DPWH to brief DA on farm infra progress

February 17, 2025 | 8:15 pm

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Monday that it will meet with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to be briefed on the progress of farm infrastructure projects.

“The planned discussions between DA and DPWH aim to pinpoint key areas for road and bridge upgrades, especially in major agricultural regions,” it said in a statement.

The DA noted that DPWH rules call for inspections and load rating updates, “but enforcement remains weak.”

“Without addressing inadequate road networks and overloading, the problem (of getting farm goods to consumers) will persist.”

“The importance of a strong road and bridge network in agriculture, especially in an archipelago like the Philippines, cannot be overstated,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said.

“Agriculture relies heavily on logistics, and transport infrastructure directly affects the cost and efficiency of moving farm inputs and produce,” he added. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

PHL solar manufacturing seen hindered by power, import costs

February 17, 2025 | 8:15 pm

THE GOVERNMENT will need to address the high cost of electricity and imported materials before the manufacturing of solar photovoltaic modules can become competitive, an industry association said.

“The main challenges here are the cost of electricity and the cost of importing materials,” Philippine Solar and Storage Energy Alliance Chairman Ma. Theresa Cruz-Capellan said via Viber.

She said that the Department of Energy has taken some policy action to make electricity for manufacturers more competitive but noted the need for incentives to develop the sector.

“Insofar as imported materials are concerned, this is a customs and tariff policy issue. But if we seek to be a key producer of panels, we have to offer incentives to realize this dream,” she added.

According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), the Philippines has the potential to export $788.4 million worth of solar photovoltaic (PV) modules, to markets like the US ($189.4 million), China ($171.6 million), the Netherlands ($64.7 million), Vietnam ($46.4 million), and Germany ($43 million).

Ms. Cruz-Capellan said: “I suggest that the Philippines start with a simple assembly of panels,” she said. “The second stage is to consolidate the supply chain. The Philippines does not have access to key materials needed.”

“There has to be a clear-cut plan on how to make our panels compete with Vietnam and Malaysia,” she added.

According to the ITC, Vietnamese solar PV modules accounted for nearly 2% of the country’s exports in 2022, surging to $6.9 billion in 2022 from $135 million in 2013.

It is the world’s second-largest supplier after China, accounting for nearly 10% of global exports, ITC said.

Meanwhile, Malaysia has a 6% market share. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

P380 deemed fair price for pork MSRP coming in March

February 17, 2025 | 8:15 pm

meat-pork-inspection — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Monday that it will implement a maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for pork by March, adding that it considers P380 per kilo to be a fair price for producers and consumers.

At a briefing, DA Assistant Secretary Arnel V. de Mesa said it will adopt the pricing rules for rice to the pork MSRP.

“When we set the MSRP, retailers will follow and we will avoid profiteering or charging high prices,” he said.

The DA is set to meet with the pork industry this week.

The assumptions underlying the MSRP scheme are a farmgate price of P250 per kilo and a “reasonable” margin that takes the retail price to P380, Mr. De Mesa said.

He cited previous remarks by Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr., who took the position that anything above P400 is “unreasonable.”

The Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) told BusinessWorld that pork prices in Metro Manila often hit P400 per kilo, even with a P240-250 farmgate price.

“The price of pork should not go beyond P360-P380 per kilo,” SINAG spokesman Jay Cainglet said via Viber.

Mr. De Mesa said about 30,000 hogs have been vaccinated against African Swine Fever (ASF).

The government began the controlled rollout of Vietnam-made ASF vaccines in late August, with a focus on hogs in Lobo, Batangas, which is one of the hotspots for the disease.

Former Agriculture Secretary William A. Dar told BusinessWorld earlier this month that weak supply is to blame for rising prices since the farmgate price remains low.

Mr. Laurel on Feb. 10 said the DA is “digging deep into the whole value chain of pork, and finding out whether or not there is profiteering.”

Mr. De Mesa said the DA is also considering selling below-market pork modeled on the government’s Rice for All program.

“We are also looking in the possibility that DA can also intervene,” he said.

At the briefing, the DA added that onion prices have fallen by as much as P40 per kilo.

Onion was selling for about P200 per kilo this week from P240 last week, Mr. De Mesa said.

