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Imported rice MSRP declining to P45 per kilo at end of March

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THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday it will reduce the maximum suggested retail price (MSRP) for imported rice to P45 per kilo on March 31, citing declining global rice prices.

The DA said in a statement that the lifting of India’s year-long ban on the export of non-basmati white rice has pushed global rice prices to their lowest levels in over two years.

Some rice varieties are now priced below $380 per metric ton, it said.

“At this level, the retail price of imported rice has now decreased by P19 per kilo compared to its price before we implemented the MSRP on Jan. 20,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said.

The lowering of the MSRP has raised concerns among farmers that the farmgate price of palay (unmilled rice) will fall further, as traders grow reluctant to carry domestic rice because of competition from cheaper imports.

The DA said before the MSRP was imposed, imported rice was selling for P64 per kilo “despite global rice prices softening, tariff reductions, and a stronger peso.”

The agency first implemented the MSRP for imported rice on Jan. 20 at initial setting of P58 per kilo. It was further lowered to P52 on Feb. 15, and to P49 on March 1.

The DA said earlier this month it will likely lower the MSRP at the end of March if the current trend in world rice prices persists and the peso remains strong.

Prior to the MSRP reduction to P49 on March 1, the price of rice from Vietnam with 5% broken-grain content had fallen to $490 per MT, about $200 cheaper compared with December, according to the DA.

Vietnam is the Philippines’ main overseas rice supplier.

The landed cost of imported rice in March for the DT8 variety was P32-34 per kilo, according to Food Terminal, Inc.

The DA in January declared a national rice emergency, citing an “extraordinary” spike in the price of the staple grain despite lower tariffs on imports.

Food security emergency declarations are a power given to the DA by Republic Act 12708 or the Agricultural Tariffication Act, which would trigger the release of rice reserves from National Food Authority (NFA) warehouses to stabilize prices.

Inflation eased to 2.1% in February from 2.9% in January as rice inflation dropped to 4.9%, the sharpest decline since April 2020.

The Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) said on Tuesday that some farmers are selling freshly harvested palay for as little as P14 per kilo.

FFF National Director Raul Q. Montemayor said the situation of palay farmers will worsen if the government continues to impose reduced tariffs on rice imports.

Issued on June 20, 2024 Executive Order No. 62 reduced the tariffs for all rice imports to 15% from the 35% rate charged to grain from Southeast Asia.

“The strategy largely failed as importers and traders pocketed most of the savings from the tariff cuts instead of passing them on to consumers,” the FFF said.

Rice imports hit an all-time high of nearly 4.7 million metric tons (MT) in 2024 in response to a shortfall in domestic stocks and the resulting high prices.

In mid-January, Mr. Laurel said the government does not plan to resort to imports to bring down rice prices, which he blamed on profiteering.

The FFF noted that while inflows seem to have slackened in the first quarter of 2025, international prices have significantly declined, with the landed cost of Vietnam rice with 5% broken content amounting to just over P24 per kilo this month.

“Palay traders are probably anticipating that the prices of imported rice will continue to fall, so they are playing safe by buying low from farmers,” FFF Board Chairman Leonardo Q. Montemayor said.

The Tariff Commission on March 28 will hear a petition by FFF to restore rice import tariffs to 35% for Southeast Asian grain.

The FFF has also asked the commission to impose a 50% tariff on grain from all other countries of origin.

The FFF argued that restoring the 35% rice tariff will not unduly raise rice prices given the downtrend in import prices.

Rice imports fell 46% year on year to 641,000 MT in the year to date ending March 13.

The FFF, meanwhile, said the NFA remains unable to absorb the domestic harvest due to congestion in its warehouses, lack of drying and other post-harvest facilities, and limited procurement budget.

The NFA earlier this month said it is undertaking a P10-billion modernization program aimed at enhancing rice storage, building new rice mills, and upgrading drying facilities to improve the rice harvest recovery rate. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Major food hubs to rise in Clark, Quezon

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THE Department of Agriculture (DA) said on Wednesday it plans to build major food hubs in Clark and Quezon province next year to help stabilize produce prices.

