Philippine minimum wage highest in region, commission testifies

March 13, 2024 | 9:21 pm

DAILY PAY rates in the Philippines are the highest in the region, a wage commission official told a congressional hearing, though supporters of a legislated wage hike pushed back by saying wages have stagnated for decades.

Maria Criselda R. Sy, National Wages and Productivity Commission executive director, said at a House hearing on Wednesday that the Philippine minimum wage of $10.85 or P610 per day in the National Capital Region (NCR), though pay tended to be lower in regions hosting export zones.

“The Philippines has the highest daily minimum wage rate in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) when compared to Malaysia ($10.50), Indonesia ($10.41), and Thailand ($9.84),” she said, adding that “export hubs such as Region IV-A ($9.25), III ($8.89), VII ($8.33), and XI ($8.22) are very competitive” compared to low-cost manufacturing hubs like Cambodia and Vietnam.”

As a counterpoint, Representative Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza, a Party-list legislator with the Trade Union Congress Party, also testified that base pay has stagnated over the past 35 years.

“The P89 minimum wage rate across all regions in 1989 only amounts to P609 today,” he said. “This (is only equivalent) to the highest regional rate for non-agricultural workers in NCR.”

Mr. Mendoza added that the average minimum wage of all regions is only P440, which “indicates that the wage rates even regressed when compared to the pay rates received by workers in 1989.”

Business groups have warned that a legislated wage increase will deter foreign investors and hurt Philippine businesses.

“ECoP (the Employers Confederation of the Philippines) opposes across-board and uniform wage increases across regions as these may not only worsen inequality but likewise impact the attractiveness of other regions for labor-intensive industries and enterprises,” ECoP Vice-President Antonio L. Sayo said at the hearing.

He noted that increasing minimum wages reduces the profitability of businesses investing in the country, which could make it “less appealing for foreign investors, potentially decreasing foreign direct investment.”

Micro, small and medium enterprises, which comprise 99% of the country’s business establishments, will also bear the brunt of the proposed wage hikes, which could lead them to stop hiring workers to reduce labor costs.

He also noted that the cost of doing business is different for every region, which was the justification for creating the current regional wage board setup.

“Higher wages entail increased labor costs for businesses, and when businesses have to pay more, they may have to cut elsewhere to maintain profitability,” Mr. Sayo said. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio

Open-access power, green energy option to be offered in Mindanao this month

March 13, 2024 | 9:21 pm

QUALIFIED POWER end-users in Mindanao will be allowed to choose their own electricity supplier with the launch of the Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) within the month.

In a circular dated March 1, the Department of Energy (DoE) said that it will start commercial operations of RCOA, as well as the Green Energy Option Program (GEOP) on March 26.

“All electricity end-users whose average peak demand falls within the threshold for contestability set by the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) shall be allowed, on a voluntary basis, to source their electricity supply from a retail electricity supplier (RES),” according to the circular.

Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, qualified contestable customers, or end-users consuming at least 500 kilowatts (kW) a month, may choose their own power suppliers through the RCOA scheme.

Interested customers whose consumption does not fall within the threshold may still participate as part of an aggregated group in accordance with ERC’s rules.

All electricity end-users in the Mindanao grid with monthly average peak demand of between 100 kW and 300 kW over the next 12 months will be allowed to choose a power supplier.

They should also have historical monthly peak demand of at least 100 kW for three consecutive months.

“The migration of eligible electricity end-users under the RCOA or GEOP shall be governed by applicable procedures under the WESM (Wholesale Electricity Spot Market) Rules, Retail Rules, and Market Manuals, and other relevant issuances by the DoE and ERC,” according to the circular.

Distribution utilities with excess contracted capacity arising from the migration of customers taking advantage of the programs are required to notify the ERC.

The ERC has been tasked with providing regulatory support to ensure the success of the RCOA and GEOP commercial operations in Mindanao. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Gov’t 10-year jobs masterplan must include AI courses — NEDA

March 13, 2024 | 9:20 pm

AI-Artificial-intelligent-robot — WANGXINA-FREEPIK

THE government’s jobs masterplan should help workers keep up with emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) said on Tuesday.

“The other challenge (that the) Trabaho Para Sa Bayan Act (seeks to address are) mismatches in the labor market, because technology is evolving very fast, and yet the skills of our workers are lagging behind,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan said at a briefing.

