PHL exceeded 2025 GAA, Budget department says

February 25, 2026 | 8:40 pm

THE Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said unprogrammed appropriations in the 2025 budget declined sharply to P57.6 billion from the year-earlier P531.37 billion, but the government still ended up spending P6.49 trillion, exceeding the budget of P6.33 trillion.

In a preliminary Status of Allotment Release report released on Feb. 24, the DBM said the P6.49 trillion included automatic appropriations of about P2.07 trillion, which must be funded by law or enforceable debt agreement, with the government afforded little discretion, unlike in the case of unprogrammed items, which are contingent on the availability of surplus funds.

These included a P1.03-trillion National Tax Allotment (NTA) for local governments. The NTA represents the 40% local government share of the National Government’s income from three years prior, and is automatically transferred to fund local government unit (LGU) operations, particularly to LGUs with insufficient revenue to sustain themselves.

Other automatic transfers include P800.51 billion in interest payments, and P83.42 billion for the Block Grant.

The government through its fiscal consolidation program is trying to rein in debt by making collection and spending more effective. However, it is also under pressure to fund legislative measures and other obligations, for which no ready funding was available at the time the budget was prepared. It has resorted to making spending on such items conditional, to be funded only if government revenue exceeds projections.

Of the spending items outlined in the Status of Allotments report, the DBM said about P110.36 billion was disbursed to support foreign-assisted projects, while P51.97 billion was released for “strengthening assistance for government infrastructure and social programs.”

Releases included P78.85 billion for the retirement and life insurance premiums and P37.35 billion for the Special Account in the General Fund. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Data center capacity seen at 18 GW within 10 years

February 25, 2026 | 8:40 pm

Data Center_stock photo_2_BIT — BW FILE PHOTO

THE Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) said data center capacity in the Philippines could hit 18 gigawatts (GW) in the next 10 years.

“So 1.5 GW is the commitment (by 2028) but actually our plan is that in the next 10 years to have 18 GW data centers’ capacity and we also plan to export that,” ICT Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda told reporters on the sidelines of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum on Tuesday.

Data center capacity is typically measured in the power available to run servers and cooling and is the main constraint on performance and scalability.

Mr. Aguda said the Philippines hopes to computing capacities to ASEAN countries first then eventually to the Middle East and the US.

Currently, Philippine data center capacity is at 200 megawatts (MW), he said, adding that by year’s end it could hit 1 GW.

The DICT has said that the growth of data center capacity in the Philippines will be driven by more operators setting up facilities or increasing their current capacities.

“We welcome the DICT’s push to expand the country’s data center capacity to 1 GW and eventually 18 GW but this must deliver direct benefits to Filipino consumers and MSMEs, not just serve foreign hyperscalers,” Ronald B. Gustilo, national campaigner for the Digital Pinoys advocacy, said via Viber.

The increased capacity should translate to lower latency, more affordable cloud services, better platform reliability, and stronger data protection, he said.

The Philippines is experiencing strong demand for cloud, fintech, e-commerce and AI services, the DICT has said, noting the country’s strategic geographic position, growing pool of digital talent and government initiatives to improve broadband infrastructure. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

House launches probe into collapse of millgate price of domestic sugar

February 25, 2026 | 8:40 pm

Sugar trader — WIKIMEDIA.ORG/PATRICKROQUE01

THE HOUSE of Representatives Committee on Agriculture and Food has launched an inquiry into the sharp drop in sugar millgate prices, citing concerns over the impact of imports and the growing use of sugar substitutes.

The inquiry follows three separate resolutions filed by Representatives Javier Miguel L. Benitez, Audrey Kay T. Zubiri, and Howard A. Guinto, urging the committee to investigate the price collapse, particularly in the major sugar-producing provinces of Negros Occidental and Bukidnon.

In a committee hearing on Wednesday, Chairman Wilfrido Mark M. Enverga said industry participants blamed excessive imports of refined sugar as the primary reason for the market collapse.

“Millgate prices have fallen to as low as P2,000 to P2,100 per 50-kilo bag, which is significantly below the average production cost of P2,500,” Mr. Enverga said, citing consultations with sugar producers and millers.

Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) Administrator Pablo Luis S. Azcona said at the hearing that an increase in raw sugar production but a decline in refinery operations may have also blunted demand and millgate prices.