One of the hubs will be constructed on 30–50 hectares in the Clark complex in Central Luzon, Agriculture Assistant Secretary Arnel V. de Mesa told reporters.

The proposed Clark hub will be the main distribution center for produce from the north of Luzon.

The Quezon food hub will rise on 20-30 hectares, Mr. De Meza said.

He said President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. approved the proposals in a meeting with agriculture officials on Tuesday.

“Yesterday, we were in Malacañang and the President initially agreed on these concepts,” Mr. De Mesa said.

The Philippines is adopting the practice from Thailand, which has about 20 major food hubs of 50 to 80 hectares each.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. wants the food hubs to incorporate cold storage facilities, Mr. De Mesa said.

The DA earlier this month sent a delegation to Thailand led by Mr. Laurel to explore best practices in farming, product development, and agricultural supply chain management. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

NLEX reopens all Marilao northbound lanes

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NLEX CORP. said it reopened all four northbound lanes of the Marilao segment of North Luzon Expressway following emergency repairs.

“While all lanes are now passable, supporting steel poles will remain on the lanes to allow concrete curing of the bridge. With this development, traffic flow in Marilao Northbound is expected to improve and normalize in the next few days,” NLEX, a unit of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC), said in a statement on Thursday.

NLEX had closed two northbound lanes at Marilao after the Marilao Interchange bridge was struck by an 18-wheeler truck on March 19.

The repair was originally scheduled for completion by March 28, NLEX said, adding that the company accelerated repairs with round-the-clock work.

On Sunday, NLEX announced that it was temporarily waiving tolls on the northbound segment of the expressway from Balintawak to Meycauayan starting March 24 to provide relief to motorists.

MPTC is the tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp., one of the three key Philippine subsidiaries of Hong Kong’s First Pacific Co. Ltd., alongside Philex Mining Corp. and PLDT Inc.

Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Inc., holds a majority stake in BusinessWorld through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Crackdown looms for improperly documented PWD transactions

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THE Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) reminded businesses granting discounts to persons with disabilities (PWDs) of the requirement to record the information of customers presenting their cards.

“BIR will strictly implement existing laws and regulations to ensure compliance. Businesses must follow the prescribed guidelines, including checking the physical PWD IDs and recording the information before granting discounts,” it said via Viber on March 21.

“While businesses may not have direct access to verify IDs in real time, the BIR can cross-check the ID details against official records from the National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA),” it added.

Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian has estimated that fake PWD cards resulted in P88 billion in foregone taxes in 2023.

In a separate statement on Wednesday, BIR Commissioner Romeo D. Lumagui, Jr. affirmed that all tax privileges given by law to PWDs will be honored.

“However, the BIR will be strict with businesses which do not even follow the basic documentation and procedural requirements under Revenue Regulation No. 5-2017,” he added.

This refers to the rules and regulations implementing the Republic Act No. 10754, which expands benefits and privileges to PWDs such as the minimum 20% discount and value-added tax exemption.

The law allows establishments granting discounts to PWDs for goods and services to claim these discounts as tax deductions.

The BIR reminded businesses that each transaction must be properly documented, including duly-issued invoices reflecting the discount granted.

These documents should also bear the name of the PWD and their ID number.

Mr. Lumagui urged the public to report the manufacture, printing, sale, and use of fake IDs, with violators subject to prosecution for tax evasion.

“The sale and use of fake PWD IDs is not only tax evasion, it is also an act of disrespect against legitimate PWDs,” Mr. Lumagui said.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said on March 21 that the pilot test of the unified Identification system for PWDs will start in July. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

BSP seen cutting rates by as much as 100 bps

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THE Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is expected to further lower interest rates this year by as much as 100 basis points (bps) amid easing inflation, analysts said.

“We expect inflation in the Philippines to remain low, which will open the door for the central bank to cut interest rates further over the coming months,” Capital Economics said in a report.

“Our forecast for a further 100 bps of cuts this year makes us more dovish than the consensus.”

The BSP last month opted to keep its key rate steady at 5.75% amid global trade uncertainties. It had delivered a total of 75 bps worth of rate cuts in 2024.

However, BSP Governor Eli M. Remolona has said monetary authorities remain in an easing cycle, signaling the possibility of a 25-bp cut at the Monetary Board’s meeting on April 10.

