In the end, the PBA Board of Governors and league Commissioner Noli Eala agreed to continue to implement the RTL, with the assurance of improving its guidelines for future transactions.

The emergency meeting, which lasted about two hours, was presided by league Chairman Ricky Vargas yesterday at the PBA Office in Libis, Quezon City.

"We (only) discussed on the issues of the RTL, its policies in connection to the recent trade. The board was satisfied with the explanation," said Eala.

"They (board members) had a clear understanding on the reason behind the exemption of the RTL. The board agreed unanimously to continue the RTL, which is subject for further review," he added.

Eala said that he will "consult the teams on how to improve the RTL" and will be discussed on the next board meeting.

Last week, after Enrico Villanueva was shifted by Red Bull to San Miguel Beer in a three-team trade, Alaska Milk’s Joaqui Trillo and Sta. Lucia Realty’s Buddy Encarnado questioned why Eala allowed the deal to push through.

Trillo and Encarnado claimed that the trade violated the purpose of the RTL in preventing onesided deals.

Red Bull got in the Villanueva trade Romel Adducul, although he was later dealt to Purefoods for Don Camaso and a second round pick in this year’s Rookie Draft.

Prior to the meeting, Trillo even said that he will motion to the board to reverse Eala’s ruling on allowing the Red Bull request to delist Villanueva from the RTL in exchange for Mick Pennisi, and approving the trade.

But that didn’t happen. Trillo was even careful with his words, saying: "Satisfied. But we’ll wait for the amendments."

Encarnado hurriedly left after the meeting and was unavailable for comment as of this writing.

Because the RTL was administrative matter than a board matter, there is no way, according to Eala, for the board to overrule or reverse decisions concerning trades within the new rule.

The RTL was formulated by Eala, approved by the board late last year and was implemented last February.

"At the moment, we feel that the RTL is substantive and it addresses the issues of viability and reasonableness," said Eala.

The discussion centered on the RTL, according to Eala, adding that Red Bull team governor Tony Chua was asked to explain why they requested to delist Villanueva.

Vargas refused to discuss the details of Red Bull’s reasons, saying: "We (board members) all agreed to keep it under wraps. But to be fair, Red Bull was very transparent."

Asked if the trade involved financial considerations, Vargas added: "there was never talk about money. It’s only rumors, unless proven otherwise."

Although he understands the situation of team governors in protecting their teams’ interests, Eala also reminded them that they should also protect the interest of the league as members.

The players who are in the RTL are Ranidel de Ocampo (Air21), Willie Miller (Alaska), John Arigo (Coca-Cola), Mark Caguioa (Bgy Ginebra), James Yap (Purefoods), Enrico Villanueva (Red Bull), Danny Seigle (San Miguel), Dennis Espino (Sta. Lucia) and RenRen Ritualo (Talk ‘N Text).

Aside from the amendments, Eala will also make assessment on the RTL for next season.