The SRA reported that raw sugar production in crop year 2024-2025 increased 8.48% to 2.09 million metric tons (MT), but refined sugar output fell 10.6% to 618,388 MT.

“Our main oversupply is in raw sugar, which is caused by the big increase in production last year. Refined volume is only equivalent to around 650,000 to 660,000 of raw sugar equivalent. If our refineries don’t refine more, we’ll have a greater problem as farmers plant more,” Mr. Azcona said.

The committee also raised concerns over the surge in artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes, which have increasingly been used by food and beverage manufacturers.

Mr. Azcona said import volumes of artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes last year surged to 835,000 MT in sugar equivalent.

“The concern is very evident and very real. The continual increase in sugar substitute imports is hampering our sugar demand,” he said.

Mr. Azcona said there is currently no regulation governing the import of artificial sweeteners and sugar substitutes.

He added that the SRA only started gathering accurate import data on sugar alternatives in 2025 and is currently studying drafting a policy to regulate these products. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

Semirara drawing interest as coal reserve auction looms

February 25, 2026 | 8:40 pm

THE Department of Energy (DoE) said interest is building in the looming auction for coal reserves, particularly in the area deemed likely to be most productive — Semirara Island.

“Maybe not all of those (sites) will have takers, but I’m sure the bigger ones that are more commercially interesting will be up for grabs,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said on Tuesday on the sidelines of the ASEAN Editors and Economic Opinion Leaders Forum.

The DoE is set to launch a bid round on Feb. 27, Friday, for sites with confirmed coal reserves, including the area operated by Semirara Mining and Power Corp. (SMPC).

Three sites will be offered: 10 blocks in Semirara Island in Caluya, Antique; five blocks across the municipalities of Benito Soliven, Naguilian, and Cauayan, Isabela; and three blocks in Amulung and Iguig, Cagayan province.

The coal blocks on Semirara Island are currently controlled by SMPC, the Philippines’ largest coal producer.

The contract for Semirara is set to expire by July 2027. It was offered for auction following a legal opinion that the contract cannot be renewed.

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) expressed interest to participate in the auction through its power generation arm, Meralco PowerGen Corp., which operates thermal assets.

Aside from Semirara, Ms. Garin does not expect heightened interest in the remaining areas, noting that coal is considered a “dirty fuel” which the Philippines is seeking to shift away from.

Asked if state-run Philippine National Oil Co. (PNOC), through its oil, gas, and coal subsidiary, will be allowed to join, Ms. Garin said she is not encouraging it, to give way to the private sector.

“Paunahin muna ’yung private (Give the private sector first crack at it) rather than bringing in PNOC. Later PNOC can come in as a partner or in any form but I do prefer that it be private,” Ms. Garin said.

Interested parties will have 60 calendar days to submit their application documents. Opening of applications will be held on deadline day.

The DoE has said that the auction hopes to ensure “the orderly and responsible development and production of indigenous coal resources, while maintaining strict safeguards for public safety, environmental protection, and host-community welfare.” — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

‘Too early’ to gauge long-term impact of PHL infra scandal — Capital Economics

February 25, 2026 | 8:40 pm

THE flood control corruption scandal remains worrying, but it is too early to determine its long-term impact on the economy, Capital Economics said.

“The corruption scandal is clearly a concern,” Capital Economics Deputy Chief Emerging Markets Economist Jason Tuvey said at a webinar on Wednesday. “It’s weighing on activity and confidence in the near term.”

Last year, extensive flooding exposed multiple faulty, substandard or nonexistent flood control projects, leading to an investigation into suspected kickbacks that implicated legislators, public works officials, and a handful of well-connected construction companies.

The fallout over corrupt dealings in the infrastructure program caused the economy to slump in the second half of 2025. Growth slowed to 3.9% in the third quarter and further weakening to 3% in the fourth.

Full-year growth hit a post-pandemic low of 4.4%, as confidence evaporated, dampening investment and household consumption. The subsequent review of projects suspected of being tainted by corruption also froze government spending.

Mr. Tuvey said one way to view the scandal is that “these things have come to light and now steps are actually being taken to clamp down on corruption.”

“The other less optimistic take is these developments showed that there has actually been some backsliding on corruption in recent years, which… actually, corruption in the Philippines had improved over the past decade and a half since President Aquino came to office,” he added.

“In that regard… (it) depends whether you want to take the glass half-full or half-empty.”