“The central bank left interest rates unchanged at its February meeting, but we expect them to resume their easing cycle soon given the subdued outlook for inflation,” Capital Economics said.

“Inflation sits comfortably within the BSP’s 2-4% target range, and is likely to remain low over the coming quarters.”

Capital Economics projects inflation to average 3.2% this year and 2.9% in 2026.

The central bank’s baseline forecasts for inflation are 3.5% for 2025 to 2026. Accounting for risks, inflation could hit 3.7% in 2026.

Headline inflation slowed to 2.1% in February, bringing average inflation to 2.5% in the first two months.

Economic output is also expected to be supported by further monetary easing, Capital Economics said.

“On the plus side, consumption growth should remain robust over the forecast period, helped by a combination of lower inflation and interest rate cuts.”

“However, the boost from strong consumption will be offset by tighter fiscal policy. Debt shot up during the pandemic and the government is trying to bring it down steadily.”

Capital Economics also noted that the economy is unlikely to be significantly impacted by US tariff policies.

“A key uncertainty over the coming year is whether and to what extent Donald Trump follows through with his threats to impose tariffs and clamp down on immigration,” it said.

“The Philippines is a relatively closed economy and so less vulnerable than other parts of the region to tariffs. However, Trump’s deportation plans could affect remittances from the US to the Philippines, which are equivalent to around 3.5% of the country’s GDP.”

Meanwhile, S&P Global Ratings economist for Asia-Pacific Vishrut Rana separately said he expects the BSP to cut by 50 bps this year.

“For the Philippines, we see the policy rate ending up at 5.25% towards the end of this year, and 4.5% next year,” he said on Money Talks with Cathy Yang on One News on Wednesday.

“So, still a little bit more aggressive than the Fed, but not highly increased relative to the US interest rates also,” he added.

Mr. Rana said the central bank will consider weaker-than-expected growth in its policy decisions.

“For the Philippines, what we see is that in the latter half of 2024, we saw some softening of domestic activity, particularly domestic demand.”

S&P sees growth expanding by around 6% this year.

“In that environment, inflation still remains very much under control. So, the BSP has flexibility to ease interest rates,” Mr. Rana said.

“On the other hand, the capital flow environment is still quite uncertain. There’s still capital outflow pressures. The currency has been broadly stable. But the BSP will not want to move too quickly to avoid the risk of triggering capital outflows, particularly while the US Fed and interest rates remain relatively elevated.” — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

UK, PHL push greater use of preferential DCTS trade scheme

GOV.UK

THE UK and the Philippines are hoping for greater utilization of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), the British Embassy in Manila said.

“We are very pleased to be working with the government of the Philippines to try to increase utilization,” British Embassy Manila Director of Trade and Investment Lindsey Gilbert-Crouch said in a roundtable discussion late Tuesday.

“I believe in the next few days, we are going to be launching an exporters handbook to help support that,” she added.

Export Marketing Bureau (EMB) Director Bianca Pearl R. Sykimte said that the handbook aims to help exporters access the UK market.

“I think towards the end of the week, we’re launching the handbook as part of our Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO). So, we are launching a guidebook on how to access the UK market, leveraging the DCTS,” Ms. Sykimte told reporters on Monday.

She said that the JETCO, aside from increasing trade, aims to improve the utilization rate of the DCTS, which is currently around 68%.

“We have also had discussions with the UK government on relaxing some of the rules for sectors that have underutilized the scheme, specifically garments,” she said.

“The UK has also had several consultations with other developing countries availing of DCTS. And one of the focus sectors is garments, because it has low utilization,” she added.

Ms. Gilbert-Crouch said DCTS utilization by the Philippines is “pretty high.”

“Obviously we would love to see utilization at 100%; that’s the dream. I don’t know if we will ever get there, but utilization is actually pretty high at the moment,” she said.

“So really, our goal at the moment is to work closely with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to make sure that as many exporters as possible are aware of the scheme,” she added.

She also noted the UK’s work with Boston Consulting Group in exploring new industries that could benefit from the DCTS.

The UK and the Philippines held the inaugural JETCO meeting on March 17 with the aim of upgrading the growing bilateral economic relationship.

