Gov’t lacks plan to avert transport crisis from jeepney phaseout — lawmaker

May 16, 2024 | 8:37 pm

commuters — PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

THE GOVERNMENT is ill-prepared for the impact of phasing out traditional jeepneys on mass transportation, an opposition congresswoman said on Thursday as authorities started its crackdown on public utility vehicles (PUV) which failed to meet the franchise consolidation deadline.

“The government has no concrete plan when it comes to the possible effect of a jeepney phaseout on jeepney drivers and the mass public transport,” Party-list Rep. Arlene D. Brosas, speaking in Filipino, said in a media briefing.

She urged the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to halt its apprehension of unconsolidated jeepneys as it would affect the livelihood of PUV operators and adversely affect commuters.

“Our message: choose the Philippines, the livelihood of jeepney operators. Stop the crackdown of unconsolidated jeeps and junk the PUV modernization program,” said Ms. Brosas.

The LTFRB on Thursday started its enforcement of the modernization program by apprehending unconsolidated jeepneys. About 1,900 PUVs did not join the program, LTFRB Chairman Teofilo E. Guadiz III told GMA News.

However, transport group PISTON said around 20,000 opted not to partake in the modernization efforts.

The government should look to support local jeepney manufacturers instead of relying on imported ones, Party-list Rep. France L. Castro said in the same briefer. “The government should support our local jeepney manufacturers so that the iconic sign of our jeepneys (won’t be erased),” she said in Filipino.

Ms. Castro said local support should instead be pursued instead of phasing out jeepneys.

“The government’s obviously leaning towards businessmen and foreigners, which piles their surplus jeepney units to our country,” she said.

Ms. Castro said forcing the modernization program to push through would result in an increase in public fares. “Fares would increase for passengers if it’s pushed through as we know that modern jeepneys are expensive,” she said.

Jeepney drivers earlier raised concerns about the prices of new imported jeepney units, which cost about P2 million per unit. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

PHL, Australia sign MoU on judicial cooperation

May 16, 2024 | 8:36 pm

THE PHILIPPINE Supreme Court (SC) and the Federal Court of Australia (FCA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to boost the two countries’ judicial cooperation by undertaking programs and annual meetings between the chiefs of the two courts.

Philippine Chief Justice Alexander G. Gesmundo on Monday signed the pact with Chief Justice Debra Sue Mortimer of the FCA, who was present online, in the Session Hall of the SC. Mr. Gesmundo said the partnership will have an initial five-year run.

It aims to establish a firm foundation for present and future relations and promote a deeper understanding of each country’s legal and judicial cultures, common international legal standards, regional development, and relevant emerging issues, the SC said.

For its first year, the two Courts will commence the Competition Law, Multi-Party Litigation or Class Actions, and the Administrative Support Functions for Regional Court Managers Program.

This is the second MoU between the SC and the Australian judiciary as a partnership with the Family Court of Australia was signed last May 8 in Cebu City. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Senator seeks updates on gains from PHL-US war games

May 16, 2024 | 8:36 pm

Balikatan-2023-flags-PHILSTAR-WALTER-BOLLOZOS — PHILIPPINESTAR/ WALTER BOLLOZOS

SENATOR Robin C. Padilla has filed a resolution seeking to look into the gains made from the recent war games between Filipino and American troops, citing the need to determine Manila’s prospects in boosting its defense capacity.

“It is important that every Filipino would understand the Balikatan (shoulder-to-shoulder) Exercise, the need for it, the gains of the country as well as the prospects and opportunities for the people,” he said in Senate Resolution No. 1026 filed on Wednesday.

“Dissemination of public information regarding the Balikatan Exercise should also be an indicator of the success of the conduct of the said joint exercises,” it said.

Manila and Washington are holding their annual military exercises from April 22 to May 18, with 5,000 Filipino soldiers and 11,000 American servicemen partaking in them.

For the first time, it is being held beyond the Philippines’ 12-nautical mile territorial waters.

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. earlier said the military exercises would tackle more areas of defense, including cybersecurity.

He has said Manila is considering including Japan in its annual war games with the United States amid worsening tensions with Beijing in the South China Sea.

Mr. Padilla said many Filipinos are still unaware of how important the war games are in shaping the country’s efforts on external defense operations, cyber defense, counter-terrorism, humanitarian assistance and disaster response among other areas. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Ex-magistrate to appeal case against Dominican priest

May 16, 2024 | 8:35 pm

FORMER Sandiganbayan justice Harriet O. Demetriou vowed on Thursday to appeal a Quezon City court’s decision to grant a motion to quash the case she filed against Dominican priest Ferdinand Winston F. Cabading for “offending religious feelings.”

Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 224 Judge Zita Marie M. Atienza-Fajardo ruled that Ms. Demetriou, also a former chairperson of the Commission on Elections, did not provide sufficient evidence of Mr. Cabading violations of the law.

A Marian devotee, Ms. Demetriou took offense at the priest’s remarks back in 2022 that discredited the Marian apparition at a Carmelite Monastery in Lipa, Batangas in 1948.

She filed charges of violation of Article 133 of the Revised Penal Code, which penalizes offending religious feelings, or Section 6 of Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, which addresses crimes committed using information and communications technologies.

“The Court holds that neither the original Information nor the Amended Information is sufficient as the same did not set forth the specific allegation of every fact and circumstance necessary to constitute the crime of offending religious feelings through and with the use of information and communications technologies,” read part of the nine-page decision rendered by Ms. Atienza-Fajardo.

The court rejected Ms. Demetriou’s accusations that Mr. Cabading offended the feelings of the faithful, stating that “the acts must be directed against religious practice or dogma or ritual for the purpose of ridicule, as mocking or scoffing at or attempting to damage an object of religious veneration.”

The court also noted that Mr. Cabading’s statements were not made during a religious ceremony but were expressed through a Facebook livestream of Wendell Talibong’s “Pananampalataya at Katuwiran,” which the priest, known for exorcism, does not own or manage.

In response to the decision, Ms. Demetriou told BusinessWorld in a text message: “My lawyers and I are going to appeal it to the court of appeals and all the way to the Supreme Court, which is the final arbiter of all legal disputes. We’re going to exhaust all legal remedies provided for by law.”

Mr. Cabading in a Messenger chat thanked the judge for ruling in his favor.

“We thank the Judge for the decision. Despite the arrest of May last year, I was confident that the truth will eventually prevail, for I have faith in our justice system,” he said.

The charges filed by Ms. Demetriou back in December, 2022, resulted in Mr. Cabading’s arrest on May 13, 2023. He was granted provisional liberty after two days upon posting bail.

The Marian apparition in Lipa, meanwhile, was debunked by the Vatican in 1951. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

National University sweeps UAAP men’s, women’s volleyball finals

May 16, 2024 | 7:35 pm

UNCAGED. Unchained. Unleashed.

Entering the final stage of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) wilderness together for the first time wasn’t the mere goal for the Bulldogs and Lady Bulldogs of the National University (NU). Discontented and all, they ran roughshod on a twain of Tigers to rule the jungle altogether and crown themselves as twin champions for also the first time ever.

In front of 22,515 witnesses, the Bulldogs and the Lady Bulldogs ascended to the throne with 25-21, 22-25, 25-17, 25-15 and 25-23, 23-25, 27-25, 25-16 victory, respectively, in Game 2 to complete convincing series sweeps in the UAAP Season 86 men’s and women’s volleyball tournaments on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Lady Bulldogs capped a fitting redemption for their second title in three years and fourth overall as the Bulldogs cemented their stature as the best men’s team in the country with a sweet four-peat as part of their six overall cups.

They’re the first UAAP volleyball double champions since Ateneo de Manila University did it in Season 77. The Bulldogs were also the first four-peat titlist since University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Season 73 while the Lady Bulldogs redeemed themselves after a runner-up finish last year.

This season, together they’re simply the first — and the only.

Newly-crowned Season MVP and First Best Outside Spiker Bella Belen fired 19 points to finish what her lethal partner and Finals MVP Alyssa Solomon (Best Opposite Spiker) started with 27 points on 24 hits, four blocks and three aces.

The Lady Bulldogs, on the heels of an easy 25-23, 25-20, 25-20 win in Game 1, met strong resistance form the Golden Tigresses inspired by the return of injured ace and Rookie of the Year Angeline Poyos only to brave on, highlighted by a comeback from a 21-23 deficit in the crucial third set. Ms. Belen stamped her MVP form in that stretch, firing three straight points down the wire for the win that just snowballed in a dominant fourth-set performance to seal the deal.

For the Bulldogs, graduating team captain Joshua Retamar (26 sets, three points, nine digs) brought them home for a beautiful swan song to cap an illustrious collegiaye career laced by back-to-back Best Setter plums and Finals MVP honors.

Mr. Retamar rolled the red carpet for his snipers led by Buds Buddin (28), Leo Aringo (22) and Second Best Outside Spiker Nico Almendras (20) as NU, which was swept by Santo Tomas in the elims, spoiled the 24-point outing of back-to-back MVP Josh Ybañez (also First Best Outside Spiker).

