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HIV cases in PHL to exceed 200,000 by year-end

The number of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) cases is expected to hit 215,400 by the end of 2024, the Department of Health (DoH) said.

According to the DoH’s report on Sunday, males comprised 94% of the total 132,776 reported cases of People Living with HIV (PLHIV), while females accounted for the remaining 6%, or 7,876 cases.

By age distribution, the DoH reported 471 cases among individuals under 15 years old, comprising less than 1% of the total cases. A total of 41,219 cases (30%) were reported among those aged 15 to 24 years.

The highest number of cases, 69,808 (50%), occurred in individuals aged 25 to 34, with 24,478 cases (18%) in the 35 to 49 age group, and 3,610 cases (3%) in those aged 50 and older.

DoH Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa called for collective action to combat the rising HIV cases during the official launch of the DOH’s “Undetectable = Untransmittable Campaign” on the 2024 Philippine World AIDS Day held on Sunday.

The campaign aims to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) while raising awareness about prevention, testing, and treatment options.

“We have 50 new cases of HIV everyday (as of Q3 of 2024). We want the whole of society to help us with this rising tide of HIV cases in our youth. This is a disease that we can detect, and we can help people living with HIV have a normal life. No one should die of AIDS,” Mr. Herbosa said.

If no interventions were made, the AIDS Epidemic Model warns that the country’s PLHIV cases will spike to around 448,000 by 2030.

“Early detection is key to managing the virus and improving health outcomes. Practice safe sex, regularly undergo HIV testing, and encourage all your peers to do the same,” Mr. Herbosa said.

As of September 2024, DoH reported 61% of estimated PLHIV cases, or 131,335 individuals, have been diagnosed and are alive. Of these, 88,544 (67%) are on Antiretroviral Therapy, with 39,003 (44%) tested for viral load in the past 12 months.

Among those tested, 34,252 (88%) achieved viral suppression, meaning the virus is effectively undetectable in their bodies. — Edg Adrian A. Eva

PEZA investment approvals top P200 billion in first 11 months

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) said it approved P201.551 billion worth of investment applications in the first 11 months, surpassing the agency’s target for the full year.

PEZA issued the statement on Monday following a board meeting on Nov. 29 at the Cavite Economic Zone.

“As expected, investment approvals would pick up in the last quarter of the year,” PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga said.

“So far, we have achieved P201 billion, with one more board meeting left in December,” he added.

He said that numbers reflect investor confidence in the Philippines and in PEZA due to the government’s investor-friendly policy direction partnered with the ease of doing business inside economic zones.

The first eleven months of approvals were up 43.06% compared to the same period last year.

It is also 14.7% higher than the full-year investment approvals target of P175.71 billion.

The approvals consist of 239 new and expansion projects, which are expected to generate $2.9 billion in potential export revenue and more than 70,000 jobs.

At the board meeting, PEZA approved 17 new and expansion projects worth P15.453 billion. These are expected to generate $467.516 million in exports and 9,957 jobs.

“With this, the total for November approved new and expansion projects reaches 41, with a combined investment of P77.794 billion,” PEZA said.

“These projects are expected to drive $831.019 million in exports and create 30,623 direct jobs,” it added.

Of the recently approved projects, 10 are export manufacturers, four are in the information technology and business process management industry, two involve facility development, and one is an ecozone development project.

“They are distributed across the regions of Calabarzon, Region 3, and Central Visayas: four in Batangas, four in Laguna, four in Cebu, two in Cavite, and one each in Rizal, Pampanga, and Negros Oriental,” PEZA said.

“This distribution highlights the regional spur of the projects, contributing to economic growth across various provinces,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Rehab, upgrade bids sought for ports in Catanduanes, Negros Occidental

VIRAC FACEBOOK

AT LEAST TWO more port upgrade and rehabilitation contracts will go up for auction by year’s end, according to the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

In separate bid notices posted on the PPA’s website, the regulator is seeking interested parties for the rehabilitation and improvement of Virac port in Catanduanes for P120.07 million and for the improvement of San Carlos port in Negros Occidental for P351.93 million.

