Signs are very encouraging for the entry of the Gilas five after PBA commissioner Atty. Chito Salud told GMANews.TV that he had already made some recommendations and arranged the terms and conditions for Barako Bull, which decided to temporarily give its spot to the national developmental team of coach Rajko Toroman in the import-flavored conference.

“I have made some recommendations, should the board decide to approve Barako Bull’s request to give up its slot for Smart Gilas in the second conference," said Salud in a telephone interview. "On top of it is that players who have live contracts should be put on the dispersal draft."

Salud is now in Victorias City, host of Game One of the PBA Philippine Cup finals between Talk N Text and San Miguel Beer.

The second-generation commissioner also gave several conditions to Barako Bull, such as honoring its obligations to members of the squad – coaches, utility men and players – who have live contracts.

“All obligations must be settled," added Salud. “If players who will be put on the dispersal draft won’t be picked up by other teams, then they will go back to Barako Bull. Anyway, these players who will be picked up by other teams will only play for three months or during the time Barako Bull will be on temporary leave. They will go back to their mother team after the second conference."

Salud also said that if Smart Gilas’ entry will be approved, the team will be known as Pilipinas Smart Gilas – and won’t be associated with Barako Bull.

“That’s the only name they will carry, Pilipinas," said Salud, who added that if the board approves Gilas’ participation, "all of their games will have a bearing on the standings."

“This is also a good opportunity for the public to see how Smart Gilas will fare. They will have a chance to boost their fan base," added Salud.

The board of governors will make a decision on whether to approve Barako Bull’s request on Jan. 25 in the team owners' meeting at Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.

Leave of absence or disbandment?

The last team to file a leave of absence was Shell in 2005. Unfortunately, the Turbochargers, who acquired the franchise of the fabled Crispa Redmanizers, didn’t return to the pro league cage.

Instead, the team disbanded, with their marquee players such as Billy Mamaril, Ronald Tubid, former Rookie of the year Rich Alvarez, Ron Wainwright and Roger Yap, among others, traded to other teams before a new buyer could take over.

Shell’s PBA franchise was first offered to Harbour Centre, but negotiations bogged down, paving the way for the entry of Welcoat of the Asian Coatings Company.

Barako Bull, which has been feeling the effects of a financial pinch for several years now, appears to bear similarities with that Shell squad.

The Energy Boosters have been unloading their marquee players for the past few years, leading basketball observers to wonder whether the team is still capable of running a PBA franchise or not.

Barako Bull team owner George Chua said they are willing to sacrifice and give up their second-conference slot and for national cause. but in his letter to Commissioner Salud, he also pointed out that the temporary leave of absence will give the team time to revamp and rebuild.

One basketball expert said the move will also give the Barako Bull management time to look for potential buyers.

“Three months will give them time to look for buyers. But the sad reality is they’ve been having a hard time paying their obligations to the players and other team members," said the basketball expert, who requested anonymity.

One important person whose future looks dim is Barako Bulls head coach Junel Baculi.

Baculi’s contract will end on Feb. 28, and with the team giving up their spot for Smart Gilas, the fiery mentor might have to look at other options.

Rey Joble, GMA News TV