Joining Ms. Belen in the women’s dream team were De La Salle University’s Thea Gagate (First Best Middle Blocker), University of the Philippines’ Niña Ytang (Second Best Middle Blocker), UST’s Cassie Carballo (Best Setter) and Bernadett Pepito (Libero).

Other men’s awardees included Far Eastern University’s Dryx Saavedra (Best Opposite Spiker), FEU’s Martin Bugaoan (First Best Middle Blocker), La Salle’s Nathaniel Del Pilar (Second Best Middle Blocker), La Salle’s Nard Guerrero (Best Libero) and NU’s Jade Disquitado (Rookie of the Year). — John Bryan Ulanday

NU ‘focus and goal’ is dominate volleyball

May 16, 2024 | 7:34 pm

NATIONAL University (NU) won only two volleyball titles in the UAAP’s first 74 seasons, both from the women’s divisions. In the last decade, NU already quadrupled that tally with eight titles in both tournaments.

Once title-less in the men’s division, the Bulldogs had the biggest haul in a stellar ascend with six now, including a four-peat and counting as the rising Lady Bulldogs just clinched their second mint in the past three seasons for a four-crown harvest now.

NU, also with 11 titles in the girls and boys’ divisions in the last 10 years, arguably has the best volleyball program in the country today and make no mistake, the Bulldogs are just getting started.

The Lady Bulldogs’ second title in three years, behind Norman Miguel and now assistant Karl Dimaculangan, included a historic feat in 2022 to snap a 65-year title drought. Back in 1957, that was only their second title before doubling it a whirlwind.

Dante Alinsunurin, for his part, is the architect of all NU’s six titles but this last one might be his most challenging one yet in a magnificent run highlighted by 34 straight wins at one point.

“Our focus and goal is to dominate volleyball in UAAP,” said Mr. Alinsunurin after getting some measure of payback on the heels of Choco Muchos’ bridesmaid finish in the PVL.

The Bulldogs, who recently produced Bryan Bagunas and Owa Retamar, and the Lady Bulldogs, who paved the way for the likes Jaja Santiago, Dindin Santiago, Bella Belen, Alyssa Solomon and Jen Nierva, expect to carry larger target on their backs in the years to come and they will be ready to defend and bite back every time. — John Bryan Ulanday

SMB faces youth-laden ROS in Philippine Cup semis

May 16, 2024 | 7:32 pm

Games Friday
(MOA Arena)
4:30 p.m. — Rain or Shine vs San Miguel Beer (Game 1 Semis)
7:30 p.m. — Meralco vs Ginebra (Game 1 Semis)

MOMENTS after Rain or Shine (ROS) followed defending champion San Miguel Beer (SMB) to the PBA Philippine Cup semis, coach Yeng Guiao immediately turned on the mental game.

“I think the series is for them to lose,” Mr. Guiao said as he noted the Beermen’s big advantage in firepower, playoff experience and resources against his youth-laden crew entering the race-to-four semis opener Friday at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena. “This seven-game series is going to be our best learning experience, we have nothing to lose, we will gain experience in this series.”

It’s Mr. Guiao’s way of taking the pressure off his young guns while shifting it heavily to their mighty opponents as they fire the first salvo in the 4:30 p.m. tiff preceding Game 1 of the other series between old rivals Ginebra and Meralco at 7:30 p.m.

Of course, this doesn’t mean ROS will give it to SMB that easily.

“We will play as hard as we can,” Mr. Guiao vowed.

Against SMB’s battle-tested aces June Mar Fajardo, CJ Perez, Terrence Romeo, Jericho Cruz and Don Trollano, it will surely be a true test of toughness and character for gritty ROS led by veterans Beau Belga and Gabe Norwood and youthful Andrei Caracut, Gian Mamuyac, Santi Santillan, Adrian Nocum and Jhonard Clarito.

The No. 1 and twice-to-beat Beermen took a longer route to the Final Four after being dragged to a sudden death by No. 8 Terrafirma in the first match, 106-95. But they got the job done just the same with a 110-91 clincher Wednesday and stayed on track for not only back-to-back All Filipino crowns but also a sweep of two-conference Season 48.

“We’re back to zero. Elims is done, quarterfinals is done,” Jorge Gallent said in illustrating SMB’s mindset.

San Miguel was tested by the Dyip, whose three-point-shooting frontliners gave Mr. Fajardo and Co. a difficult time.