“But I think … at this point (it is) a bit too early to determine whether there’ll be long-term consequences.”

In its Long-Run Economic Outlook 2026 report released earlier this month, Capital Economics had a positive long-term outlook for the Philippines, projecting it to become the 19^th largest economy worldwide by 2050, in terms of nominal GDP.

For this year, it projects growth for the Philippine economy of 4.5%.

If realized, this would be below the government’s 5%-6% target, marking the fourth straight year of missed targets. — Katherine K. Chan

Safeguard probe against imports of ceramic tiles hits consultation stage

February 25, 2026 | 8:39 pm

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is seeking comment from the ceramic tile industry on whether safeguard measures on imported ceramic tiles are warranted.

“The DTI invites the interested parties, particularly the exporters and importers, to submit their comment and position on the matter, including their views on whether the imposition of a safeguard measure is in the public interest,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.

A safeguard measure is a temporary charge levied on imports deemed to have done serious injury to a domestic industry.

Republic Act No. 8800 or the Safeguard Measures Act, authorizes such measures to provide relief to domestic industries affected by increased imports.

Earlier this month, the DTI informed the World Trade Organization that it has launched a probe into imported ceramic tiles from various countries.

“Based on the initial findings, there is substantial evidence indicating that increased imports of ceramic tiles have caused serious injury to the domestic industry,” the DTI said.

It noted a sharp increase in the volume of ceramic tile imports from 2020 to 2024, with import growth surging 81% from 2020 and 2023. In 2024, they remained higher than 2020 levels.

As a result, domestic industry market share steadily dropped from 31% in 2020 to 23% in 2024.

“Moreover, the industry seriously suffered as reflected by the declined domestic sales, production, utilization rate, reduction in labor productivity, increased inventory, and overall, incurred losses in the recent period,” the DTI said.

The investigation was based on a petition filed by the Ceramic Manufacturers’ Association, Inc.

This covers imported ceramic tiles classified under Harmonized System Codes 2017/2022, subheadings 6907.22 and 6907.23, from 2020 until the first quarter of 2025.

During the period of investigation, China accounted for 71% of the imported ceramic tiles, followed by Indonesia and Vietnam. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Canadian province to help PHL prepare nuclear workforce development plan

February 25, 2026 | 8:38 pm

THE PHILIPPINES and the Canadian province of Saskatchewan are making progress on a joint action plan on nuclear workforce development, the Department of Energy (DoE) said.

In a statement on Wednesday, the DoE said it met with Minister Ken Cheveldayoff of Saskatchewan’s Ministry of Advanced Education to advance the implementation of their memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed in June.

“This cooperation with Saskatchewan helps us build the skills pipeline and academic partnerships we need from engineering and safety management to technical training and micro-credentials while reinforcing the standards and public engagement required for responsible energy development,” Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin said.

The MoU set the framework for cooperation across priority areas, including small modular reactors (SMRs), carbon capture, smart grids, renewable energy integration, and the repurposing of ageing coal assets.

A joint working group determined the need to support the development of Nuclear Engineering and Safety Management curricula, in collaboration with the Commission on Higher Education and Saskatchewan institutions.

It is also looking into Train-the-Trainer programs for Philippine educators on advanced clean energy topics, alongside potential technical-vocational cooperation with Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

The joint working group also seeks to collaborate with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority on micro-credentialing and skilled-worker development for the nuclear and clean-energy industries.

“The Joint Working Group meeting allows us to move from shared intentions to coordinated actions,” Energy Undersecretary Mario C. Marasigan said. “Our priority is to ensure that the Philippine transition is supported by capable institutions, a prepared workforce, and sustained engagement with communities, including Indigenous peoples.” — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

Streamlining the path to affordable homes

February 25, 2026 | 8:37 pm

Affordable and accessible housing continues to be one of the most persistent challenges facing the Philippines today. The current administration has been pushing initiatives to close the nation’s chronic housing backlog. Anchored by the flagship Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino (4PH) program, the government has sought to ramp up the production of low-cost and socialized housing units, with early efforts starting in 2022 and ongoing targets extending through 2028.

The housing deficit remains daunting despite the continued efforts. Recent estimates have the country facing a deficit of roughly 6 to 6.5 million housing units, driven by rapid urbanization, limited supply of affordable homes, and persistent demand among low-income families and informal settler communities. If left unaddressed, the backlog is projected to escalate further in the coming decades. This reality underscores the urgent need for concrete policy reforms that not only increase housing supply but also make it easier for developers to participate in delivering affordable housing.

