My best guess is that Noli Eala is fidgeting here. If Badua's report was untrue, it would be easy for Eala to come out with a categorical statement denying the news. Instead, he never said anything within 24 hours upon the report came out. Instead, he only made a statement when interviewed by Joble in this article. And his answer, to be honest, was pretty lame. Eala should have simply made a direct to the point statement by saying, "NO, the report is absolutely false and baseless."
So what gives? Is it because Badua "pre-empted" things at the SMC camp by coming out with this piece of news? Is it because Eala or Non has yet to talk to Olsen Racela about his transfer to San Mig? But since everything's been set already, they couldn't deny it because it will happen in the near future?
Sadly, the victim from all these is actually Racela himself. Hard to believe the kind of treatment he's getting from the SMC officials. For someone who's been part of the company for nearly two decades now, who has loyally served them well, and who has helped them win multiple championships in the late 90's and 2000's, this is not the right way to treat a loyal servant.
My best guess is the deal will push through - except that they haven't come up with the right timing yet and that Racela has yet been informed of such. I hope Racela doesn't end up to be a Jong Uichico - who, in his last few months with the SMC Group, was treated shabbily that forced him to leave the company that he was part of for three decades.