Interested parties can submit their bids for the two projects on or before Dec. 19, the PPA said.

The contractor will have 450 calendar days to finish the Virac port rehabilitation project, while the winning bidder for the San Carlos port will be given 630 days to complete the port improvements.

The San Carlos port project includes upgrades to the operations area and roll-on roll-off ramps, as well as the reconstruction of the wharf, according to the PPA.

San Carlos port in Negros Occidental is part of the PPA’s port masterplan.

The PPA awarded in August the contract for a port master plan which will help improve cargo movement and enhance agro-industrial development.

The master plan aims to determine and assess the feasibility of constructing ports at designated locations while also improving cargo movement and meeting the increasing demand for port services.

The PPA identified the ports in the master plan were Davila, Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte; Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro; Taytay, Palawan; Buenavista, Guimaras; San Carlos, Negros Occidental; Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; Lazi, Siquijor; Catbalogan, Samar; Zamboanga; and Cagdianao, Dinagat Islands.

The rehabilitation and improvement of Virac port includes clearing, demolition and reconstruction works on the roll-on roll-off ramps and the port operations area.

In the next four years, the PPA is setting aside about P16 billion to fund its infrastructure projects, including 14 flagship projects due to be completed during the period. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Over 100 informal workers in Siargao register for social protection

Over a hundred informal workers in Siargao registered for social protection, livelihood support and employment opportunities through a one-stop service initiative held on Nov. 29-30.

According to the International Labor Organization (ILO), the beach destination has been identified as an area needing improvement in social protection compliance as laborers lack the necessary registration and understanding of its importance

“Siargao, a famous surfing destination, relies heavily on tourism and agriculture. However, farmers, fishers and tourism operators become increasingly vulnerable to climate change. Stronger typhoons and environmental shocks have pushed many into poverty, worsened by limited access to social protection,” the ILO said in a statement on Monday.

The initiative was in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) and local partner Lokal Lab, targeting workers in the agro-fishery, tourism, digital freelancing, and micro and small enterprise sectors.

The initiative was part of the ILO’s Rise from Multiple Crises Through the Integrated Formalization of Informal Economy and Rebuilding Better Coconut Economy programs, which aim to support vulnerable communities facing economic and environmental shocks.

“As a one-stop seamless process, they are not just prepared but also protected against economic shocks and climate change,” said Linartes M. Viloria, ILO National Project Coordinator in a statement. — Chloe Mari

PRDP Scale-Up to raise farm infra funding

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Agriculture said on Monday that its flagship Philippine Rural Development Project (PRDP) Scale-Up is looking to fund the construction of more agricultural infrastructure like cold storage facilities and slaughter-houses.

“The PRDP Scale-Up will focus on the (projects) that will create a bigger impact on agriculture. This would include slaughterhouses, cold storage facilities, among others,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary and Spokes-person Arnel V. de Mesa told reporters.

The PRDP was a World Bank-funded program, originally implemented in 2014, aimed at increasing rural incomes and enhancing farm and fishery productivity in targeted areas.

PRDP Scale-Up continues the original program by improving the access of farmers and fisherfolk. It has a funding of $600 million from the World Bank awarded to the DA in November 2023.

“Scale-Up was designed to respond to the needs for investment mostly in agri-infrastructure and enterprises, beyond what was in the original PRDP,” Mr. De Mesa added.

The Scale-Up project is active in 82 provinces and is expected to benefit 450,000 farmers and fisherfolk, generating about 42,000 new jobs.

“The recently launched PRDP Scale-Up already has a portfolio of 75 approved infrastructure subprojects worth P11.44 billion… and 60 proposed enterprise subprojects amounting to P6.31 billion,” Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Operations and PRDP National Project Director U-Nichols A. Manalo said.

He added that 30 projects are under construction.