“We expect that these will further decrease once (imported) yellow and red onions enter the markets,” he said.

The DA had approved onion imports of 4,000 MT after projecting a shortfall in supply of 7,000 MT. Applications to import thus far suggest import volumes of only 3,000 MT, according to Mr. De Mesa.

“Must-arrive date is Feb. 20,” he said. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

DENR orders miners to adopt UN SDGs

February 17, 2025 | 8:15 pm

THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) issued an order on Monday requiring miners to adopt the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).

Mining companies need to incorporate sustainability efforts into their operations, including biodiversity conservation and climate action. The vehicle for doing so is in the miners’ Social Development and Management Programs (SDMPs), the DENR said in a statement.

“Unlike in the past, they must now include programs for enhancing biodiversity conservation and protection, and institutionalizing climate action of host and impact communities, among others.”

An SDMP is a five-year comprehensive plan required of mining companies for the “improvement” of the living standards of host and neighboring communities in their areas of operation.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga said the DENR is also looking at labor practices, gender equity, social services, along with reforestation, rehabilitation, restoration of ecosystems to address biodiversity loss.

Asked to comment, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines Chairman Michael T. Toledo said the industry is now addressing at least 11 of the 17 UN SDGs.

“This is on top of the goals that we are already concentrating on with the ESG (environmental, social, and governance) provisions of our country’s very stringent mining regulatory framework,” he said via Viber.

“We like to think that we are in tune with the times and our members are ready to contribute their share to meet the global demand for green technologies through sustainable mining practices.”

The SDGs include the reduction of poverty, zero hunger, health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, clean water and sanitation, affordable and clean energy, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequality, sustainable cities and communities, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.

The goals were adopted by all UN members in 2015.

Republic Act 7942 or Philippine Mining Act of 1995 requires mining contractors and permit holders to devote 1.5% of their operating expenses to their SDMPs.

Ms. Loyzaga said mining contractors and permit holders will have the responsibility for ensuring that SDGs are achieved within their host and neighboring communities.

“The goal is to ensure that the wealth generated from mineral extraction is shared equitably, that ecosystems are protected, and that local communities gain empowerment,” she said.

The SDMP allocations are tapped by local government units to support community development projects, according to the DENR.

It said 10% is reserved for information, education, and communication efforts, 15% for the advancement of mining technology and geosciences, and 75% for projects directly implemented by the LGUs such as roads, water supply, health centers, school buildings and scholarships, and livelihood projects.

“From 2002 to 2027, the total approved SDMP commitment reached P28 billion, with P17.7 billion allotted for 2002-2022,” it said. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

MAV allocation delays seen potentially fueling inflation

February 17, 2025 | 8:14 pm

THE British Chamber of Commerce Philippines (BCCP) said the government needs to distribute the minimum access volume (MAV) allocations to traders, warning of disruptions to the supply of goods and the prospect that these might stoke inflation.

“Having encountered a similar issue last year, concerns over the delay have grown, potentially affecting the country’s supply and inflation,” BCCP Executive Director Chris Nelson said in a statement on Monday.

The MAV system is part of the country’s commitment to the World Trade Organization. The system sets import quotas for agricultural products entering the Philippines, within which such shipments pay reduced tariffs.

“MAV… should have been distributed at the beginning of the year — they have not been,” Mr. Nelson said.

“There is some discussion that they want to limit those MAV to processors. We would urge them to go back to the original system, which is to issue it straightforwardly. We do not want to see disruptions in supply,” he added.

He said that the original system has benefited both the UK and the Philippines and has assisted in lowering prices.

He also added that with the original system, Executive Order No. 62 is also in place to help augment supply and manage inflationary pressures.

“The pig herds have been affected by African Swine Fever (ASF), and the exports of British pork, along with other areas, keep down those prices,” he said.

Citing the Bureau of Animal Industry, the BCCP said that ASF continues to be active in nine regions, 15 provinces, 40 municipalities, and 130 barangays as of Jan. 31.

“(This) necessitates supply and demand for meat importers,” Mr. Nelson said.

