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BIR rules DUs, power co-op ineligible to claim input VAT

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said distribution utilities (DUs) and electric cooperatives (ECs) cannot claim input value-added tax (VAT) from generation and transmission charges, ruling these to be pass-through charges.

“The DUs and ECs must issue an invoice to customers, which include the sale and transmission of electricity and ancillary services, including the VAT of generation companies (GenCos) and transmission companies,” the BIR said in a circular issued recently.

“However, the DUs and ECs shall not claim any input from these. The proper claimant of input tax shall be the customers engaged in business based on the invoice to be issued by DUs/ECs.”

The amount invoiced by GenCos and transmission companies, which is included in the invoice issued by DUs and ECs, including the VAT charges, will be the basis of GenCos and transmission companies’ income tax and VAT liabilities.

Retail Electricity Suppliers (RES) also cannot claim input VAT on pass-through charges, the BIR said. The pass-through charges of RES for the sale of power are the transmission and distribution charges.

The BIR noted that a number of government charges will not be eligible for output tax and creditable withholding on VAT and income: energy tax; universal charges; benefits to host communities under EPIRA and Department of Energy Regulations No. 1-94; feed-in tariff allowance; national and local franchise taxes; and real property tax. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

IPOPHL readying guidelines for AI use in creative works

REUTERS

THE Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) said it is planning to release guidelines that will ensure copyright protections in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in creative works.

At the Philippine International Copyright Summit on Monday, IPOPHL Director General Rowel S. Barba said many questions need to be cleared up regarding AI use in the creative industries.

“With questions on ethics and law, such as whether AI can be protected with copyright, whether AI works can be original as a derivative of existing copyrighted works, and whether works made with the help of AI should give credit to the software, its developers, and trainers, IPOPHL attempts for answers,” Mr. Barba said.

“We will soon release guidance on this for artists,” he added.

“We are hopeful that the Philippine government will be able to come up with one AI regulation. It appears that the different government agencies are doing their own, but hopefully we’ll be able to integrate and consolidate all of those in one guideline,” he added.

Currently, he said creative works must be the work of a natural person to be eligible for copyright protection.

“We require disclosure in our application form whether or not it was made by a machine or a person. We do not register those made by machines. And we also require disclosure how much percentage was made by AI. These have been the practice over for the past year,” he added.

He said the threshold for accepting works with AI-generated content is now being determined.

Emerson G. Cuyo, IPOPHL Bureau of Copyright and Related Rights director, said that the focus of the guidelines will be on copyright registration.

“Part of the guidelines that we will come up with is particularly focused on copyright registration, similar to what was released by the US Copyright Office sometime in 2010,” Mr. Cuyo said.

“We rely heavily on the disclosure of the applicants … what’s for sure is that works that are wholly generated by AI do not pass the requirement for copyright protection under our law. But for partially generated works, that’s where the confusion is, and that’s where guidance will come in,” he added.

He said technology might help determine which creative works are wholly or partially generated by AI.

“We have to acknowledge that the modern tools of today will be more deeply involved in the creative process in the years to come,” Mr. Barba said.

“We need to come up with solutions to live in harmony with technology and AI,” he added.

OTHER LAUNCHES
Separately, Mr. Barba said that IPOPHL will also soon launch its Copyright Registration Search and Public Domain Registry. 

“This search system will offer a user-friendly way for checking copyright registrations filed in IPOPHL. This will be updated monthly with future plans to slowly include copyright registrations filed in the National Library of the Philippines,” he said.

“In the long run, we hope to create a truly unified, national copyright registry for the Philippines,” he added.

He also said that the IPOPHL is also working on being a designated International Standard Name Identifier (ISNI)-Registration Agency.

ISNI is used globally by libraries, publishers, databases, and rights management organizations.

“We envision a globally competitive creative economy. And to realize this vision, we need to make Philippine creative works more visible to global users and investors,” he said.