The original PRDP funded and completed 503 rural infrastructures worth P31 billion and 667 rural enterprises worth P2.93 billion, benefitting 3 million people, according to Mr. Manalo. — Adrian H. Halili

Police intelligence agent shot dead in Cotabato City

STOCK PHOTO | Image by kjpargeter from Freepik

COTABATO CITY — Gunmen shot dead a police intelligence agent in an attack at the supposedly guarded parking area of a shopping mall here on Sunday night.

Officials of the Cotabato City Police Office and Brig. Gen. Romeo J. Macapaz, director of the Police Regional Office-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, separately told reporters on Monday that Master Sgt. John Manuel V. Bongcawil died on the spot from multiple bullet wounds sustained in the attack.

Mr. Bongcawil of the intelligence unit in the Maguindanao del Norte Provincial Police Office participated in covert operations in recent months that resulted in the arrest of more than ten elusive suspects in high-profile crimes and acts of terror.

Mr. Bongcawil, his wife, and their grade school children had just emerged from the mall in an upland area in Cotabato City and were walking towards their car parked in the establishment’s underground parking area when two men approached him and repeatedly shot him with pistols, killing him instantly.

His assailants managed to immediately escape using a getaway vehicle.

Mr. Macapaz said investigators in the Cotabato City police force and barangay officials who have jurisdiction over the area where the mall is located are cooperating in identifying the killers of Mr. Bongcawil for immediate prosecution.

Mr. Macapaz said they are convinced that the gun attack that left him dead was work-related. — John Felix M. Unson

In Focus: Navigating tax exemptions and incentives in the real estate industry

As the holiday season draws near, it’s a good time to examine the tax exemptions and privileges available to businesses in real estate under the Tax Code. These statutory benefits, specifically designed to support the real es-tate industry, are primarily in the form of value-added tax (VAT) exemptions, income tax holidays, and other related fiscal incentives. For real estate transactions, understanding the distinction between ordinary and capital assets is critical, as it determines whether VAT applies. The Tax Code, under Section 109, outlines several key exemptions for real property transactions, which we will explore in detail.

VAT EXEMPTION ON THE SALE OF CAPITAL ASSETS
Under Section 109(P) of the Tax Code, the sale of real properties not primarily held for sale or lease in the ordinary course of trade or business is exempt from VAT. This applies to real properties classified as capital assets — those that are not intended for sale or use in a business.

For a real property to qualify as a capital asset, it must not be part of the seller’s regular business activities, such as trading or leasing real estate. The classification of the real property as a capital or ordinary asset depends on the nature of the taxpayer’s business and whether such property is used in trade or business of the taxpayer. For example, if the seller is a real estate dealer, developer, or lessor, the property is classified as an ordinary asset, and the sale of such is typically subject to VAT at 12%. However, if the seller is not engaged in the real estate business, such as a non-dealer company that holds a property for investment, the sale of such property may qualify for VAT exemption.

The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) has provided further clarity on this point through Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 7-2003, which allows the reclassification of properties from ordinary to capital assets if the property has been idle for more than two years. A recent BIR ruling in 2023 demonstrates this principle, where a non-real estate business was able to reclassify its property as a capital asset and exempt it from VAT after showing that the property had not been used for trade or business for over two years. Specifically, the taxpayer presented the following proof.

i. The taxpayer is not engaged in real estate business as shown in its Articles of Incorporation.

ii. Its Audited Financial Statement (AFS) shows that the subject properties were neither included in its inventory held nor owned primarily for sale in the ordinary course of its trade or business from the time of their acquisition. Also, the same has not been subjected to the allowance for depreciation provided for under Sec. 34(F) of the Tax Code of 1997, as amended. In support thereof, the subject properties were certified as idle by the Office of the Punong Barangay where it is located and have been found to have no improvements, as confirmed in the certification issued by the Office of the Assessor.

iii. The AFS showed no revenue from any of the subject properties held from the time that they were acquired. The subject properties were never used for lease/rent or being offered for lease/or rent.

With the foregoing facts, the BIR opined that the sale of the properties is subject to capital gains tax and documentary stamp tax but not subject to VAT and creditable withholding tax.