Last week, the Department of Agriculture said that it is looking at imposing a maximum suggested retail price for pork, citing a gap of about P100 between the farmgate prices of P240 and P250 per kilo and the market prices of P380 to P420 per kilo. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Export growth seen driven by MSMEs, FTA utilization

February 17, 2025 | 8:14 pm

container-yard-manila-port — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

INTEGRATING MICRO, small and medium enterprises’ (MSMEs) into global value chains and maximizing free trade agreements (FTAs) will be key to boosting exports, the Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. (Philexport) said.

Citing the Philippine Development Report 2024, Philexport said via Viber that pushing MSMEs into global markets “can boost exports and foster product diversification beyond the major exports of semiconductors and electronics.”

It cited the potential for government support “through capacity building and funding for technology, innovation, skills upgrading, and market intelligence.”

Philexport said that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has started developing a customer relationship management system.

“To provide responsive support, the system should be able to utilize existing firm-level monitoring data collected from MSMEs while improved data collection and processing is still ongoing,” it added.

On maximizing FTAs, Philexport said the government can play a role by increasing funding for export promotion.

“And also still capacity building, addressing trade barriers, improving supply chain flow through trade facilitation, and hard and soft infrastructure,” it added.

Philexport said the private sector can help through innovation, research and development, skills upgrading, and market research.

It added that the private sector will also need to have stronger collaboration with the government on market intelligence.

Philippine merchandise exports slipped 0.5% to $73.21 billion last year, the Philippine Statistics Authority said, citing preliminary data. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Estate Tax: A duty you can’t escape

February 17, 2025 | 8:10 pm

Benjamin Franklin once said: “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” That means, you can’t escape paying taxes until you die. When someone dies, and you expect to receive an inheritance, you have the obligation to remit the estate taxes.

Under Philippine tax rules, estate tax is a tax on the privilege of the decedent to transmit his estate at death to his lawful heirs or beneficiaries. Currently, the net estate of every decedent, whether a resident or non-resident of the Philippines, is subject to an estate tax of 6%.

WHAT COMPRISES THE GROSS ESTATE?
The gross estate consists of all properties, wherever situated. However, for non-resident aliens (NRA), only property situated in the Philippines is included, provided that, with respect to intangible personal property, its inclusion in the gross estate is subject to the rule of reciprocity.

Allowable deductions to gross estate

The allowable deductions for either citizens or residents under the law are as follows:

a. Standard deduction of P5 million;

b. Claims against the estate;

c. Claims of the deceased against insolvent persons where the value of the decedent’s interest therein is included in the value of the gross estate;

d. Unpaid mortgages, taxes, and casualty losses;

e. Vanishing deduction or the properties previously taxed;

f. Transfers for public use;

g. Deduction of up to P10 million for the family home;

h. Any amount received by the heirs from the decedent’s employer as a consequence of the death of the decedent-employee in accordance with Republic Act (R.A.) 4917; and

i. Net share of the surviving spouse in the conjugal partnership or community property.

Property relationships:

The property relations between husband and wife shall be governed in the following order:

1. By marriage settlement executed before the marriage (pre-nuptial/ante-nuptial agreement)

2. The regime of absolute community (for marriages on Aug. 3, 1988, and onwards)

3. Conjugal partnership of gains (for marriages before Aug. 3, 1988)

4. By local customs (Art. 74, Family Code)

In the absence of any agreement or marriage settlement executed before the celebration of a marriage, either the conjugal or absolute community of properties shall govern the property ownership of the husband and wife.

Exemptions of certain acquisitions and transmissions

1. The merger of usufruct in the owner of the naked title

2. The transmission from the first heir, legatee or done or in favor of another beneficiary in accordance with the desire of the predecessor

3. The transmission or delivery of the inheritance or legacy by the fiduciary heir or legatee to the fideicommissary

4. All bequests, devises, legacies or transfers to social welfare, cultural, and charitable institutions, no part of the net income of which goes to the benefit of any individual;

provided, however, that not more than 30% of the said bequests, devises, legacies, or transfers shall be used by such institutions for administrative purposes

