Chito Narvasa named next PBA Commissioner by unanimous vote

NEXT IN LINE. Chito Narvasa will take over as the league commissioner next season. Photo from Narvasa's LinkedIn

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) - The Philippine Basketball Association Board unanimously voted Chito Narvasa to become the league’s next commissioner starting the 2015-2016 season, Chairman Pato Gregorio announced on Thursday, May 14, at the PBA office in Libis.

Narvasa coached Shell and Purefoods from 1995-1998 and has served as commissioner in both the NCAA and UAAP. Narvasa is also currently the president of the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines.

“We want the PBA to grow,” Gregorio said. “We have to focus on what we can still accomplish as a league. So we have arrived at an unprecedented and historic decision, which is unanimous - that means 12-0 - in favor of Chito Narvasa.”

The PBA Chairman spoke with representatives from each PBA franchise (except KIA) during a board meeting on Thursday prior to making the official announcement. Current PBA Commissioner Chito Salud and other key members of the league were also included in the meeting.

“I think we realized it was a very quick meeting, because we were able to really analyze the process [of finding a new commissioner] the last few meetings in the last 3 months, so we were able to address all the issues even two weeks ago,” Gregorio said.

“It’s a tedious process,” he said about finding a new commissioner. “We’ve had 3 or 4 special board meetings. Today is considered a special board meeting, and we believe we have chosen the right commissioner.”

Barangay Ginebra board representative Alfrancis Chua said during the announcement that Narvasa didn’t bring a presentation while making his case for the job, and was instead more direct with his arguments.

“Hindi nga nag present eh (He didn't even present). He was just being honest - the way he talked… very precise,” Chua said.

Narvasa will be the league’s ninth commissioner, taking over for Salud who will become the PBA’s Chief Executive Officer. With his new appointment, Narvasa will also relinquish his role as CEO of City State Bank and become a Director in the company.

Salud gives his approval

“I am elated with the appointment of Chito Narvasa as PBA commissioner,” said outgoing commissioner Salud in a statement.

“[Narvasa] brings tremendous experience, maturity and know-how in managing the growing operational and technical challenges of a vibrant and dynamic league. I will undoubtedly rely on him in ensuring that our product, our games, continue to be a source of pride and the driver of our ambition to take PBA to the next level in terms of the breadth and scope of its partnerships, reach, impact and innovative capacity.”

Gregorio thanked the other candidates for "their support and going through the process."

Other final candidates included Rickie Santos, Vince Hizon, and Jay Adalem.

- Rappler.com