VAT EXEMPTION ON LOW-COST AND SOCIALIZED HOUSING
The sale of real properties used for low-cost and socialized housing enjoys VAT exemption under the provisions of the Urban Development and Housing Act (RA 7279). As defined by the law and supported by Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 13-2018, low-cost housing refers to projects designed for low-income families, while socialized housing covers housing for the underprivileged and homeless citizens.

Under the Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-001, both the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) have set specific price ceilings for socialized and low-cost housing projects. These ceilings range from P300,000 for socialized housing to up to P3 million for low-cost housing units. Developers of these housing projects are entitled to VAT exemption, and the sale of property to qualified beneficiaries is also exempt from income tax and creditable withholding tax.

INCOME TAX HOLIDAY FOR SOCIALIZED HOUSING DEVELOPERS
Developers of socialized and low-cost housing can avail of the Income Tax Holiday (ITH) by registering with the Board of Investments (BoI). In 2023, the BoI amended the 2022 Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP) to include low-cost housing projects with a selling price of up to P3 million. This amendment opens the door for more developers to benefit from ITH, which are granted for a period starting from the project’s Start of Commercial Operations (SCO).

Under the CREATE MORE Act (RA No. 12066), domestic market enterprises duly registered with the BoI can avail of the ITH for a period of four to seven years, followed by the Enhanced Deduction Regime (EDR) for 10 years, or EDR for a maximum period of 14 to 17 years, depending on location and industry priorities.

The SIPP also requires that at least 20% of the project’s area and floor space be dedicated to socialized housing. Once a project is registered with the BoI, it may be exempt from corporate income tax during the ITH period, and the developer is also exempt from creditable withholding tax.

Upon BoI registration, the terms of entitlement shall be specified in the registration agreement and/or standard terms and conditions. For income tax purposes, the ITH commences following the SCO. As the real estate developer is not subject to income tax, it follows that the creditable withholding tax (CWT) is inapplicable to their income. In this case, a BIR ruling shall be applied to confirm the exemption from creditable withholding tax during the ITH period pursuant to the provisions under RMO No. 9-2014 and RR No. 2-98, as amended. Thereafter, the duly issued affirmative ruling or certificate of tax exemption (CTE) shall then be issued to the buyers or clients of the real estate devel-oper as proof of its exemption from CWT.

VAT EXEMPTION ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES SOLD FOR P3.6 MILLION OR LESS
As of Jan. 1, 2024, a new VAT exemption applies to the sale of residential units — such as house and lot packages, condominium units, and other residential dwellings — valued at P3.6 million or below, as outlined in RR No. 1-2024. To qualify for this exemption, the property must be used for residential purposes. Importantly, if multiple adjacent properties are sold to the same buyer with the intent to be used as a single residential area, they will still be con-sidered VAT-exempt as long as the aggregate value does not exceed P3.6 million.

However, this exemption does not extend to parking lots, even if sold together with a condominium unit, as the sale of parking spaces is considered a separate transaction and remains subject to VAT.

VAT EXEMPTION ON RESIDENTIAL LEASE AGREEMENTS
For real estate lessors, the lease of residential units with a monthly rental of P15,000 or less is VAT-exempt. This includes apartments, houses, dormitories, and other similar residential properties. Notably, the exemption applies even if the total annual rental payments exceed the VAT threshold of P3 million, as long as the individual monthly rent does not exceed P15,000.

“Residential Units” shall also include apartments, houses, buildings, parts, or units thereof used for home industries, retail stores, or other business purposes if the owner and his family actually live there and use them principally for dwelling purposes.

Essentially, this exemption applies if the following conditions apply: a lease transaction involving residential units and the monthly lease not exceeding P15,000.

The lessor must issue a non-VAT invoice for such leases, ensuring that they do not charge VAT to their tenants. This exemption provides relief for lessors of low-cost housing and other affordable residential units.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
Tax exemptions and incentives are critical tools for fostering growth in the real estate sector, particularly for developers focused on low-cost and socialized housing. However, real estate businesses must be diligent in ensuring that they meet the specific requirements set forth by the tax authorities and Investment Promotion Agency.

