Salud: Time to pass the baton

MANILA, Philippines -- After steering the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) to greater heights, Commissioner Chito Salud felt that the this is the right time to move on and take on another challenge. 

Salud confirmed on Sunday the earlier reports that he is stepping down from his post at the end of the season. 

On Friday, news of his impending resignation circulated and Salud made it official in a press conference in between Sunday's games at the Mall of Asia Arena. 

“Today the PBA is stronger on its 40th year and more relevant than ever. This is the right time to pass the baton to a fresh leadership, a fresh face, to a fresh voice with fresh ideas that will take this league to greater heights,” Salud said. 

Under Salud's leadership, the PBA enjoyed record breaking success in gate attendance and TV ratings with solid partner TV5 that introduced innovations putting the league on multimedia platforms.  

Salud, who took over from Sonny Barrios in 2010, wanted to quit on his own terms and while on top. 

"I have a personal timeline of four to five years. This is not about me. This is about the future of the PBA," Salud said. 

With a heavy heart, the PBA Board of Governors led by Chairman Patrick Gregorio accepted Salud's decision. 

"Kami ay natuwa sa kaniyang performance bilang isang commissioner," said Gregorio adding that the board wants to announce a replacement before the end of the Commissioner's Cup. 

Salud is willing to train the next league commissioner for the remainder of the season. 

"This is a yearly appointment. I think at the end of the first conference is just the right time to make the announcement," Salud said.

The PBA Board of Governors will meet on Feb. 26 to set the criteria for the next league commissioner. 

After the end of the season, Salud plans to have a vacation with his family while pondering on what's next for the lawyer-turned league commissioner. 

“Let’s see what lies out there for me, perhaps a different challenge,” said Salud.