“Once IPOPHL is able to issue ISNI to authors, artists, and organizations, they will be more easily found, and their works can be more easily tracked, possibly no less by investors who could provide additional income streams to our artists and expand the creative endeavors of creative companies,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

BoI sees room to grow for energy efficiency, conservation investments in Mindanao

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Board of Investments (BoI) said that it had approved P15.23 billion worth of projects in Mindanao as of September, indicating the need to invite companies in the region to apply for Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) incentives.

In a statement on Monday, the BoI said it recently held a roadshow in Davao to invite the 26 participants to maximize the benefits of the EE&C Act.

“Efforts to gradually shift to renewable energy should be anchored in a strong partnership between the government, which lays down the policies, and the private sector, which drives economic growth,” BoI Davao Supervising Investments Specialist Emerson Gerongay said.

The EE&C Act authorizes incentives for qualified projects that help businesses lower energy costs, the BoI said.

Mr. Gerongay said that the Philippines is making strides in attracting investment for clean and green projects.

In the nine months to September, the BoI approved P1.35 trillion worth of investments, with renewable energy projects accounting for P1.29 trillion.

“In Mindanao, BoI-approved investments reached P15.23 billion during the same timeframe,” the BoI said.

Under the EE&C Act, self-financed EE&C projects can enjoy income tax holidays and duty exemptions on capital equipment and raw materials.

“As part of the support of the government, we are transitioning to a clean and green economy. This is how we plan to help you in modernizing your current operations by shifting from conventional power source to RE source,” BoI Director Raquel B. Echague said. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

New climate finance goals need fast-tracking — DoF

REUTERS

THE Department of Finance (DoF) said it declared its support for approving before next year the New Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG), to increase the access to financing of vulnerable countries.

A key part of the Paris Agreement, the NCQG seeks to create a new financing framework that will provide developing countries a “scaled up financing goal” to support their financing needs against climate change.

“We must realize the urgency and value of the NCQG as a framework that will provide much-needed financial support and mobilization to address the evolving needs and priorities of developing countries,” DoF Chief of Staff and Undersecretary Maria Luwalhati C. Dorotan-Tiuseco said during the 2024 High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on the NCQG on Climate Finance on Oct. 9 in Baku, Azerbaijan.

“It is our responsibility to come together and create an NCQG text that genuinely reflects these needs.”

The NCQG calls for a “level of commitment that matches the scale of our ambition, while remaining sensitive to common but differentiated responsibilities, respective capabilities, and national circumstances,” Ms. Tiuseco said.

The high-level meeting was a preliminary event for the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties of the UNFCCC (COP29) on Nov. 11-22, also in Baku.

Ms. Tiuseco also cited the need for simplified access to finance, including through multilateral development banks, multilateral funds, and bilateral channels.

She also noted the need to adopt a five-year time frame with a mandatory periodic assessment and review beginning in the third year to reflect country-driven needs assessment.

“We are firm in our stance that climate finance should be new and additional to any ODA that may be provided,” Ms. Tiuseco said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

BIR flags over 400 illegal vape sellers

PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) said it identified 408 sellers of illicit vape products, which are either unregistered or whose products do not carry the appropriate revenue stamps.

The BIR carried out nationwide raids on the vape sellers on Oct. 16, BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. said in a statement. It has yet to value the illegal vape products it found.

The BIR found illicit sellers in Manila, San Juan, Makati, Pasay, Las Piñas, and Quezon City.

Outside Metro Manila, illicit retailers and resellers were found in Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan, Benguet, Isabela, Laguna, La Union, Bulacan, Albay, Iloilo, Cebu, Bohol, Leyte, Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Surigao del Norte, Butuan, Agusan del Sur, South Cotabato, Davao, Negros Occidental, and Negros Oriental.

Beginning this month, the bureau will be conducting regular raids on illegal vape sellers.

“I have ordered weekly raids against illicit vape retailers, wherever they may be found,” Mr. Lumagui said.