During the meeting, a program of work to advance bilateral cooperation over the next 12-18 months was endorsed, which includes government-to-government and government-to-business activities.

Collaboration will center on priority areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, energy, economic development, life sciences, and technology.

UK Trade Commissioner for the Asia-Pacific Martin Kent also said that the UK and the Philippines committed to progress a government-to-government financing framework partnership.

“That will unlock about 5 billion pounds worth of export finance to support sustainable public infrastructure and improve access to UK expertise and technology in the Philippines,” Mr. Kent said.

The government-to-government framework will also expand access to other sources of cooperation.

“Both countries agreed to develop a project pipeline through the Infrastructure Sectoral Working Group in anticipation of the establishment of the Framework,” the UK Department for Business and Trade said on March 19.

This year, the UK chose the Philippines to be the venue for the UK-Southeast Asia Tech Week. It brought 12 UK tech companies to meet 40 Filipino firms to explore and discuss commercial opportunities.

“The fact that this event is happening in the Philippines for the first time demonstrates just quite how much is happening bilaterally and quite how significant the potential for further partnerships is from the perspective of the UK,” British Ambassador to the Philippines Laure Beaufils said.

Mr. Kent said that there are no firm targets set in terms of how much investment the UK firms will be bringing in.

“But I think we’re going to be quite impressed by what we see over the short and medium term. There was a real buzz about this Southeast Asia Tech Week, and I think we’re going to see UK exports into the Philippines. We’re also going to see Philippine exports to the UK,” he said.

“I think we’re going to see investment from the UK into the Philippines and vice versa as well. And I think we’ll probably also start to see more British businesses setting up here and working in collaboration and partnerships, so no firm targets, but we are seeing some very promising early signs so far,” he added.

According to Ms. Gilbert-Crouch, the country’s talent and market make the Philippines an attractive destination for UK firms.

“This is a market filled with people who have the types of skills that tech companies are looking for, and that’s very important,” she said.

“(Another thing) is the size of the potential market. This is a country of over 100 million people, so there’s very strong demand for a lot of UK tech products and UK tech expertise. And I think UK companies are really just keen to tap into that,” she added. 

Mr. Kent also announced the launch of the Tech Growth Program, which is a partnership with Philippine venture capital firm Kickstart Ventures.

“The program will match UK startups to potential investments from Kickstart ventures through the Economic Corporation Technology Innovation Venture Fund, one of the largest venture funds in the Philippines,” he said.

“This collaboration reflects the UK’s strong commitment to providing innovative tech to the Philippines. And our strategic partnership with FinTech Alliance Philippines, announced this week, marks the beginning of a new era in UK-Philippines fintech cooperation,” he added.

The EMB reported that total trade between the UK and the Philippines was $1.18 billion in 2024. The UK was the Philippines’ 23rd leading trading partner last year.

According to Mr. Kent, over 200 British companies are operating in the Philippines. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Apparent bid to smuggle sweetener foiled

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SOME 10,000 bags of sweetener have been seized on suspicion that the cargo was misdeclared, the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said.

The shipment was declared by importers as “white sweet powder” and is believed to contain 88% sugar and 12% glucose, SRA Administrator Pablo Luis S. Azcona said at a briefing late Tuesday.

The SRA is currently performing laboratory tests on the premixed products.

Mr. Azcona said imports of premixed products that contain more than the allowable sugar content are illegal.

“Anything that has 65% and up (of sugar) is sugar.”

Mr. Azcona said the suspected instance of technical smuggling disrupts the “whole price structure” for sugar and threatens the livelihoods of sugar farmers.

The SRA has yet to issue an import order for this year, he said.

The regulator said in February that it is upgrading its database of importers to clamp down on technical smuggling. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

University of Tokyo to look into more intensive use of PHL sugar byproducts

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THE Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) said the University of Tokyo will study the Philippine sugar industry to determine ways to use sugar byproducts more intensively, following the signing of a memorandum of agreement on March 21.