“Because we see these technologies, while they threaten some, when we position ourselves properly, they are opportunities. In fact, I am not so worried at all,” he said.

The Department of Trade and Industry has said that AI could contribute as much as $90 billion to the economy by 2030.

However, only 17% of organizations are ready to employ AI, with the majority of them citing concerns about their inability to handle these technologies.

The Philippines ranked 65^th out of 193 countries — down 11 places — in the 2023 Government AI Readiness Index compiled by Oxford Insights.

Mr. Balisacan cited how the public eventually adopted the internet amid initial misgivings.

“We have to retool. We have to use these as new tools rather than thing that will replace us.”

The NEDA, as well as the Trade and Labor departments, will begin drafting a 10-year jobs masterplan that will focus on the creative and service sectors.

The three agencies signed the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act No. 19962 or the Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act on Tuesday.

The jobs masterplan includes three-year, six-year and 10-year development timelines.

“We recognize that we have much to do in our efforts if we wish to further equip our workers with emerging and in-demand skills that are adaptive to the fast-paced and ever-changing domestic and global economy,” Mr. Balisacan said during the IRR signing.

The number of jobless rose to 2.15 million or 4.5% of the employment-aged population in January from 3.1% in December. The reading in January 2023 had been 4.8%. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Expanding EO 12 tariff coverage seen helping achieve EV targets

March 13, 2024 | 9:19 pm

THE expansion of the coverage of Executive Order (EO) No. 12, which grants favorable tariffs to encourage electric vehicle (EV) adoption, will help the industry catch up with the targets set in the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry (CREVI), the Department of Energy (DoE) said.

In an online consultation on Wednesday, Energy Utilization Management Bureau Supervising Science Research Specialist Andre Reyes said that the current EV sales are still far behind the targets.

“The coverage expansion will greatly assist in achieving the targets under the CREVI … Under which it is required that the total fleet by 2040 (account for an EV) share of 10%, which is around 311,700 units, from 2023 to 2028,” Mr. Reyes said.

Under a high clean-energy adoption scenario, the DoE hopes to increase EV share to 50% of the vehicle fleet, equivalent to 2.4 million units.

“This proposed coverage expansion will send a clear price signal for consumers to switch to EVs, which are more efficient and cheaper to run per kilometer, and assist in energy self-sufficiency,” he added.

The DoE rates hybrid EVs or plug-in EVs at 20 kilometers per liter, with internal combustion engine vehicles averaging 14 kilometers.

Mr. Reyes said the favorable conditions for imports may start showing up in vehicle import numbers by 2026-2027.

“Orders by importers have a lag of one year, so most have already set their orders for 2025, and of course this will also be subject to the availability of EVs in the world, while of course other countries with existing fiscal incentives and subsidies for EV purchases would have already made larger volumes in terms of imports compared to ours,” he added.

He said that what the DoE recommends is not a blanket expansion but rather to include product lines that are part of the CREVI targets.

Jasmin Nagera, representative of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc., said that the industry supports the expansion of the coverage of EO 12 to cover hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.

“We are looking at a broader perspective. In terms of fuel consumption reduction and emissions mitigation, CAMPI’s position is that all electric vehicle technologies can significantly contribute to the achievement of our carbon neutrality goals,” Ms. Nagera said.

“We also agree with the DoE that if we are looking at the targets, we are way, way behind. So the more that we can do to maximize the potential of all these EV technologies, we really think that the government should take advantage,” she added.

Meanwhile, the Board of Investments (BoI) said that it was not in favor of the expansion of EO 12 to hybrid EVs but supported the expansion of the coverage to two-wheelers under specific terms.

“On hybrids, we maintain that they should not be included, while for motorcycles, we are not opposing the inclusion, but we have some reservations,” according to Elvin Raymond Garcia, supervising investment specialist for the Heavy Industry Division of Manufacturing Industry Services at the BoI.

Mr. Garcia said that the growth numbers of hybrid EVs are positive despite not being included in the coverage, making government intervention no longer needed.

“As for the inclusion of e-motorcyles … the body may wish to consider current issues running e-motorcycles like registration, road use, and public safety,” he said.

“Furthermore, we note that there are already local manufacturers of e-motorcycles, including e-tricycles, that could be severely affected by the inclusion of e-motorcycles in the tariff measure,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) said it supports the BoI position of not including hybrid EVs.