Under Republic Act 11900 or the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act, “The BIR shall order the immediate recall, ban or seizure from public sale or distribution of vaporized nicotine and non-nicotine products or novel tobacco products not registered with the BIR, including those sold online.” 

Beginning June 1, the BIR required all vape manufacturers and sellers to affix internal revenue stamps on their products to indicate tax compliance.

In the first half of the year, the BIR estimated foregone revenue of around P7.2 billion from seized vape and tobacco products. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Italy eyed for agri-machinery collaboration

LAMBORGHINI-TRACTORS.COM

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Monday that it is seeking to collaborate with the Italian government to improve the Philippine agricultural machineries industry.

“Italy’s agricultural machinery industry is world-class, and the Philippines can greatly benefit from this expertise as we modernize our agricultural sector,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco P. Tiu Laurel, Jr. said in a statement.

The DA said Mr. Laurel met with Italian Minister of Agriculture Francesco Lollobrigida to discuss potential partnerships.

He added that the DA is looking to sign a memorandum of understanding aimed at boosting productivity and agri-industrialization.

The DA is also inviting more Italian businesses to invest in the Philippines’ agricultural modernization.

Mr. Laurel cited potential opportunities for Italian firms to participate in smart agriculture technology and irrigation projects.

He added that the DA is seeking a partnership with Italy’s National Federation of Agricultural Machinery Manufacturers to investigate how best to adapt machinery to Philippine condition.

“We look forward to finalizing our agreements and ensuring sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems,” he added.

The DA has announced a partnership with the Korea Agricultural Machinery Industry Cooperative on an agri-machinery facility in Cabanatuan.

The DA is also looking to expand Philippine farm export to Italy, with target commodities including tuna, pineapple, frozen fish, carrageenan, and desiccated coconut.

In 2023, Philippine agricultural exports to Italy amounted to $129 million, led by crude coconut oil.

“The growing Filipino community in Italy, now estimated at 200,000, has increased demand for Philippine food products,” the DA said. — Adrian H. Halili

Better child data seen as critical to reaping demographic dividend

REUTERS

ACCESSIBLE and accurate data on children will help drive investment that will allow the Philippines to reap the benefits of the demographic dividend, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Philippines said.

“We really need to invest now in the coming years in ensuring that children and young people have the education and skills they need to become economically active participants of this country,” Behzad Noubary, deputy representative for Programmes at UNICEF Philippines, said during the launch of the Situation Analysis of Children Virtual Platform on Monday. 

“So, I think this Situation Analysis is useful in pointing out the window of opportunity that we have on the demographic dividend,” he said.

According to the World Bank, a demographic dividend refers to “the accelerated economic growth that can result from a rapid decline in a country’s fertility and the subsequent change in the population age structure.”

Mr. Noubary also cited the need to look at data relating to children’s other rights, like the right to survive and thrive, the right to learn, and the right to be protected.

“If those rights are violated, then we are hindering the next generation from being economically active and productive members of society.”

“I think by diving into those separations, then we can see where the issues are to try to address them to make sure that the Philippines can make the best use of this demographic dividend window between now and 2050.”

The platform analyzes six main dimensions of and 25 subdimensions of children’s rights, including health and nutrition, education, protection, safe and sustainable environment, child poverty and social protection, and civil and participation rights.

It also features a comprehensive analysis and data visualization, including key progress, indicators, child rights, equity and risk, legislation, policy, bottlenecks, and relevant publications.

Through its platform, the UNICEF is also seeking to collect more data on children with disability or victims of violence.

“When the right data and evidence are in the right hands at the right time, decisions can be better informed, more equitable, and more likely to protect children’s rights,” UNICEF Philippines representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov said in a separate statement. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Streaming drives increased PHL consumption of pirated content

FREEPIK

CONSUMPTION of pirated content in the Philippines  via online streaming has increased 70% this year with piracy proliferating on social media platforms, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said.