Other exemptions and exclusions from gross estate

1. Bequests to be used actually, directly, and exclusively for educational purposes

2. Proceeds of Life Insurance

a. Beneficiary is irrevocably appointed

b. Under group insurance taken by the employer in favor of the employee

3. Transfer by way of bona fide sales

4. Properties held in trust by the decedent

5. Separate property (capital of husband or paraphernal of wife) of the surviving spouse.

6. Exemptions due to reciprocity

Exemptions from special laws

1. Benefits received from SSS or GSIS

2. Benefits received from the US Veterans Administration

3. War benefits given by the Philippine government and US government due to damages suffered during the war

4. Grants and donations to the Intramuros Administration

5. Personal Equity and Retirement Account (PERA) assets of the contributor

In G.R. No. 262092, a recent Supreme Court decision, the decedent’s sole heir and representative and the estate paid the related estate tax. However, the dollar deposit at the foreign currency deposit unit (FCDU) was erroneously subjected to estate tax. The SC held that the foreign currency deposit accounts are exempt from all taxes, including estate tax under R.A. 6462 as amended by Presidential Decree Nos. 1034 and 1035, otherwise known as the Foreign Currency Deposit Act of the Philippines. The SC ruled that the provisions of the 1997 Tax Code, as amended, which is the general law on national internal revenue taxes cannot impliedly repeal or modify the provisions of the law. R.A.6462 is the special law governing the foreign currency deposit system in the Philippines including the exemption and incentives.

ESTATE TAX AMNESTY
The Estate tax amnesty was initially introduced under R.A. 11213 or the Tax Amnesty Act of 2019. This program helps to ease the financial burden on those with unsettled estate taxes for those who passed on or before May 31, 2022. It covers all the estate including those with donations or sales. The amnesty covers executors, legal heirs or beneficiaries provided a sworn Estate Tax Amnesty Return is filed to settle estate taxes without penalty or interest. The Estate Amnesty Act is approved for another extension until June 14, 2025. To avail of the estate tax amnesty benefits, submit the required documentation for filing including the decedent’s death certificate, tax identification number (TINs), property titles and tax declarations.

In the present day, death rates are high among older people and the risk of death changes. It rises exponentially, including among young professionals. If we are not prepared for the process, we may find it challenging to manage these estate affairs.

With the help of digitalization, the bureau’s enhanced and improved support services, to keep the public knowledgeable of our tax rules, we can find the best way to handle this responsibility. This will allow taxpayers to know where and when to start with regard to taxes.

Maricel P. Katigbak is a senior manager of the Tax Advisory & Compliance Practice Area of P&A Grant Thornton.

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Egypt Pharaohs rout listless Gilas Pilipinas, 86-55, sweep Doha Cup

February 17, 2025 | 8:03 pm

EGYPT POUNCED on its size advantage and hot shooting hands to deal listless Gilas Pilipinas an 86-55 beatdown and complete a sweep of the Doha Invitational Cup in Qatar on early Monday (Manila time).

The Pharaohs stepped on the gas in the second quarter, 21-9, to transform an initially tight contest into a one-sided affair to the disappointment of the big Filipino crowd at the Qatar University Sports & Events Center.

The charges of coach Tim Cone couldn’t recover from this onslaught by the Egyptians, who put them in the company of Lebanon (82-70) and host Qatar (83-54) in their list of victims.

The late fightback Pinoys hoped for didn’t happen as Gilas even lost the fourth period badly, 29-10, en route to their worst loss in the four-nation meet.

Justin Brownlee delivered 18 points and five rebounds but the naturalized player hardly had help as Gilas stumbled to back-to-back losses and finished with 1-2.

Carl Tamayo, with nine markers, was the next best performer for the Philippine crew that absorbed the 31-point shackling a day after yielding to the Cedars, 75-54.

It was the opposite ending to the Nationals’ triumphant opening match against the host Qataris, which saw them overturn an 11-point deficit and snatch a 74-71 verdict.

Egypt stalwarts Ehab Amin Saleh, Amr Zahran and 7-foot-2 Omar Tarek Oraby were the biggest thorns for Gilas and fired 20, 12 and 10, respectively. The trio combined for eight of the 11 triples the Egyptians dropped on the Filipinos, who could only make four from beyond the arc.

Gilas finished the Doha meet in third spot behind the Cedars, who secured No. 2 after picking up their second W in three matches at the expense of winless Qatar, 72-69.

Though the results weren’t as favorable, the Nationals left the Qatari capital warmed up and wiser for the next part of their campaign — the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers.

