board, Segismundo said: “We have bigger things to worry about. My advice to coach Yeng (Guiao) is to smell the roses.”

Rain or Shine did protest the matter, prompting the board to sit down in an emergency meeting minutes before the Leo Awards.

“Rain or Shine accepted the apology of commissioner Chito Salud, and the board supported the good commissioner in his effort to really improve the PBA as we celebrate our 40th anniversary,” said board vice chairman Patrick Gregorio, who presided over the meeting.

“We’re one in saying we need to improve the draft lottery procedure. No debate on that issue,” Gregorio also said.

The league commissioner drew flak on how he conducted the draw.