Citing a survey by the Asia Video Industry Association, Acting DTI Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque said at the Philippine International Copyright Summit on Monday that 70% of users in the Philippines consume pirated content via online streaming.

“This is higher than last year’s 58% and makes the Philippines second in the region with the highest piracy consumption. A large part of this increase is attributed to the rising piracy in social media and messaging platforms,” she said.

“Through the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) and the other members of the National Committee on Intellectual Property Rights, with the DTI serving as chair, we aim to collaborate closely with these platforms and hold accountable those who continue to foster a culture of piracy,” she added.

In particular, she said that the plan is to modernize the IP framework with a focus on improved enforcement against online piracy and increase intellectual property (IP) education.

“The DTI hopes to reinforce the nation’s status as an emerging star in the global creative economy and achieve a success story where every Filipino artist takes the lead,” she said.

“Ultimately, by fostering collaboration and championing creativity and aligning with this administration, we can cultivate a future that showcases the depth of Filipino artistry and innovation, securing our position as a dynamic leader in the creative economy,” she added.

During her keynote speech, she said that businesses, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, do not appreciate the importance of copyright, IP, and trademarks.

“The Philippine Creative Industry Development Act and the Philippine Creative Industry Development Plan aim to answer these questions by zooming into a number of key actions to keep the creative economy on an upward trajectory,” she said.

“However, all our creative endeavors will only prosper if we have a united front in supporting our artists and safeguarding the fruits of their labor,” she added.

Meanwhile, World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Deputy Director General for Copyright and Creative Industries Sylvie Forbin said WIPO is working with IPOPHL and the DTI on a project that will measure the contribution of the creative industry to the economy.

“We have done so much in the past; a lot of meetings we co-organized together, and in a lot of fields we have done some capacity building activities for the creative industries,” Ms. Forbin said.

“Now we are working closely on this new activity … which is the measurement of the contribution of the creative economy to the gross domestic product of the country,” she said.

She said the project will help not only the government but also the private sector to quantify the contribution of creatives.

“We began in June, and the work is ongoing. Tomorrow we will have a meeting with the technical team here in the Philippines, and we do hope that we can have some results by the end of the year, then we will have the final survey, which will be done by the Philippine experts by the end of 2025,” she said.

“We want other ASEAN countries to follow this move, and at the end of the work we would have a platform of the data of the region, which would be very useful. Of course, it is something that we are doing worldwide, but we are beginning here in the Philippines,” she added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Taxing Non-Resident Foreign Corporations: What now?

2024 will go down as the year of numerous clarifications and amendments in Philippine tax rules. Both the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and National Government are active in improving the tax laws and streamlining processes to ease the taxpayer’s burden. The BIR and the government recognize the impact of digitalization and the growing connectedness of economies, driven by cross-border trade in goods and services, technological advancements, and flows of investment, people, and information.

From the Philippine standpoint, the growth of global digital trade has resulted in more transactions with non-residents. The trade flows are seen by the government as an opportunity to boost its revenue. Accordingly, one of the highlights in 2024 is the change in the way non-resident foreign corporations (NRFCs) are taxed.

THE FORMER NRFC TAX REGIME
Generally, NRFCs are taxable only on income received from sources within the Philippines. The income tax rate is 25% based on gross income. In determining whether the income is sourced from the Philippines, Section 42 of the 1997 National Internal Revenue Code (Tax Code), as amended, provides for the qualification. For example, income payments for services rendered by NRFCs are considered income sourced from the Philippines if the labor or personal services are performed in the Philippines. On the other hand, the income is sourced outside the Philippines if the labor or personal services are performed outside of the Philippines.

As regards the value-added tax (VAT), Section 108(A) provides that the sale or exchange of services, including the use or lease of properties, are subject to 12% VAT if such services are performed in the Philippines. Accordingly, for income from services, the NRFCs are liable only for VAT if the service is performed in the Philippines.

