Bobby Huang, president of Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc. (CCBPI) and member of the PBA board of governors, also reiterated its commitment to stay in the league, squelching rumors that the Tigers are disbanding.

"The rules and regulations of the PBA were observed in this trade. An opportunity for this three-way transaction presented itself, as the ballclubs reviewed their respective line-ups for the next PBA season," Huang said.

"It is within the right and the prerogative of each ball club to determine and assemble what they believe is a competitive team. We respect the same right and prerogative of the other teams," he added.

Huang said access to marquee players is no guarantee for a championship, citing the case of Alaska which took some key stars of the disbanded Shell Turbochargers.

"We are still of the opinion that the coaches will play a vital role on how he will harness, motivate and bring out the best from his players to achieve their desired goal -- the championship," he said.

Huang cited the success of the Purefoods Chunkee Corned Beef Giants who won the All-Filipino title sans superstars.

"What may be a champion team on paper still has to prove itself on the playing court," Huang said.

The Tigers have been criticized for giving up key players Rafi Reavis and Billy Mamaril in favor of role players Kalani Ferreira and Manny Ramos.

They also yielded the rights for Rudy Hatfield who is planning a comeback. Coca-Cola’s action fueled speculations that the Tigers are bolting the league.