In a position paper, EVAP said that hybrid EVs do not contribute to the development of charging infrastructure, which is one of the main objectives of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act.

“In fact, the further reduction in prices of HEVs would be detrimental to the growth of battery EVs and further slowdown charging infrastructure development,” the group said.

It added that the pricing of hybrid EVs is already competitive and does not need tariff exemptions.

In the case of e-motorcycles, EVAP said that the grant of tariff exemption should be limited only to a year with specified commitments.

“A longer tariff exemption period for e-motorcycles could undermine current efforts to jumpstart and develop the local e-motorcycle manufacturing industry,” it added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

SSS extends coverage to more gov’t job-order, contract workers

March 13, 2024 | 9:18 pm

THE Social Security System (SSS) has added over half a million government workers serving under job order (JO) and contract of service (COS) arrangements to its membership.

The membership expansion program was undertaken to include some government workers not covered by the Government Service Insurance System, Executive Vice-President for Branch Operations Sector Voltaire P. Agas said in a statement on Wednesday.

“We are sad to hear stories that, after decades of public service, they have zero savings and do not receive any pensions when they retire,” SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Rolando L. Macasaet said.

“Through the KaSSSangga Collect Program, temporary public workers will be registered as self-employed members while their respective organizations collect and remit their contributions to the SSS, thereby helping them to become eligible for Social Security and Employees’ Compensation benefits,” he added.

Mr. Agas also said that the new members will improve the financial standing of the SSS and fulfill its mandate to provide social security protection.

Quezon City accounted for 15,000 new covered personnel after Mr. Macasaet and Quezon City Mayor Maria Josefina G. Belmonte signed an agreement on Jan. 29.

The SSS also signed a memorandum of agreement for the KaSSSangga Collect Program with the Department of Public Works and Highways in Quezon City District 2, involving over 200 JO and COS workers, many of them street sweepers.

“As they are exposed to various health hazards while performing their duties, the more these workers deserve social security protection regardless of their employment status in the government.”

The SSS also signed agreements with Mandaluyong, Taguig, and Malabon in 2023.

Mr. Agas added that the SSS expects to include more government agencies who employ JO workers to the KaSSSangga Collect Program.

Mr. Agas said their employers should subsidize the members’ monthly SSS contributions.

“They can shoulder the contribution payments of their chosen recipients for at least six months through the Contribution Subsidy Provider Program,” he said.

The SSS collected over P7.08 billion in contributions between 2015 and 2023 as a result of the program. — Aaron Michael C. Sy

Traces of gas hydrate detected in waters west of Luzon, Mindoro

March 13, 2024 | 9:17 pm

GEOLOGISTS from the University of the Philippines-Diliman said they have discovered evidence of gas hydrates in the Manila Trench, to the west of Luzon and Mindoro, signaling the potential presence of an alternative energy source.

In a statement on Wednesday, the UP College of Science National Institute of Geological Sciences said the potential resource is estimated to be present over 15,400 square kilometers, or about the size of Palawan.

They estimate the substances to be around 200 to 500 meters below the sea floor.

The researchers were identified as Elisha Jane Maglalang, Leo Armada, Madeleine Santos, Karla May Sayen, and Carla Dimalanta.

The institute said gas hydrates are ice mostly infused with methane.

“Because gas hydrates contain huge amounts of carbon and methane, they can be a great alternative energy source,” the institute said.

It warned, however, of geologic and environmental hazards because gas hydrates “are unstable solids” which could “dissociate and melt when the conditions in which they form change,” usually during earthquakes.

The area explored contains the Manila Trench, responsible for numerous earthquakes in western Luzon. The researchers said the gas hydrates could agitate the sea floor when they melt — “possibly triggering submarine landslides and tsunamis.”

“Therefore, it is essential to determine the distribution and stability conditions of gas hydrates offshore of the Philippines,” the institute said. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Sweden expresses interest in PHL defense investments

March 13, 2024 | 9:17 pm

FINANCE Secretary Ralph G. Recto met with representatives from the financial group Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken and defense and security company Saab to discuss potential defense ventures, the Department of Finance said.

“The investors expressed particular interest in bolstering the Philippines’ defense industry, drawing upon Sweden’s track record in enhancing defense capabilities in countries like Brazil and Thailand, which not only fosters long-term competence but also stimulates domestic job creation,” it said.