It is within this broader policy context that the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO) No. 48-2025 emerged. The RMO streamlines the process for applying for a Certificate of Tax Exemption (CTE) for qualified socialized and economic housing projects covered by the Urban Development and Housing Act (Republic Act (RA) No. 7279), as amended by the Balanced Housing Act (RA No. 10884), and the Omnibus Investments Code (Executive Order No. 226).

The Balanced Housing Act requires registered and accredited developers to allocate a portion of new subdivision projects to socialized housing, thereby promoting inclusivity and affordability within larger developments. This approach aims to encourage investment in affordable housing and enhance accessibility to homes for all income levels. The Balanced Housing Act gives registered and accredited developers of socialized housing projects exemptions from various project-related income taxes and fees, including Value-added Tax, Capital Gains Tax on raw land, transfer tax and donor’s tax for land donated for socialized housing purposes.

Before this new RMO, developers seeking tax incentives were required to submit various documents to support an application for a BIR ruling or exemption confirmation. These included a written request, certified true copies of corporate documents, project details, relevant contracts and certifications, and other supporting documentation deemed necessary by the reviewing BIR office to establish entitlement under the relevant tax laws.

This created parallel compliance tracks. While legally sound, the structure meant that the BIR effectively conducted its own review of eligibility, even after the housing regulator had made its determination.

WHAT CHANGED WITH RMO 48-2025?
At the heart of RMO 48-2025 is a subtle but meaningful adjustment. Developers now need to submit only a Socialized Housing Certification issued by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD), the Local Government Unit (LGU) or the Board of Investments (BoI) — along with a written request to apply for a tax exemption. The authority to sign the CTE has been delegated to the Deputy Commissioner of the BIR’s Legal Group. Previously, the BIR still required the submission of other supporting documents to independently evaluate eligibility, despite the Socialized Housing Certification.

This change is rooted in amendments introduced by the law, which clarified that the Socialized Housing Certification alone is enough to confirm eligibility for tax exemptions, removing the need for supplementary clearances previously required.

This aligns with the Joint Memorandum Circular, to which the BIR is a signatory, establishing an electronic Housing One-Stop Processing Center (eHOPC). This platform provides a mechanism capable of generating the documentary requirements needed by the BIR to process CTE applications efficiently.

In practical terms, the alignment of RMO 48-2025 with the Balanced Housing Act means that socialized and economic housing developers can now spend less time on paperwork when pursuing fiscal incentives. This aligns with broader administrative goals of digitalization, standardization, and inter-agency coordination, which can accelerate project deployment and improve investor confidence.

WHY THIS MATTERS
More than a tweak to internal revenue procedures, the changes brought about by the RMO signal a structural adjustment toward enabling faster delivery of affordable homes. Historically, securing a CTE could take months as developers need to obtain several documents from various government agencies before they could file an application. However, with the new streamlined process — where only a Socialized Housing Certification and a written request are needed — the timeline for securing tax incentives is expected to shorten through the eHOPC.

With the simplified procedure for developers, we can expect participation from smaller and larger builders alike to increase and unlock more housing supply. For families planning to buy their first home, these kinds of reforms matter. When developers can move faster without being impeded by procedural hurdles, the ripple effects can touch construction jobs, housing availability, and community stability. Over time, this may help transition the housing sector from a forest of bureaucratic hurdles to a more responsive and efficient delivery system tuned to meet socio-economic needs.

LOOKING AHEAD
The Philippines faces a long road toward truly closing the housing gap. Millions of units are still needed, and challenges like high land costs and income disparities indicate that policy reforms are just part of a larger solution.

These policies show a willingness to listen to industry voices, to simplify processes with the potential for meaningful change. By building on this momentum, the government can work towards making housing a reality for all, not just for a privileged few. I hope that RMO 48-2025 will be in faithful adherence to its intended purpose, ensuring that these reforms effectively translate into tangible benefits for the housing sector. Ultimately, while laws alone can’t solve the housing crisis, they are crucial steps toward ensuring that everyone moves closer to realizing the dream of an affordable home, with a government dedicated to finding long-lasting solutions.

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.

