MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATED) After serving as the officer-in-charge of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) for over a month, Willie Marcial has been appointed as the league's commissioner.

PBA chairman Ricky Vargas made the announcement on Thursday afternoon at the league office in Libis, following the first monthly meeting of the PBA Board in 2018.

Marcial was given a three-year term, and will still remain as the league's media director. He formally replaced the embattled Chito Narvasa, who resigned from his post on December 17, just ahead of the opening of the new PBA season.

"We are happy for Willie, and we wish him well," said Vargas, who added that there were no objections to Marcial's appointment.

Marcial was named the PBA's OIC upon Narvasa's resignation last month, and he made an immediate impact on the league.

He instituted the "PBA Homecourt" program, which sees players make surprise visits to local basketball courts once a week. More significantly, he is also credited with changing the way PBA games are officiated, leading to a more physical, entertaining brand of basketball.

Vargas said that Marcial's appointment was an easy decision to make for the PBA Board.

"As you know, the PBA Board has gone through a very difficult time before the opening of the season, and we were looking for somebody who can put it together and help us heal," said Vargas. "There will be a lot of changes as we move along."

"One of the changes that would happen in the PBA is in the PBA by-laws. It is important that we have somebody there who understands, who grew up in the PBA, who understands the PBA, who understands the by-laws," added the chairman.

Given that Marcial has worked under several former commissioners and has a "deep understanding" of the situation, he is well-suited for the job, explained Vargas.

"He has learned so much what the job entails," Vargas said of Marcial. "He will bring with him that experience, he will bring with him that demeanor."

The PBA Board briefly contemplated hiring a "fresh candidate," Vargas admitted. However, they opted to go with someone who knows the ins and outs of the league and has trained for the job for years.

"Panahon ni Willie ito," said Vargas.

"We are going through change," he pointed out. "So we felt that it is very appropriate – siguro bigay ng Diyos – it is very appropriate that we have somebody like Willie who will see us through this process."

"Willie… accepted the challenge, and he looks forward with humility to his contributions in his stint as our commissioner."

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