DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/10 March) ¬– Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc. (PPPI) is now in the process of joining the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), on the way to buying the franchise of Barako Bull.
The Davao City-based oil company is now awaiting approval of the PBA board, according to Dennis Uy, PPPI president and chief executive officer.
“It’s now up to the PBA Board. I don’t want to speculate. We just have to wait,” Uy told sports journalists here.
Willie Marcial, PBA media bureau chief, said the PBA board will convene on March 15 to discuss, among others, Phoenix’s application. He added that he sees no problem along the way.
Entering the PBA is no joke as it requires the company’s financial capabilities to be able to field and manage a team. Players and coaches in the league are known for their huge salaries.
PBA Commissioner Chito Salud, after the Phoenix-PBA On Tour game between Talk ‘N Text and Air21 won by the Tropang Texters at the Holy Cross of Davao Colleges (HCDC) Gym Saturday night here, said Phoenix possesses all the requirements needed to be admitted into the PBA.
If Phoenix will be accepted, it will become the first firm from Mindanao and second petroleum company to join the PBA. Pilipinas Shell, which purchased the franchise of the legendary Crispa Redmanizers in 1985, was the first. Shell competed in the pro league for 20 years.
Phoenix Petroleum is a staunch backer of the PBA, having supported the league’s road games for several years now.
Phoenix was incorporated in May 2002 in Davao City as a family business under the name Davao Oil Terminal Services Corporation (DOTSCO). It began operations in its current form in January 2004, distributing petroleum products to various commercial entities in Mindanao. In August 2006, the company was officially renamed Phoenix Petroleum Philippines, Inc.
Today, Phoenix Petroleum is engaged in the business of trading refined petroleum products and lubricants, operation of oil depots and storage facilities, and allied services. Its products and services are distributed and marketed under the “Phoenix Fuels Life” trademark. (Rico Biliran / MindaNews).
