THE Philippine Basketball Association is expected to approve Air21?s request to transfer its existing franchise to one of its owned company?Burger King.

A highly placed PBA source, who requested anonymity, told Standard Today that the group which oversees the papers submitted by Air21 was convinced of the documents presented by the Lina Group proving its ownership share of Burger King.

The Lina Group, which owns Air21, is also the majority owner of Burger King. Among the personal investors of this food company include Lina and Lito Alvarez of Air21, Manuel V. Pangilinan and Ricky Vargas of Talk N Text, Wilson Young of Tanduay and its newest investor, Mikee Romero, who will sit down as alternate board governor of Alvarez.

Alvarez, the PBA?s board?s vice chairman, is the incoming chairman of the board for the 2009-2010 season.

PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios headed the group that scrutinized the documents and assisted by legal counsel Melvin Mendoza and Barrios? personal consultants, lawyers Aga Francisco and Bieny Solis, along with the league?s chief for operations Rickie Santos and Media Bureau head Willie Marcial. Rey Joble