In a three-year partnership, which may be extended for another three, the SRA and the university will entered into a partnership to share technical know-how, specifically in determining ways to achieve “high-level utilization” of sugar by-products and to assess “the future value of the sugarcane industry through technology assessments such as life cycle assessment.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Paperless invoicing and sales reporting

The electronic invoicing system was first introduced via an amendment to the National Internal Revenue Code (NIRC or Tax Code) through the TRAIN Law, effective January 2018, and further amended by the recently signed CREATE MORE. To implement the updated provisions on electronic invoices, electronic sales reporting and additional allowable deductions, the BIR issued Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 11-2025.

ISSUANCE OF ELECTRONIC INVOICES
In compliance with the BIR’s directive, an Electronic Invoicing/Receipting System (EIS) was established where the data required to be transmitted are stored and processed using the Sales Data Transmission System. From the initial coverage of taxpayers required to issue electronic invoices based on the earlier RR No. 8-2022, the regulations added the following taxpayers to the list of those required to comply: (1) those classified as Large Taxpayers under the Ease of Paying Taxes (EoPT) Act and RR No. 8-2024 and (2) taxpayers using Computerized Accounting Systems (CAS), Computerized Books of Account (CBA) with electronic invoicing and other invoicing software.

Meanwhile, certain taxpayers are required to issue electronic invoices upon the BIR’s establishment of a system capable of storing and processing transmitted data: (1) Registered Business Enterprises (RBE) availing of tax incentives, except those using CAS, CBA with accounting records and other invoicing software; (2) taxpayers using point-of-sale systems (POS); and (3) other taxpayers as may be required by the Commissioner to issue electronic invoices.

Taxpayers classified as micro taxpayers in line with the EoPT Law are excluded from the requirement. Nonetheless, they may voluntarily issue or continue to issue electronic invoices (if already doing so). In such cases, they can avail of the additional deductions provided under CREATE MORE.

ELECTRONIC SALES REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The Electronic Sales Reporting System (ESRS) is the electronic reporting or process of storing, transmitting and/or receiving the electronic invoice data, through direct system-to-system data transfer without manual entry, to the BIR in a structured electronic format. The purpose of the system is for the taxpayers to electronically report their sales data to the BIR.

The same taxpayers required to issue electronic invoices are also required to comply with the ESRS, once the BIR has established a system capable of storing and processing the data that must be transmitted to it. Separate rules and regulations will be issued for this.

TAX INCENTIVES — ADDITIONAL DEDUCTION
As an incentive to taxpayers required or those who voluntarily comply with the electronic invoicing and sales data reporting requirements, an additional deduction from the taxable income will be allowed to help offset the cost of setting up the electronic reporting sales system. Micro and small taxpayers can additionally claim up to 100% of their total cost, while medium and large taxpayers can claim an additional deduction based on 50% of their total cost. This additional deduction may be availed of only once within the taxable year when the electronic sales reporting system is completed or when final payment for such a system is made. Additionally, imports connected with the electronic sales reporting system are exempt from taxes.

The expansion in the coverage of taxpayers highlights the importance of addressing significant concerns that require the BIR’s quick resolution in future issuances. One major concern remains: the establishment of a robust system for electronic sales reporting. Taxpayers need clear guidelines on how to transition from manual to electronic reporting and assurance that the BIR’s system can handle the required data. Additionally, there is a need for ongoing support and training to help taxpayers, especially the newly added ones, navigate and effectively comply with the new requirements.

In 2022, when RR No. 8-2022 was issued to promulgate the e-invoicing and electronic sales reporting provisions of the TRAIN Law, the EIS was put in place and a platform was made available to taxpayers who joined the BIR’s pilot program. Other covered taxpayers have been waiting for developments on when the e-invoicing/sales reporting would be rolled out for the rest of them. This RR No. 11-2025 seems to have answered that long-hanging question. Under RR No. 11-2025, covered taxpayers are given one year from the effectivity of the regulations (i.e., until March 14, 2026) to comply with the electronic invoicing requirements.