NRFCs also enjoy the benefit of relief from payment of tax as provided in the tax treaties. Under the Business Profit article of Philippine tax treaties, the profits of an enterprise of a Contracting State are taxable in the Philippines only if such enterprise carries on business through a permanent establishment (PE) in the Philippines, but only so much of the profits as is attributable to that PE.

RMCS AND JURISPRUDENCE AFFECTING NRFC TAXATION
Earlier this year, the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Circulars (RMC) No. 5 and 38-2024, which clarify the tax treatment of cross-border services in light of the Supreme Court En Banc decision in Aces Philippines Cellular Corp. v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue. The RMC laid down the guidelines and crucial factors in determining the source of income of cross-border services.

According to the RMCs, the source of income is in the Philippines if the property, activity, or service that produces the income is in the Philippines. It also provides that the situs of the source of income for labor or personal services is not just the location but, more importantly, the location of the service that produces the income or where the inflow of wealth or economic benefits originates.

The RMC reasoned that since the economic benefits proceed from and occurred within the Philippines, the NRFCs enjoy protection from the Philippine government. In consideration of such protection, the flow of wealth should share the burden of supporting the government and thus be subject to tax.

VAT ON DIGITAL SERVICES
In addition to the amendments in the Tax Code, the VAT on Digital Services Law, or Republic Act No. 12023, was signed on Oct. 2, 2024. It imposes 12% VAT on digital service providers. A digital service provider is defined as a resident or nonresident supplier of digital services to a consumer who uses digital services subject to VAT in the Philippines.

Digital services refer to any services that are supplied over the internet or other electronic network using the use of information technology. It includes online search engines, online marketplaces or e-marketplaces, cloud services, online media and advertising, online platforms, or digital goods.

The new law amended the Tax Code by adding that digital services delivered by nonresident digital service providers are considered performed or rendered in the Philippines if the digital services are consumed in the Philippines.

Hence, NRFCs who are digital service providers are now required to register as VAT taxpayers, issue invoices for their transactions, and pay the VAT due on their transactions consumed in the Philippines if the consumers are non-VAT registered. If their consumers in the Philippines are VAT-registered, the reverse charge mechanism will apply, and the VAT taxpayer will take care of withholding the VAT and remitting the same to the BIR.

TAXPAYER’S QUESTION: WHAT NOW ARE THE TRANSACTIONS OF NRFCs NOT SUBJECT TO TAX?
Based on the above discussions, apparently, there is now a thin line that separates the taxability and non-taxability of services performed by NRFCs outside the Philippines. Before, NRFCs enjoyed the benefits of tax exemption if they could establish that the labor or personal services were performed outside the Philippines. However, it can be gleaned from the latest issuances and new law that the BIR is now imposing tax on NRFCs for some types of services consumed in the Philippines.

The BIR is now of the view that under certain conditions, if there is an inflow of the benefits and consumption of service in the Philippines, the NRFC may be subject to tax notwithstanding that the services are performed outside the Philippines.

These new concepts on taxation of cross-border services are now causing some confusion and anxiety among taxpayers. With the foregoing changes, there are questions that need to be resolved to properly apply the provisions of the law and RMCs without prejudice to the rights of the taxpayers.

Although parameters were put in place to guide the determination of the source of income, it would be best if the BIR provided for specific transactions and their correct taxation. Moreover, it would be in the best interest of both taxpayers and regulators if the conflicting provisions of the law are harmonized and clarified using sample transactions and circumstances.

Clearly, it is expected that cross-border transactions will continue to grow in the succeeding years. This is a great opportunity for the Philippines to leverage its resources as well as to increase its revenue. In doing so, it will boost the production of goods and services. However, to effectively capitalize on this opportunity, the conflicting rules in taxation laws must be harmonized to correctly and properly allow taxpayers to pay the correct tax due to the government.