Lois Ann Caroline Sarajan is an assistant manager at the Tax department of Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of the PricewaterhouseCoopers global network.

lois.ann.caroline.sarajan@pwc.com

UST clinches first win vs Ateneo in UAAP S88 women’s volleyball

February 25, 2026 | 8:26 pm

DLSU beats UP to share early lead with NU

Games on Saturday
(UST Quadricentennial Pavilion)
9 a.m. – UST vs UE (Men)
11 a.m. – UST vs UE (Women)
3 p.m. – NU vs UP (Men)
5 p.m. – NU vs UP (Women)

TITLE contender University of Santo Tomas (UST) finally slumped out of a sluggish start, registering first win at the expense of the listless Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU), 26-24, 25-18, 25-21, in the UAAP Season 88 women’s volleyball on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Angge Poyos rifled in 21 points on 19 hits, an ace and a block as the UST Golden Tigresses finally broke into the win column after bowing to rivals National University (NU) and De La Salle University (DLSU), giving coach Shaq Delos Santos a present at last in his return season.

Mr. Delos Santos, the engineer of Santo Tomas’ last title in 2019, last coached the España-based spikers in 2011, before returning to the Tigresses’ lair this offseason in lieu of Kungfu Reyes, who is now with San Beda in the NCAA.

Santo Tomas came close to that bid with consistent final four campaigns in the past four seasons, including a finals appearance in Season 86 but to no avail despite an intact core led by Detdet Pepito and the rising star Ms. Poyos.

Expectations were high for the Golden Tigresses to finally live up to their lofty billing this season only to run through the mighty NU Lady Bulldogs, 25-23, 25-19, 23-25, 26-24, and the DLSU Lady Spikers, 25-14, 25-15, 26-24, in a rough schedule opener.

And Ateneo wasn’t going to be another stumbling block for Santo Tomas with Ms. Poyos setting the tone in the first two sets, ignited by an escape act in the opening salvo.

That proved to be the Golden Tigresses’ last close encounter with the ADMU Blue Eagles, seizing control in the next two to complete the sweep in 99 minutes with help from Marga Altea and Regina Jurado.

Ms. Jurado dished out 12 points and 12 digs while Ms. Altea had eight points on four hits, three blocks and an ace for the Golden Tigress, who’ll be out to string a streak against the winless University of the East (UE) (0-3) this Saturday at home at the UST Quadricentennial Pavilion.

Dona de Leon (10) and Ana Hermosura (8) led the Blue Eagles in their third loss in as many games as JLo Delos Santos bled for just four after firing 21 in their five-setter defeat to the souped-up University of the Philippines (UP) last weekend.

Ateneo now has a tall order to score its first win, colliding with the unbeaten powerhouse La Salle led by early MVP contender Shevana Laput and former MVP Angel Canino this Sunday at the same venue.

In the men’s division, University of the Philippines (2-1) snapped a 10-game skid against La Salle (0-3) while Santo Tomas (2-1) escaped Ateneo (1-2), for a three-way tie with five-peat champion NU at second place behind the pace-setting Far Eastern University (FEU) (3-0).

DLSU VERSUS UP
Later, De La Salle University made short work of University of the Philippines, 25-12, 25-15, 25-19, even without ace player Ms. Laput, who’s under the weather, for a 3-0 start to join rival and reigning champion NU on top.

Former MVP Ms. Canino fired 12 points to spearhead the Lady Spikers, who have yet to drop a set in a perfect campaign so far after also sweeping FEU and Santo Tomas.

UP slid to 2-1 after beating UE and snapping an eight-year drought against Adamson. — John Bryan Ulanday

Gilas faces tough NZ Tall Blacks for second window of FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers

February 25, 2026 | 8:26 pm

Brownlee — GILAS PILIPINAS — FIBA.BASKETBALL

Game on Thursday
(SM MOA Arena)
7:30 p.m. – Philippines vs New Zealand

GILAS PILIPINAS and New Zealand (NZ) return to the arena where the Filipinos previously pulled off one of their biggest reversals at the Kiwis’ expense.

Will Thursday’s clash at the SM MOA Arena for the second window of the FIBA World Cup’s Asian Qualifiers yield the same stunning result?

That’s certainly the intent as the Nationals host the Tall Blacks at the Pasay City venue 459 days after famously ambushing the visitors, 93-89, back at the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers (ACQ).