The Pinoy dribblers were slated to be back home in Manila late last night. Then they would leave again on Tuesday for Chinese Taipei ahead of their Feb. 20 showdown in the third and final window of the Qualifiers. After the away assignment in Taiwan, the Filipinos would head over to New Zealand for their grudge match with the Tall Blacks on Sunday. — Olmin Leyba

Obiena tops Orlen Copernicus Cup in Toruń, Poland

February 17, 2025 | 8:03 pm

WORLD NO. 4 and Asian champion EJ Obiena delivered his season-best performance in pocketing the gold medal in the Orlen Copernicus Cup in Toruń, Poland over the weekend.

The two-time Olympian submitted a 5.8-meter (m) clearance in capturing the mint ahead of other competitors that included local hero Piotr Lisek, who snared the silver with a 5.7 m.

Norwegian Sondre Guttormsen also registered a 5.7 m but settled for the bronze via countback.

It was the best effort for the World Championship bronze winner and Southeast Asian Games king after his 5.7 m in last month’s Meeting Metz Moselle Athletor in France where he also struck gold.

The Toruń feat was redemption of sorts for Mr. Obiena after a forgettable stint in last week’s ISTAF Indoor tournament in Dusseldorf, Germany where he ended up seventh of eight participants.

After passing up on the 5.2 m and 5.4 m, Mr. Obiena effortlessly cleared 5.5 m, passed up another attempt at 5.6 m, and then easily cleared 5.7 m.

He then found trouble hurdling 5.8 m after misfiring on his first two tries before eventually clearing on the third and final attempt that sealed the deal.

Mr. Obiena then tried 5.85 m but to no avail. — Joey Villar

Cignal eyes third place in clash with erratic Akari

February 17, 2025 | 8:03 pm

CIGNAL HD SPIKERS — FACEBOOK.COM/PREMIERVOLLEYBALLLEAGUE

Games on Tuesday
(PhilSports Arena)
4 p.m. – Cignal vs Akari
6:30 p.m. – Capital1 vs Farm Fresh

CIGNAL hopes to finish third in the preliminaries and gain a much needed morale booster entering the qualifying round as it clashes with an unpredictable Akari on Tuesday in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

The HD Spikers are actually bunched with the PLDT High Speed Hitters, their sister squad, and Choco Mucho Flying Titans at No. 3 with identical 7-3 marks, behind Creamline and Petro Gazz’s league-best 9-1 slates.

But a victory over the Chargers, who have split their first 10 matches, in their 4 p.m. collision will seal them outright No. 3 since they will end up with the highest FIVB tiebreaker.

The HD Spikers have also won their last two games including a 25-18, 25-22, 21-25, 25-11 win over the vastly improved ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Thursday and a third win in a row should further boost their growing confidence.

Cignal’s re-emergence was sparked by several moving forces, including rookie sensation Ishie Lalongisip, who had helped fill in the massive void left by the departure of Ces Molina and Riri Meneses.

That mental edge would be critical in the playoff round where the top six teams clash with the Nos. 12, 11, 10, 9, 8 and 7 team, respectively, with the winners claiming quarterfinal slots and the losers ending up battling each other for the last berths in the novel playin format.

Meanwhile, Capital1 (1-9) and Farm Fresh (4-6) collide at 6:30 p.m. — Joey Villar

Tatum, Curry lead Team Shaq’s All-Star clincher

February 17, 2025 | 8:02 pm

NBA-Curry — STEPHEN CURRY of the Golden State Warriors celebrates with the MVP trophy after defeating Chuck’s Global Stars during the 2025 NBA All Star Game. — REUTERS/KYLE TERADA-IMAGN IMAGES TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

THE CRITICS regularly blasted the NBA All-Star Game as an event in which very little defense was being played.

On Sunday night, Stephen Curry was named MVP for scoring 20 points — over two games.

The NBA’s new format drew mixed reviews on a night in which Team Shaq prevailed as the winner of the three-game event in San Francisco.

Curry was happy with the format after helping Team Shaq to a 41-25 victory over Team Chuck in the championship game.

“I had a lot of fun,” Curry said. “The intensity was definitely different than last year, a step in the right direction. It’s something new, everybody is still trying to figure it out.

