By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) just appointed former PBA commissioner and veteran sports broadcaster Jose Emmanuel “Noli” Eala as the sport governing body’s newest chairman.
Eala succeeded Butch Ramirez who already went past his six-year term from 2016-2022 and is ready to buckle down to work as soon as possible.
After Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez released Eala’s formal appointment papers with the approval of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the long-time sports patron then tweeted: “Blessed. Honored. Grateful. Excited. Time to serve. Let’s get to work.”
Eala will become the 11th PSC chairperson and will also have his highly-anticipated return to Philippine sports politics.
Aside from his role as PBA’s commissioner from 2003-2007, Eala also served as the former executive director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).
Since assuming his post as one of the SBP’s top officials, Eala also handled San Miguel Corporation’s sports director duties.
Joining Eala in his team are future PSC board members bowling icon Bong Coo and three more pending slots for the position.
Up to this date, it is still unknown if Eala will continue his sports talk show Power and Play aired live on Radyo5 and OnePh on Cignal TV.
Noli is also the uncle of Filipina tennis sensation Alex Eala who is currently making a name for herself as one of the best Filipina tennis players in the world.
Alex skyrocketed her ranking after entering the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and barged into the women’s top 350 rankings after locking in the 340th spot.