“It’s a very good grind for us. Rain or Shine has the same style (as Terrafirma). They have bigs that can shoot the three so that series really helped us (for ROS), said Mr. Gallent.

Meanwhile, the Gin Kings and the Bolts brace for a dogfight in their eighth playoffs matchup in the last eight seasons.

“We know what we’re up against. It will be hard all the way but we’re looking forward (to this matchup),” said Meralco mentor Luigi Trillo, expecting the likes of Chris Newsome, Cliff Hodge, Allein Maliksi, Raymond Almazan and Chris Banchero to lead the charge versus Ginebra’s Christian Standhardinger, Scottie Thompson, Japeth Aguilar and Maverick Ahanmisi. — Olmin Leyba

Belen, Solomon and Pepito unsure of joining Alas Pilipinas

May 16, 2024 | 7:31 pm

NEWLY-crowned University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) champions Bella Belen and Alyssa Solomon of National University joining the Philippine national volleyball team is still up in the air.

The two ace spikers said they will take their time celebrating with the Lady Bulldogs first and consulting the coaching staff and school management before deciding after being named in the pool of Nationals now known as “Alas Pilipinas.” Mmess. Belen and Solomon are among the collegiate stars called up by the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) to join the PVL-laden Alas Pilipinas for the Women’s AVC Challenge Cup on May 22 to 29 at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum.

Ms. Belen just captured her second UAAP Most Valuable Player plum in three seasons while Ms. Solomon earned the Finals MVP citation. Ms. Belen was also named the First Best Outside Spiker while Ms. Solomon rose as the Best Opposite Hitter, further stamping their status as the best collegiate duo now.

Even back-to-back UAAP Best Libero Bernadett Pepito of runner-up Santo Tomas was also in consideration previously though she’s in for a busy academic stretch, including a practicum as per coach Kungfu Reyes.

Their decision has to made as soon as possible with the tourney already firing next week and should the stars align, they could shore up an already potent squad led by their fellow UAAP ace Angel Canino from De La Salle University, Sisi Rondina of Choco Mucho, Eya Laure of Chery Tiggo, Vanie Gandler and Dawn Macandili-Catindig of Cignal as well as Jia Morado-De Guzman of Creamline.

If ever, this could be the return of Mmess. Belen and Solomon to the national team after spearheading a young squad in the Southeast Asia Volleyball League last year in Vietnam. — John Bryan Ulanday

Luka Doncic, Mavs beat Thunder, now one win from taking series

May 16, 2024 | 7:31 pm

LUKA DONCIC finished with 31 points and delivered his second consecutive triple-double as the Dallas Mavericks moved one victory from their second Western Conference final in three seasons with a 104-92 victory Wednesday over the host Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 5 of their second-round series.

Mr. Doncic, who has been playing with multiple injuries through the course of the playoffs, also had 10 rebounds and 11 assists as Dallas took a 3-2 series lead. Derrick Jones Jr. scored 19 points and P.J. Washington had 10 points with 10 rebounds in the win.

Dereck Lively II added 11 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, while Kyrie Irving added 12 points as the Mavericks are set to return home for Game 6 on Saturday.

Dallas finished off Oklahoma City after they blew a 14-point, third-quarter lead and an eight-point lead with less than eight minutes remaining in a 100-96 defeat in Game 4 on Monday. The Mavericks are now 4-0 after a loss this postseason.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points and Chet Holmgren added 13 as the top-seeded Thunder are now forced to win consecutive games in order to advance. Jalen Williams and Luguentz Dort each scored 12 points for Oklahoma City, which never led after the first quarter.

The Mavericks pushed in front just over five minutes into the game and led 24-22 after the first quarter. Dallas led by as many as 15 points in the first half before settling for a 54-44 lead at the break after shooting 56.1 percent. Mr. Doncic had 17 points in the first two quarters on 7-of-11 shooting.

Mr. Gilgeous-Alexander kept Oklahoma City within striking distance by scoring 14 points in the third quarter, but his teammates were only able to contribute nine points — all from reserves — against a relentless Dallas defense.

The Mavericks took a 79-67 lead intothe fourth quarter after the Thunder had briefly pulled within single digits.

Dallas again pulled ahead by 15 at 86-71 on a floater from Mr. Doncic with 10:11 remaining then grabbed their biggest lead of the game to that point at 89-71 on a long 3-pointer from Mr. Doncic with 9:31 left.

The Thunder then used a 10-0 run to pull within 89-81 on a driving layup from Mr. Williams. But Dallas got consecutive baskets from Mr. Washington for a 95-85 lead with 4:04 on the clock.