Let’s Talk Tax is a weekly newspaper column of P&A Grant Thornton that aims to keep the public informed of various developments in taxation. This article is not intended to be a substitute for competent professional advice.

 

Lorenzo Miguel A. Soriano is a manager from the Tax Advisory & Compliance division of P&A Grant Thornton, the Philippine member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd.

pagrantthornton@ph.gt.com

World Series: Yanks vs Dodgers

The LOS ANGELES DODGERS celebrate after beating the New York Mets in game six of the NLCS for the 2024 MLB playoffs at Dodger Stadium on Oct 20, 2024. — KIYOSHI MIO-IMAGN IMAGES/REUTERS

LOS ANGELES — Tommy Edman hit a two-run home run and drove in four runs and the Los Angeles Dodgers advanced to the World Series with a 10-5 victory over the New York Mets on Sunday night in Game 6 of the National League Championship Series (NLCS).

Will Smith added a two-run home run as the Dodgers earned a matchup with the New York Yankees in the Fall Classic, which begins on Friday in Los Angeles. It will be the Dodgers’ fourth World Series appearance in the past eight seasons.

In a bullpen game, seven Dodgers pitchers gave up 11 hits and struck out nine. Ben Casparius (1-0) went 1 1/3 innings to earn the win, and Blake Treinen pitched the final two innings for his third save of the playoffs.

Edman had 11 RBIs in six games against the Mets to tie Corey Seager’s franchise record for RBIs in a single NLCS, a mark set in 2020.

Mark Vientos hit a two-run home run for the Mets, while Sean Manaea (2-1) gave up five runs on six hits over two-plus innings. The Mets fell two victories short of a Subway Series after securing a postseason berth on the final day of the regular season and getting past the Milwaukee Brewers and Philadelphia Phillies in the playoffs.

The Mets had an early 1-0 lead after Pete Alonso hit a blooper over the mound for a run-scoring infield single in the first inning.

The Dodgers responded in their half of the first when Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernandez singled before Edman doubled them home for a 2-1 lead.

Los Angeles made it 6-1 in the third inning when Edman hit a two-run home run off Manaea and Smith hit a two-run shot off Phil Maton.

The Mets got within 6-3 in the fourth inning when Vientos greeted right-hander Ryan Brasier with a two-run home run for his fifth long ball of the postseason.

Los Angeles added a run in the sixth inning on Ohtani’s RBI bloop single to center field. The Mets got the run back on a sacrifice fly from Francisco Alvarez. The Dodgers poured it on in the eighth inning with an RBI double from Mookie Betts, a sacrifice fly from Hernandez and an RBI single from Enrique Hernandez.

Jeff McNeil had a run-scoring single in the ninth inning for the Mets.

New York had its chances but left the bases loaded in the third inning, when McNeil struck out, and in the sixth, when Jesse Winker hit a lazy flyout to left. The visitors left 13 runners on base in the game and went 2-for-9 with runners in scoring position. — Reuters

Brownlee-Hollis-Jefferson rivalry made from PBA Finals to Asian Games

JUSTIN BROWNLEE — PBA.PH

IT’S A RIVALRY that started in the Season 47 PBA Governors’ Cup (GC) and spilled over to the Asian Games in Hangzhou.

TNT’s Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (RHJ) got the better of the first golden confrontation with Barangay Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee as he led the Tropang Giga to the GC diadem via a 4-2 verdict in the finals in April 2023.

Six months later in China, Mr. Brownlee, serving his duties as a naturalized player of Gilas Pilipinas, struck back against RHJ, his counterpart at Jordan, in the gold medal match, 70-60, to snap a 61-year drought for the Filipino ballers.

As they go on a grudge rematch back with their PBA clubs in the best-of-seven Governors’ Cup finals, expect fireworks and high quality ball.