It is important to note that tax exemptions are strictly construed against the taxpayer. Businesses must demonstrate their eligibility for these exemptions with clear, substantiated evidence. Exemptions are not automatically granted, and taxpayers bear the burden of proof.

The BIR’s recent push for clearer guidelines and regular issuance of clarificatory circulars is a positive step, helping businesses navigate the complexities of tax laws. As the year draws to a close, it is an opportune time for real estate businesses to review their tax compliance and take advantage of the exemptions available under the law, while ensuring they are fully compliant with the relevant regulations.

In this season of giving, many businesses in the real estate sector continue to benefit from these incentives while contributing to the economy and society. Likewise, it is hoped that the BIR continues its efforts to simplify pro-cesses and support businesses in achieving sustainable growth.

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.

 

Kim M. Aranas is a director from the Tax Advisory & Compliance division of P&A Grant Thornton, the Philippine member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd.

pagrantthornton@ph.gt.com

PSE index back above 6,700 on bargain hunting

PHILIPPINE STAR/KJ ROSALES

PHILIPPINE SHARES recovered on Monday to return above the 6,700 mark as investors bought bargains following the market’s four-day slide last week.

The main Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose by 1.95% or 129.04 points to end at 6,742.89 on Monday, while the broader all shares index climbed by 1.35% or 50.52 points to 3,789.60.

“The local market bounced back this Monday as investors hunted for bargains following four straight days of decline,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Senior Research Analyst Japhet Louis O. Tantiangco said in a Viber message.

“Expectations that November inflation has remained biased towards the lower end of the government’s target also helped in today’s rise,” he added.

The Philippine Statistics Authority will release November inflation data on Dec. 5 (Thursday).

A BusinessWorld poll of 15 analysts conducted last week yielded a median estimate of 2.5% for the November consumer price index, within the central bank’s 2.2% to 3% forecast for the month.

If realized, the November print would be slightly faster than the 2.3% clip in October but slower than 4.1% in the same month a year ago.

This would also mark the 12th straight month that headline inflation was within the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas’ 2-4% annual target.

“The positive cues from Wall Street’s performance last Friday gave the local market a boost,” Mr. Tantiangco said.

Wall Street closed higher on Nov. 29. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Index rose by 0.42% or 188.59 points to 44,910.65; the S&P 500 Index gained by 0.56% or 33.64 points to 6,032.38; and the Nasdaq Composite Index climbed by 0.83% or 157.69 points to 19,218.17.

“Philippine shares started the last month on a strong note as investors begin to look ahead at 2025,” Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message.

“On the local front, the highlight of the week is the latest consumer price index report, scheduled for Dec. 5, followed by the release of the latest unemployment rate on Dec. 6,” he added.

All sectoral indices closed higher on Monday. Services climbed by 3.53% or 71.48 points to 2,094.69; holding firms rose by 3.33% or 186.61 points to 5,787.06; property went up by 0.76% or 19.11 points to 2,517.58; industrials increased by 0.61% or 55.99 points to 9,223.96; mining and oil added 0.51% or 38.66 points to end at 7,486.60; and financials inched up by 0.16% or 3.60 points to 2,258.26.

Value turnover dropped to P4.65 billion on Monday with 386.31 million shares traded from P5.8 billion with 405.66 million issues exchanged on Friday.

Advancers bested decliners, 109 versus 80, while 55 names were unchanged.

Net foreign selling went down to P77.68 million on Monday from P1.25 billion on Friday. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Beermen tweak personnel ahead of PBA Commissioner’s Cup debut

SAN MIGUEL BEERMEN -- PBA.PH

Games on Tuesday
(Ninoy Aquino Stadium)
5 p.m. – Terrafirma vs NLEX
7:30 p.m. – San Miguel vs Phoenix

SAN MIGUEL BEER (SMB) is embarking on its title retention bid in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup with new pieces.