“There are ways to tinker with the product, but I think this was a step in the right direction.”

Draymond Green, Curry’s Golden State Warriors teammate, didn’t play in the All-Star Game but is very much against the format.

He didn’t like that there was a team of non-All Stars playing among the four squads, and he pointed out that nobody can make a run at single-game scoring records in such a format.

“You work all year to be an All-Star and you get to play up to 40 (points) and then you’re done,” Green said on TNT, the network televising (and promoting) the contest. “This is so unfair to Victor Wembanyama, who just took this game really seriously, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who just took this game really seriously.”

Asked to rate it on a scale, Green said, “Ten being the best? A zero. It sucks. Awful.”

Jayson Tatum scored 15 points and Curry added 12 on four 3-pointers in Team Shaq’s easy 16-point victory in the title game.

Tatum made six of seven shots from the floor and converted the decisive dunk to end the game for Team Shaq, coached by former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal.

Curry was named All-Star Game MVP for the second time in his career. He also won in 2022, when he scored 50 points and set an All-Star Game record with 16 3-pointers in Cleveland.

Team Shaq’s LeBron James (ankle) sat out on Sunday night’s festivities.

Wembanyama scored 11 points to pace Team Chuck, which was coached by former NBA star Charles Barkley.

Team Shaq was seven points away from the target score of 40 when Curry hit two treys to pull it within one.

Tatum soon threw down his dunk to end the first All-Star Game played under this format.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard, a native of Oakland, was also on the winning side. He felt like this year’s event was an improvement over recent years’ All-Star Games.

“I think they’re just looking for a more competitive game and trying to find ways to create that and I thought tonight was a little bit more competitive than they have been the last few years,” Lillard said. “That’s the No. 1 thing, just to provide the entertainment and that competitiveness on the floor, and I thought it was a little bit more of that tonight.”

Team Shaq shot 57.1% from the field, including a 9-of-17 mark from 3-point range.

Team Chuck shot 35.5% overall and was a lowly 2 of 16 from behind the arc.

Team Shaq scored the first 11 points of the game.

Curry hit a game-opening 3-pointer, and Tatum followed with the next eight points on a dunk and two treys.

Team Chuck finally got on the board when Gilgeous-Alexander split two free throws.

After missing its first 10 field-goal attempts, Team Chuck ended its drought on a layup by Karl-Anthony Towns. Wembanyama followed with a 3-pointer to pull Team Chuck within 11-6.

Team Chuck was down 12 before creeping within 23-15 on consecutive dunks by Towns and Wembanyama.

But Curry let it fly from the midcourt line and swished a shot to push Team Shaq’s lead to 11 and provide one of the biggest highlights of the night.

The contest was the second of the night for both teams under the new format.

Team Shaq qualified for the title match with a 42-35 win over Team Candace, coached by former women’s star Candace Parker. Team Candace was made up of first and second-year NBA players who played their way into the bracket through Friday’s Rising Stars competition.

Team Chuck reached the final with a 41-32 victory over Team Kenny, coached by former NBA player Kenny Smith. — Reuters

LeBron James to sit out All-Star Game, citing ankle ‘discomfort’

February 17, 2025 | 8:02 pm

LEBRON JAMES revealed a few hours before the NBA All-Star Game on Sunday that he will not play due to ankle and foot pain.

“You won’t see anything from me tonight, unfortunately. I will not be in uniform tonight,” James said at a pregame press conference. “Still dealing with ankle and foot discomfort, so I will not be playing tonight, unfortunately. You know, I hate that.”

James was selected to his record-extending 21^st All-Star Game. He was set to play for Team Shaq in the new four-team mini-tournament format.

The 40-year-old missed one recent game, Feb. 8 against the Indiana Pacers, due to left ankle soreness.

James is averaging 24.3 points, 9 assists and 7.7 rebounds per game in 48 games for the Los Angeles Lakers, missing just four games with injury or illness.

The new All-Star format will see two semifinal games, the first pitting Team Kenny (captained by Kenny “The Jet” Smith) against Team Chuck (Charles Barkley) and the second pitting Team Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal) against Team Candace, a team made up of Rising Stars selections captained by Candace Parker. — Reuters