Brazil and Thailand are operators of the Saab-produced JAS 39 Gripen, an advanced 4th generation jet fighter aircraft.

The Swedish delegation also noted their country’s admission to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which presents “significant opportunities for Swedish arms manufacturers to contribute to the modernization of Philippine defense capabilities.”

The talks also covered pharmaceuticals, financial solutions, green projects, and public-private partnerships.

Mr. Recto invited the investors to explore infrastructure projects.

The infrastructure flagship program has 185 projects worth P9.14 trillion. These projects include transportation, energy, water resources, and social infrastructure works. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Digital nomad visas: Redefining the workation

March 13, 2024 | 9:17 pm

Following an announcement made in May, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is set to launch its new digital nomad visa program in 2024.

Digital nomad visas give individuals the right to live and work remotely outside their home country. With such a visa, individuals will be allowed to reside in a foreign country while being employed elsewhere.

Currently, over 50 countries offer similar remote work visas to attract remote workers and freelancers. While not all countries have specific visas tailored for remote workers, some offer options that can accommodate them. Thailand, for instance, has the Thailand Elite Visa for extended stays, which is not explicitly designed for digital nomads. Indonesia’s Social Budaya Visa is geared towards cultural or educational purposes, while Malaysia’s MM2H Program is for long-term stays. Taiwan’s Gold Card Visa targets skilled professionals but can facilitate remote work arrangements. The Working Holiday Visa of Japan and the H-1 Visa of South Korea may be utilized by remote workers under certain conditions.

While the landscape for digital nomad visas in Asia is still evolving, these options reflect a growing recognition of the needs of remote workers in the region.

DIGITAL NOMAD VISA IN THE PHILIPPINES
The Philippines’ digital nomad visa reflects the global shift towards remote work and responds to the increasing demand for flexible work arrangements. The program not only caters to the changing needs of professionals but also positions the country as an attractive destination for a global workforce seeking a balance between work and lifestyle. By offering a visa tailored to remote workers, the Philippines aims to provide skilled professionals with a unique opportunity to live and work in a tropical paradise while contributing to the local economy.

ECONOMIC IMPACT AND INFRASTRUCTURE REQUIREMENTS
As digital nomads establish virtual workspaces in the Philippines, they bring much more than their professional skills and experiences. These individuals contribute significantly to the economy, stimulating revenue generation through their spending habits, particularly on accommodation, food, transportation and entertainment services. Their presence fuels tourism when they engage in leisure activities such as exploring cultural sites and local attractions. They may also choose to invest in real estate and other business opportunities.

The increasing presence of digital nomads can also serve as a catalyst for innovation, encouraging knowledge exchange, and providing a substantial boost to local businesses and service providers.

However, the success of the digital nomad visa is contingent on effective implementation and the provision of essential infrastructure. Reliable high-speed internet, a cornerstone of remote work, must be readily available across the country. While urban areas, especially in Metro Manila, generally enjoy relatively reliable high-speed internet, rural and remote areas often suffer from slow internet speeds, frequent service interruptions and other challenges with connectivity. Apart from stable internet connections, conducive and safe co-working spaces and facilities that cater to the specific needs of digital nomads would further enhance the attractiveness of the Philippines as a remote work destination.

VISA APPLICATION PROCESS
Compared to that of traditional work visas, the application for a digital nomad visa is generally streamlined, making it more accessible to remote workers. The requirements typically include proof of employment, a valid passport, health insurance, a clean criminal record, and proof of income to demonstrate the applicant’s ability to sustain himself financially while staying in the country. Qualified applicants will be granted a 12-month stay, which can be extended for another 12 months. Visa holders are also exempted from local income tax and are only required to pay income tax in their home country.

CREATING A CONDUCIVE ECOSYSTEM FOR REMOTE WORK
The visa program should be more than a mere bureaucratic procedure. It should foster an environment that genuinely supports remote work. This requires collaboration between the public and private sectors not only in addressing the essential infrastructural needs but also in actively cultivating a dynamic digital nomad community. This can involve creating networking events, workshops and educational programs tailored to the remote workers’ upskilling. Additionally, streamlining visa processes and offering long-term visa options for remote workers can attract more talent from overseas. By providing clear pathways for remote workers to relocate, the government can encourage the influx of skilled professionals and enrich the local economy.