Quincy Miller, formerly with Converge and TNT, assumes import duties as the Beermen aim to extend the reign they started with Gilas Pilipinas naturalization prospect Bennie Boatwright last season.

With Mr. Boatwright still recovering from surgery for Achilles injury, SMB tapped the 6-foot-10 Mr. Miller, who’s already been reinforcing the team in the East Asia Super League.

Mr. Miller fired 32 points, six rebounds and two assists in their 85-101 loss to Taiwanese club Taoyuan Pauian Pilots on Nov. 13, bouncing back from his disappointing 8-5-3 showing in a previous 81-87 setback to Ko-rea’s Suwon KT 11 days earlier.

The Beermen have also tweaked their local personnel ahead of their Commissioner’s Cup debut game today against Phoenix (0-2) at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. They acquired gunner Juami Tiongson and hardworking big Andreas Cahilig in a trade with Terrafirma, shipping out Terrence Romeo and Vic Manuel, who were both part of the champion group.

The Beermen are looking forward to seeing Messrs. Tiongson and Cahilig strut their stuff and complement the rest of the “San Miguel Death Squad” led by June Mar Fajardo and CJ Perez starting with the 7:30 p.m. opening as-signment at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

First test is Phoenix, which is poised to drop the upset axe on SMB after blowing the chance to stun reigning Philippine Cup titlist Meralco last Friday. The Donovan Smith-powered Fuel Masters led the Bolts by as many as 23 markers but faded in the end, 109-111, firing them up further to go all the way this time.

Meanwhile, NLEX (1-1) shoots for back-to-back in the 5 p.m. curtain raiser against the new-look Dyip (0-2).

After wasting a 16-point tear and losing big to NorthPort, 87-114, the Road Warriors picked themselves up and notched their first win at the expense of Blackwater, 107-95.

And now coach Jong Uichico’s charges look to keep rolling and strike hard against a Dyip crew that’s been struggling to gain traction with Christian Standhardinger retiring, Mr. Romeo yet to recover from injury and 7-foot import Ryan Richards doubtful.

Mr. Richards logged just one second in Terrafirma’s 101-113 setback to NorthPort last Saturday, leaving the court shortly after tipoff due to back issues and staying on the bench the rest of the way.

Mr. Uichico said NLEX is ready for the Dyip “whether Mr. Richards plays or not.”

Notes: Rain or Shine (ROS) coach Yeng Guiao downplayed the verbal altercation that he and Meralco consultant Nenad Vucivic had Sunday night in the Elasto Painters’ 111-121 loss in Antipolo. Mr. Guiao who joined the fray af-ter Mr. Vucevic and ROS veteran Beau Belga got into a verbal tussle in the fourth. “I don’t think it’s anything its importante. I don’t think its relevant,” he added, smiling. — Olmin Leyba

College of St. Benilde vows to bounce back in Game Two of NCAA 100 finals

COLLEGE OF SAINT BENILDE BLAZERS -- FACEBOOK.COM/NCAA.ORG.PH

COLLEGE of St. Benilde (CSB) vows to strike back strongly in Game Two from a Game One shellacking it suffered at the hands of Mapua University on Sunday in the NCAA Season 100 finals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Blazers coach Charles Tiu said there was no one to blame but themselves in that 84-73 setback in the series opener of their short but sweet best-of-three title showdown.

“Got killed by Mapua,” said Mr. Tiu moments after their first game since last playing in the finals two years ago when they lost to the Colegio de San Juan de Letran Knights, who won it via the full, three-game route.

Turnovers and nerves also got the better of CSB.

“Too many turnovers, probably too nervous,” said Mr. Tiu of their 23 errors that resulted in 34 Mapua points including 20 in transition.

Mr. Tiu, however, forgot to mention the one glaring mistake they committed in Game One — failure to stop reigning MVP Clint Escamis.

