By Jonas Terrado
Willie Marcial is more concerned of putting things in order as PBA Officer-In-Charge than thinking the possibility of having his term extended or become the next commissioner of the 43-year-old pro league.
Marcial was appointed as caretaker by the PBA Board of Governors following the resignation of Chito Narvasa at the end of 2017 but had requested to be at the helm for just 30 days while the league searches for a commissioner.
The longtime PBA official declined to answer queries if he’s willing to accept the arduous task if given the chance, opting to wait for his term to end on Jan. 30 before exploring his future.
“No comment na lang ako. Intayin ko na lang yung 30 days tapos tignan ko kung anu ang mangyayari,” said Marcial in the PSA forum held at the Tapa King Farmer’s Market branch.
The league won’t start the process of finding the next commissioner until Jan. 25 in a board meeting where a search committee is expected to be formed.
There has been clamor from various sectors to have Marcial be tapped for the post, given his know-how of the league since his days working behind the scenes for Vintage Sports’ PBA coverage.
Since taking over last Jan. 1, Marcial has put focus on officiating that has led to improvements in pace of play while also launching a CSR campaign known as “PBA Hardcourt” where erring players have a chance to have their fines reduced by participating in surprise activities in various barangays.
His biggest move was the formation of a five-man committee that includes PBA technical officials Eric Castro and Junior Bengua and legal counsel Melvin Mendoza to determine whether trades will be approved.
Marcial admitted that the trades will be the biggest challenge of his short tenure.