The Philippines needs to actively position itself as a premier destination for remote work, leveraging its unique selling points — affordability, English proficiency, and a favorable climate. Cultural integration can further enhance the digital nomad experience. Beyond professional pursuits, the country offers a rich cultural heritage, diverse cuisine, and stunning landscapes.

For digital nomads, the Philippines presents a tantalizing mix of urban sophistication and natural wonders. From the bustling energy of Manila to the pristine beaches of Palawan, there’s something to suit all preferences. The digital nomad visa program offers not only the chance to experience the Philippines but also serves as a gateway to explore the broader Southeast Asian region.

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.

Irene To is an assistant manager of Markets at PricewaterhouseCoopers Business Services Philippines Co., Ltd., a Philippine member firm of the PwC network.

irene.l.to@pwc.com

PSEi climbs to 6,900 level, tracks US shares’ rise

March 13, 2024 | 9:00 pm

THE MAIN INDEX climbed to the 6,900 level anew on Wednesday as the market tracked the strong performance of US shares.

The bellwether Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) rose by 1.24% or 85.92 points to close at 6,965.51, while the broader all shares index climbed by 0.94% or 33.89 points to 3,614.20.

“The local bourse jumped…, mirroring the performance of the US markets overnight. Investor sentiment was boosted by the latest US inflation print which came in within expectation, raising hopes that the Federal Reserve would soon decide to ease monetary policy,” Philstocks Financial, Inc. Research Analyst Claire T. Alviar said in a Viber message.

US stocks ended sharply higher on Tuesday, with the S&P 500 registering a record-high close as Oracle shares surged and consumer price data failed to dampen investors’ hopes of interest rate cuts in the coming months, Reuters reported.

The Labor department reported that the consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.4% last month after climbing 0.3% in January.

In the 12 months through February, the CPI increased by 3.2%, just above the 3.1% estimate, after advancing 3.1% through January.

Traders now see a 70% chance of the first rate cut coming in June, the CME FedWatch Tool showed, versus 71% ahead of the inflation report.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 235.83 points or 0.61% to 39,005.49. The S&P 500 gained 57.33 points or 1.12% at 5,175.27, and the Nasdaq Composite added 246.36 points or 1.54% at 16,265.64.

“At home, the anticipation of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve this year added to optimism, as the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) may likely follow suit. But of course, the inflation rate in the country would have a more significant influence on the BSP’s decision,” Ms. Alviar added.

Regina Capital Development Corp. Head of Sales Luis A. Limlingan said in a Viber message that the local bourse improved on bargain hunting ahead of the upcoming FTSE rebalancing on Friday.

All market’s sectoral indices ended higher on Wednesday. Property climbed by 2.02% or 56.22 points to 2,826,77; financials gained 1.74% or 34.82 points to end at 2,030.87; services increased by 0.9% or 16.50 points to 1,847.52; holding firms went up by 0.81% or 53.46 points to 6,652.41; industrials rose by 0.51% or 46.80 points to 9,070.93; and mining and oil added 0.29% or 24.52 points to close at 8,348.59.

“Among the index members, Ayala Land, Inc. was at the top, climbing by 4.33% while Wilcon Depot, Inc. lost the most by 4.76%,” Ms. Alviar said.

Value turnover rose to P6.51 billion on Wednesday with 702.86 million issues changing hands from the P5.53 billion with 945.76 million shares traded on Tuesday.

Advancers beat decliners, 119 versus 71, while 52 names closed unchanged.

Net foreign buying rose to P506.95 million on Wednesday from P348.86 million the previous day. — RMDO with Reuters

Peso drops on US CPI report

March 13, 2024 | 9:00 pm

THE PESO dropped against the dollar on Wednesday amid faster-than-expected US consumer inflation.

The local unit closed at P55.396 per dollar on Wednesday, weakening by 8.6 centavos from its P55.31 finish on Tuesday, Bankers Association of the Philippines data showed.

The peso opened Wednesday’s session sharply weaker at P55.55 against the dollar, which was also its worst showing for the day. Its intraday best was at P55.345 versus the greenback.

Dollars exchanged went down to $1.01 billion on Wednesday from $1.13 billion on Tuesday.

The peso weakened on Wednesday due to the faster-than-expected US consumer price index (CPI) in February, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said in a Viber message.