“We got some recent history, you know, the Asian Games, the PBA Finals. It’s always an honor to play against a guy like that who’s been very decorated his whole amateur and professional career, playing (in) the NBA and having an incredible professional career overseas as well,” Mr. Brownlee said after he and the Gin Kings followed RHJ and the Tropang Giga to the Last Dance with a 102-99 Game 6 escape act over San Miguel Beer Sunday.

“For me, I feel like he should be in the NBA, he’s really good. So it’s going to be a fun match up, good for the fans, hopefully, it’s entertaining and hopefully, we can do whatever we have to do to come out and win the championship,” he added.

Payback will also be an agenda for JB and Ginebra pals Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar, Stephen Holt and RJ Abarrientos as they try to give RHJ and his TNT complements RR Pogoy, Calvin Oftana, Jayson Castro and Rey Nambatac a dose of their own medicine and force them out of the throne this time around.

“It’s going to be very tough. Of course, we want to, I guess you’d say, try to avenge our finals (loss) from last year,” said Mr. Brownlee.

“But we’re just looking to take one step at a time and not trying to get ahead of ourselves and just to make it a hard fought series.”

The protagonists, whose coaches Tim Cone and Chot Reyes are good buddies, will spend the next few days recharging and mapping out their schemes before hitting the court on Sunday for Game 1 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Tropang Giga were first to the finals after closing out semis rival Rain or Shine in Game 5, 113-95, last Friday. — Olmin Leyba

New York beats Minnesota in OT to win first WNBA crown

THE NEW YORK LIBERTY beat the Minnesota Lynx, 67-62, in overtime (OT) of a winner-take-all Game Five showdown in Brooklyn to secure their first WNBA title on Sunday, a year after falling short in the championship round for a fifth time.

New York got a team-high 17 points from Jonquel Jones, who was named Most Valuable Player of the WNBA Finals, and the top-seeded Liberty overcame a sluggish start to deny the Lynx a record fifth title.

“This is something special right here and I’m trying not to cry,” said Breanna Stewart, who along with Sabrina Ionescu also won a gold medal with Team USA at the Paris Olympics.

“We had some ups and downs, this series was tough but we fought through because we wanted to bring it home to this city and this crowd.”

Timely shot-blocking and a clutch three-pointer by Ionescu, her team’s first of the game, allowed New York to grab a four-point lead late in the fourth quarter but neither team were able to pull away.

Stewart missed a chance to tie the game with 38 seconds left in regulation when she missed a pair of free throws but redeemed herself on her next trip to the line to force the extra period.

New York won the jump ball to start overtime and quickly went ahead with a Leonie Fiebich three-pointer that proved to be the game-winning basket before Nyara Sabally gave them their biggest lead of the game.

Stewart then sealed the title when she made two free throws with 10 seconds left in overtime.

The Liberty, who squandered a chance to secure the title in Minnesota on Friday, were sluggish to start Game Five. They missed their first 16 three-point attempts and never led until late in the third quarter.

Minnesota, powered by Napheesa Collier, led 19-10 after a first quarter during which Stewart and Ionescu, the Liberty’s two leading scorers this year, failed to register a point.

The Lynx used solid defense to keep Stewart and Ionescu from finding any rhythm but the Liberty, who missed all nine of their three-point attempts in the half, used a late surge to cut into a 12-point deficit and trailed by seven at the break.

New York came out more energized to start the third quarter and grabbed their first lead of the game late in the period when Ionescu threaded a brilliant pass to Sabally for a lay-up that put the hosts ahead 40-38 and woke up the home crowd.

“I could never dream of this,” Jones, who averaged 17.8 points in the Finals, said after being named MVP.

“It’s biggest moment and you have to lock in if you want to be a champion and it was all about this and us winning together because we really love each other.”

The series, in which three games were decided by three points or less, capped a season in which the WNBA was bolstered by the arrival of Indiana Fever rookie standout Caitlin Clark and saw its popularity reach new heights. — Reuters

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