When this RR first came out, two and a half years after the issuance of the first regulations relating to e-invoicing, it did not clearly mention the connection with the previous issuance (2022 RR). But from the provisions, it appears to supplement RR No. 8-2022 by expanding the coverage of taxpayers required to comply and laying down the additional deductions. CREATE MORE did not provide for the expansion of covered taxpayers; this was the prerogative of the Department of Finance and the BIR. With this development, it would seem that the BIR is confident that it is now in a better position to establish a robust EIS and ESRS capable of taking in more sales data from even more taxpayers, leveraging the lessons from the pilot program in the previous years.

With the increasing digitalization in Philippine business and the economy, a shift from paper-based to paperless system of invoicing and sales reporting is a welcome development. During tax audits/investigations, refuting an assessment boils down to the taxpayers producing substantial and relevant pieces of evidence and documents sufficient to justify the cancellation or reduction of the tax assessment issues. The same goes for tax refund cases where the entitlement to the claim is mainly dictated by the level of documentation taxpayers can produce to support the refund sought. Currently, taxpayers need to manually retrieve the necessary documents required to support their claims. These efforts from the BIR, once substantially implemented, gives us an opportunity to maximize digitalization for audit and refund claims, and move forward from the previous status quo.

The views or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Isla Lipana & Co. The content is for general information purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for specific advice.

 

Mary Rose Lara is a manager at  the Tax group of Isla Lipana & Co.,  the Philippine member firm of the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network.

mary.rose.lara@pwc.com

UP Fighting Maroons stun NU Lady Bulldogs in 5 sets

UP FIGHTING MAROONS upset NU Lady Bulldogs. — FACEBOOK.COM/WEARETHEUAAP

Games on Saturday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
9 a.m. – DLSU vs UST (men)
11 a.m. – ADMU vs AdU (men)
1 p.m. – ADMU vs AdU (women)
5 p.m. – DLSU vs UST (women)

VENGEFUL University of the Philippines (UP) pulled the rug from under reigning champion National University (NU), 26-24, 23-25, 17-25, 25-23, 15-12, to snap its unbeaten run in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball on Wednesday at the Filoil EcoOil Center in San Juan.

The Fighting Maroons unleashed a 4-0 bomb in the fourth set capped by Joan Monares’ hammer to complete the upset that ended the Lady Bulldogs’ perfect 8-0 start and pushed them to solo fifth place at 4-5.

Middle blocker Niña Ytang led the way with a career-high of 30 points on 27 hits and three blocks as UP, in the process, quenched a nine-game, seven-year losing drought to the mighty NU since Season 81 in 2019.

Ms. Ytang was the first middle blocker to breach 30 points since Jaja Santiago of NU tallied the same output in 2017.

But the veteran Fighting Maroon wasn’t alone in the massive win with Ms. Monares (16), Irah Jaboneta, Kianne Olango (10) and Bienne Bansil (10) chipping in solid contributions.

Ms. Jaboneta had 13 digs and 19 receptions for an all-around play while Jaz Manguilimotan engineered UP’s upset with 17 excellent sets and libero Yesha Capistrano provided 11 digs and seven receptions.

“I’m speechless. The ball is round,” said the 23-year-old middle blocker Ms. Ytang, who also came close to the UP women’s record of 32 points set by Tots Carlos in 2018.

UP did, erasing a 1-2 set deficit none bigger than a tall stand in the decider at the expense of the mighty NU side with a proven championship pedigree.

The Lady Bulldogs, who swept the Fighting Maroons in the first round, 25-13, 25-23, 25-22, were still protecting a 12-11 lead in the fifth set off an Alyssa Solomon hit before being stunned and blanked the rest of the way.

UP launched an onslaught in four straight possessions highlighted by Ms. Ytang’s quick hit and Ms. Monares’ finisher that went straight through NU’s defenders.

Reigning MVP Bella Belen had her numbers with 21 points on 16 hits and five aces while Ms. Solomon (19), Vange Alinsug (16) and Erin Pangilinan (11) were also solid but to no avail in NU’s first scar this season.

In the men’s division, four-peat champion NU (7-2) clobbered UP (2-7), 23-25, 25-14, 25-20, 25-23, for a good bounce-back win after a stunning loss to La Salle. — John Bryan Ulanday

Alexandra Eala set to enter Top 100 WTA ranking pending quarterfinal results

ALEX EALA — JIMMIE48/WTA

WIN OR LOSE, Alexandra “Alex” Eala is a cinch for her highest ranking ever in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).