US consumer prices increased solidly in February amid higher costs for gasoline and shelter, suggesting some stickiness in inflation that further diminishes the chances of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut before June, Reuters reported.

The consumer price index rose 0.4% last month after climbing 0.3% in January, the Labor department’s Bureau of Labor Statistics said. Gasoline prices rebounded 3.8% after declining 3.3% in January. Shelter, which includes rents, rose 0.4% after advancing 0.6% in the prior month.

In the 12 months through February, the CPI increased 3.2%, after advancing 3.1% in January.

Economists polled by Reuters had forecast the CPI would gain 0.4% on the month and increase 3.1% on a year-on-year basis. The annual increase in consumer prices has slowed from a peak of 9.1% in June 2022, but progress has stalled in recent months.

For Thursday, a trader said in an e-mail that the peso could depreciate further due to a potential uptick in US retail sales.

The trader sees the peso moving between P55.30 and P55.55 per dollar on Thursday, while Mr. Ricafort expects it to range from P55.30 to P55.50. — A.M.C. Sy with Reuters

Blu Boys dominate Pangaea Cup International Slo Pitch tourney

March 13, 2024 | 8:56 pm

THE PHILIPPINES came through with a sweet sweep in completing a successful title defense in the men’s super division of the Pangaea Cup International Slo Pitch tournament recently staged at the Villages in Clark Field, Pampanga.

The Cebuana Lhuillier-bankrolled Blu Boys turned back all the teams it crossed paths with including the Japan Ole Dogs, 13-1, in the semis and the vaunted USA Fattboyz Worldwide, 12-6, in the finale.

The team’s other triumphs came at the expense of Korea Grizzlers, 10-4, Taiwan Wolves, 10-6, Saigon Buffalo, 14-6, Shanghai Stepdads, 11-6, and Taguig Generals, 18-1.

Jasper Cabrera, the current national men’s team coach, came through with the worthiest performance and was named the Most Valuable Player of the men’s super division.

Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines President and Cebuana Lhuillier chief executive officer Jean Henri Lhuillier lauded the Blu Boys for their feat. “This goes to show that once talent is fostered with hard work, no goal is impossible to achieve,” said Mr. Lhuillier. “Their resounding triumph at the Pangaea Cup is a true testament to their dedication to the game.” — Joey Villar

Unbeaten UST outlasts pesky UP in straight sets

March 13, 2024 | 8:55 pm

UST Golden Trigresses — UST GOLDEN TRIGRESSES — FACEBOOK.COM/WEARETHEUAAP

Games on Saturday
(Smart-Araneta Coliseum)
10 a.m. — DLSU vs NU (men)
12 noon — AdU vs UST (men)
2 p.m. — DLSU vs NU (women)
4 p.m. — AdU vs UST (women)

UNDEFEATED University of Santo Tomas (UST)carved out a pesky 25-22, 25-20, 26-24 win over the listless University of the Philippines (UP) to zero in on a first-round sweep and match its best start in 13 years in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Dazzling rookie Angeline Poyos continued her stellar act with 22 points as the UST Golden Tigresses zoomed to a 6-0 slate, equaling the feat of the Season 73 batch led by icons Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Rhea Dimaculangan.

Ms. Poyos, coming off a career-best 26-point outing against Ateneo de Manila University, hammered 18 hits and four aces to spearhead Santo Tomas’ march to yet another win with a pretty chance to complete a first-round wipeout against Adamson University (AdU) this Saturday.

Xyza Gula had 14 points, 10 digs and 12 receptions, Regina Jurado added 12 points to back Ms. Poyos in scoring while playmaker Cassie Carballo set the stage for her efficient spikers with 16 sets.

Season 85 Best Libero Bernadett Pepito provided 15 digs for the wards of coach Kungfu Reyes, who’s delighted to finally see the Golden Tigresses blossom into their fine form since his arrival in 2015.

University of Santo Tomas found UP, sans ace middle blocker Niña Ytang, a tough nut to crack in each of three sets with deficits at multiple points but still managed to flaunt immense composure for the win.

The bigger ones were in the second set as the Golden Tigresses unleashed a staggering 5-0 closeout for the win then a gritty escape act in the extended third set, highlighted by Regina Jurado’s off the block hit.

Stephanie Bustrillo (14) led UP, winless in six games entering its last assignment in the first round against the struggling University of the East (1-5). — John Bryan Ulanday