The mercurial Mr. Escamis mocked and rode roughshod over the Blazers’ plastic-thin defense and erupted for 30 points, including 22 in the first half when Mapua set the tone for the one-sided game.

But don’t count Mr. Tiu and the Blazers out though.

“We will not quit though, and look to bounce back in Game Two,” said Mr. Tiu, who pleaded to their alumni and CSB community to come and watch in Game Two after being outnumbered in Game One. — Joey Villar

Behind James, Davis, LA Lakers edge Utah Jazz

LOS ANGELES LAKERS forward Anthony Davis (3) and forward LeBron James (23) on the court during a stoppage in play against the Orlando Magic at Crypto.com Arena -- REUTERS/JAYNE KAMIN-ONCEA-IMAGN IMAGES

ANTHONY DAVIS and LeBron James had double-doubles and the Los Angeles (LA) Lakers survived a late rally by the Utah Jazz to escape Salt Lake City on Sunday night with a 105-104 victory.

Davis finished with 33 points and 11 rebounds and LeBron James scored 27 points with 14 assists to lift the Lakers to their second win in six games.

The Jazz trailed by nine points, 101-92, after James hit a floater with 5:33 remaining, but came back and had a chance to win the game in the final seconds.

Walker Kessler made it a one-point game with a bucket and then pulled in a defensive rebound with 8.2 seconds to go. The Jazz then appeared to take the lead with less than two seconds left when Collin Sexton hit a layup, but Jazz coach Will Hardy called timeout just before Sexton took the shot.

The Lakers then triple-teamed Sexton on the inbounds pass, forcing him to lose control of the ball without getting a potential game-winning shot off before the final buzzer.

Lauri Markkanen led Utah with 22 points and John Collins scored 21 with nine rebounds in the Jazz’s fourth consecutive defeat. Kessler had 13 points and 11 rebounds, and Sexton netted 15 points.

The Jazz outshot the Lakers 50.6% to 44.3% but had 15 turnovers, leading to 20 points for LA The Lakers only committed five turnovers while handing Utah its eighth setback in nine outings.

Los Angeles picked up the victory despite a rough 3-point shooting night. James, who only made 12 of 28 shots overall, missed all nine of his 3-point attempts as the Lakers went 7-for-33 from deep. Utah made 14 of 40 3s.

Despite the Jazz’s best efforts, the Lakers stood strong in the fourth quarter.

Markkanen cut the Lakers’ lead to two with a step-back 3-pointer 24 seconds into the period, but Rui Hachimura responded with back-to-back 3s in a 26-second span to put LA ahead 92-84.

Sexton then scored three straight Jazz baskets to keep Utah in the mix at 94-90.

James responded with four points, including a dunk, in a 5-0 run to give the Lakers their largest lead at 99-90 before Utah fought back with a 10-2 surge.

James beat the shot clock with a left-handed floater to make it 105-102 with 41 seconds left. — Reuters

PLDT, Creamline eye clean record against Chery Tiggo, Choco Mucho

PLDT HIGH SPEED HITTERS -- PVL.PH

Games on Tuesday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4 p.m. – PLDT vs Chery Tiggo
6:30 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Creamline

PLDT and Creamline hope to stay perfect as they battle Chery Tiggo and Choco Mucho, respectively, on Tuesday in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The PLDT High Speed Hitters shoot for a fourth straight win against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers (2-1) at 4 p.m. while the Creamline Cool Smashers eye win No. 3 over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans (2-2), their sister team, at 6:30 p.m.

PLDT coach Rald Ricafort continued to preach consistency.

“Ever since, it’s all about consistency,” said Mr. Ricafort.

Although PLDT was ahead, Creamline’s two wins was a little more impressive since it came against serious contenders Petro Gazz, two-time Reinforced Conference champion, and Akari, the Reinforced Conference runner-up.

And it was because the dynastic champions, who are aiming for a five-peat feat and a 11th title, have started to play complete with skipper Alyssa Valdez and Tots Carlos back from injuries and Jema Galanza returning from her Alas Pilipinas stint. — Joey Villar

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