Neither team made a field goal for more than two minutes before Dallas went up 99-86 on a fast-break dunk from Mr. Jones with 2:01 to play.

Mr. Doncic helped to save the day on defense when he blocked Mr. Gilgeous-Alexander’s fast-break layup attempt with 55 seconds left. — Reuters

Without Lionel Messi, Inter Miami draws with host Orlando City

May 16, 2024 | 7:30 pm

DRAKE Callender made three saves and Inter Miami managed a 0-0 draw with host Orlando City despite not having Lionel Messi available on Wednesday night.

Mr. Messi did not make the trip as he nurses a leg injury suffered Saturday in the team’s win at CF Montreal.

Miami (8-2-4, 28 points) had a five-match winning streak come to an end but extended its unbeaten run in MLS play to eight in a row (5-0-3). It marked just the second time this regular season that the Herons were held scoreless.

Pedro Gallese saved three shots for Orlando City (3-5-4, 13 points). Despite Miami controlling nearly 59 percent of the possession, Orlando had a 14-6 advantage in shot attempts and an 8-4 edge in corner kicks — but could not come through with a goal.

Miami came up wanting on a pair of great looks in the first 10 minutes by Luis Suarez and Robert Taylor. Orlando then got close to scoring off two corner kicks.

Callender deflected Martin Ojeda’s attempt from close range in the 32^nd minute and made a leaping save on Luis Muriel one minute later.

Orlando tested Callender again early in the second half, but he stopped David Brekalo’s header in the 52^nd minute.

A while later, Mr. Gallese bumped into Mr. Suarez in the air and stayed down for a few minutes, but after receiving treatment he remained in the match. — Reuters

Juventus wins Coppa Italia final with early Vlahovic strike

May 16, 2024 | 7:30 pm

ROME — Juventus beat Atalanta 1-0 to win a record-extending 15^th Coppa Italia on Wednesday as an early strike by Dusan Vlahovic earned Massimiliano Allegri’s side their first trophy in three years.

Juventus, who holds both the record for most Italian Cup finals played (22) and won, had not lifted any silverware since they won the competition in 2020-21, when they also beat Atalanta in the final.

Mr. Allegri, meanwhile, became the first coach to win the Coppa Italia five times after Sven-Goran Eriksson and Roberto Mancini lifted the trophy on four occasions.

Mr. Vlahovic put Juventus in front in the fourth minute when he latched onto a pass from Andrea Cambiaso and broke inside the box to send the ball past goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi from around the penalty spot. Mr. Vlahovic, who also found the net when they lost the final to Inter Milan in 2022 (4-2), became the third Juventus player to score in two Coppa Italia finals. — Reuters

Tempting fate

May 16, 2024 | 7:30 pm

The Celtics know how it is to face pressure. They’ve been familiar with it since they drafted Jayson Tatum third overall in 2017. Since then, they’ve finished league runners-up once and battled for the East championship three other times — as much an indication of their contender status as of their disappointing stints in the playoffs. Including a trio of first and second round outings, their playoff experience since adding otherworldly talent to their roster has been cause for disappointment.

Through the Celtics’ 2023-24 campaign, the pressure is even more pronounced. Having all but lapped the National Basketball Association field with a 64-18 slate in the regular season, they are expected to run over the competition en route to the title. Yet, even as they have, for the most part, lived up to billing as favorites, they remain dangerously susceptible to near-critical lulls in concentration. And when they take their foot off the pedal for one reason or another, they find their performance woefully inadequate. It happened when the Heat took Game Two of their opening-round series at the Garden, and when the Cavaliers did the same in the conference semifinals.

The Celtics would go on to take care of business, but not without eliciting doubts from longtime habitues of the pro scene. It’s as if they want to play with fire solely to up the ante, testing themselves in ways their opponents can’t. From here on, however, the quality of the obstacles begins to take on a Herculean form. What they got away with against the injury-riddled Heat and Cavaliers, they won’t come close to trying versus the Knicks or the Pacers.

It’s never good to tempt fate, but the Celtics can’t seem to stop getting in their way. As skilled as they may be, the road to success now has a steeper slope that requires them to be at their best without letup. To be sure, they know well enough to learn from their mistakes, and are more than capable to jump over hurdles; not even the absence of vital cog Kristaps Porzingis puts a significant crimp on their plans to finally take the Larry O’Brien Trophy home. Which is why they’re still the choice of conventional wisdom to win it all. They believe it, too, and for as long as they walk the talk, they should be just fine.

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.