Currently at No. 140, the Filipina tennis sensation is projected to enter the Top 100 for the first time in her rising career pending the results of her gigantic quarterfinal duel against her idol Iga Swiatek of Poland in the 2025 Miami Open at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.

Ms. Eala sports 524 points in 31 tournaments this season so far and is assured of at least 215 points with a quarterfinal appearance on the crest of a scintillating Cinderella run as an unheralded wildcard entry in the 128-player field.

The 19-year-old ace barged into the Last 8 — which has been moved as per the updated Miami Open schedule at 1 a.m. on Thursday (Manila time) — against Ms. Swiatek via walkover after world No. 10 Paula Badosa of Spain withdrew due to a lower back injury in the fourth round.

Ms. Swiatek, the five-time Grand Slam champion and was the No. 1 player for 125 weeks from 2022-2024, drubbed world No. 22 Elina Svitolina of Ukraine, 7-6 (5), 6-3, to arrange a date with the Filipina protégé.

Regardless of the result, Ms. Eala would breach more than 718 points, the current total of Romania’s Anca Todoni as the Top-100 player right now in the women’s pro circuit.

Should Ms. Eala manage to spring a monumental upset on the 23-year-old Ms. Swiatek, though for a seat in the semifinals, another 390 points await her that could propel her to at least a Top-80 placing.

Australia’s Maya Joint is the current 80th-ranked player in the WTA with 853 points.

As early as the Round of 16 though, unofficial live ranking has Ms. Eala at No. 102 given the points she collected from three straight upset victories against top-ranked and former Grand Slam champion players.

Ms. Eala stunned world No. 73 Katie Volynets of the United States, 6-3, 7-6(3), in the Round of 128, world No. 25 and 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko of Latvia, 7-6(2), 7-5, in the Round of 64; and world No. 5 and reigning Australian Open champion Madison Keys of the United States, 6-4, 6-2, in the Round of 32.

With that giant-killing spree, Ms. Eala is the first Filipino to beat a Top-25 and Top-5 player ever and against Ms. Swiatek, she’s out for more history. — John Bryan Ulanday

Philippines dominates Maldives, leads Group A of AFC Asian Qualifiers

PHILIPPINES NATIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM — PHILIPPINE FOOTBALL FEDERATION

BOLSTERED by exciting new additions, the Philippines beat Maldives, 4-1, to take pole position in Group A at the start of the AFC Asian Qualifiers on Tuesday in Capas, Tarlac.

The Filipinos turned in a dominant performance at the New Clark City Stadium, storming to a 2-0 lead in the first 45 minutes then offsetting the Maldivians’ breakthrough goal with two outstanding strikes in the last 17 minutes.

The three-goal home victory put Albert Capellas’ side to the top of the table with three points ahead of fellow opening-night winner Tajikistan on goal difference. The Tajiks, quarterfinalists in the 2019 Asian Cup, scored a rather dull 1-0 disposal of lightweight Timor-Leste over in Dushanbe.

“Job done. It’s these kinds of games that we have to win if we want to qualify (for the 2027 AC),” said Mr. Capellas, whose charges will seek to make it two in a row in a marquee home duel with Tajikistan in June.

“At home in our first game, it’s always important to start with a win. There’s also a difference of goals and now we’re in the top and we can’t wait to play Tajikistan at home.”

Fil-Swiss Randy Schneider introduced himself to Asian football and Philippine fans as he figured prominently in the first three goals and won Man of the Match honors.

Mr. Schneider launched the corner kick that led to Jefferson Tabinas’ sixth-minute opener then he assisted Bjorn Kristensen for the second goal (19th) before sending it to the back of the net himself in 77th to restore a two-goal cushion after Maldives pulled one back via Ali Fasir’s 62nd-minute strike. Sandro Reyes, on a set up by another debutant, Josef Baccay, wrapped up the scoring in the second minute of stoppage time.

“I’m proud to play for the Philippines and help the team,” said Mr. Schneider. “I think with my goal and my assists, I helped them a lot and that’s the first step for the qualification for the Asian Cup 2027.” — Olmin Leyba

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