That famous upset of November 2024 marked the Filipinos’ first-ever victory against the formidable squad from Oceania after losing the first four faceoffs.

That, however, was the last time Gilas got a W against the Tall Blacks, who countered that upset with a vengeful 87-70 romp in the return leg of the AC Qualifiers in Auckland and a 94-86 verdict in the Asia Cup proper in Jeddah last August.

If successful in dropping the axe again on NZ in the 7:30 p.m. showdown, the troops of coach Tim Cone will qualify for the next round of the Continental qualifiers with much to spare with a perfect 3-0 card in Group A. The Pinoy dribblers previously swept lightweight Guam in the opening window, 87-46 and 95-71.

Consequently, a Philippine victory will send the Kiwis reeling to a 0-3 hole after dropping their first two assignments against Australia, 79-84 and 77-79.

“Coach Tim (Cone) always tells us to look at the bigger picture,” said Gilas guard CJ Perez. “Playing against New Zealand is tough, for sure, but we’ve been working hard and we’re preparing so I think we got a big chance.”

It will be a tall order, though, as 7-foot-3 Kai Sotto, who produced a 19-10-7 statline in the 2024 upset, is sitting this one out while on the road to regaining match fitness after a year of layoff due to ACL injury.

This leaves a heavier load on June Mar Fajardo, AJ Edu and Quentin Millora-Brown as they tackle their NZ counterparts, 6-foot-9 Sam Mennenga, 6-foot-9 Tohi Smith-Milner, 6-foot-11 Tyrell Harrison and 6-foot-10 Yanni Wetzell.

Mr. Mennenga averaged 17.5 points and eight rebounds in Window 1 while Mr. Smith-Milner torched the Nationals with 25 points spiked by five triples in the ACQ rematch on the road. Jordan Ngatai, who fired 23 in the Kiwis’ Asian Cup domination of Gilas, is also back in their fold.

“Right now, with who we have, I think we still have a really good chance with June Mar, AJ and me at the bigs,” Mr. Millora-Brown said in an interview on One Sports. “AJ and I are agile, quick. We can keep up with all of them. June Mar is so big and strong. He’s a real advantage there. So just finding ways to maximize our advantages is important.” — Olmin Leyba

Team Blue edges Team White in MVP Olympics All-Star Game

February 25, 2026 | 8:25 pm

INCOMING TNT Tropang 5G super import Bol Bol made his first arena appearance to tease his highly-anticipated PBA debut in the Commissioner’s Cup on March 11.

Alongside MVP Group of Companies Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Manny V. Pangilinan, Mr. Bol led the ceremonial jumpball of the Sigla MVP Olympics (MVPO) All-Star Game won by Team Blue of TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa on Tuesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“It’s a great game. It’s real basketball,” said Mr. Pangilinan on the exhibition duel pitting a bevy of celebrity-athletes, brand endorsers, and PBA players and coaches to kick off the Olympics among the employees of the MVP Group.

“Sports have always been a powerful way to bring people together. Through the MPVO, we continue to celebrate discipline, passion and the collective spirit that drives our group forward,” added the long-time sports patron, SBP chairman emeritus and PBA stakeholder.

Under the tutelage of Mr. Lastimosa and his much-awaited tower import watching, Team Blue recovered from wasting a 12-point lead at the half to pull off a 60-59 win over Team White coached by Meralco mentor Luigi Trillo.

Wendell Ramos, a celebrity-athlete, drained the game-winning free throws with 4.7 seconds left to finish with five points as young star Lance Carr led the way with 26 points.

“It’s a beautiful game. When you see a beautiful game, everybody playing hard, everybody enjoys whoever wins,” said Mr. Lastimosa, who also had NLEX assistant coach Borgie Hermida and Meralco deputy Reynel Hugnatan in his staff, with Bolts guard CJ Cansino serving as import.

Mr. Trillo had TNT assistant Ranidel de Ocampo in his staff with his own player from Meralco in Chris Banchero as import.

Kevin Dasom (21), David Licauco (16) and JC De Vera led the way for Team White, who snatched a 59-58 lead in the homestretch but failed to seal the deal as Mr. Ramos put on a heroic finish.

Apart from the players and coaches of the three MVP teams in the PBA, also in attendance are PBA Chairman, SBP President and TNT Governor Ricky Vargas (Team Blue manager), Meralco Governor and Senior Vice-President Atty. William Pamintuan (Team White manager), NLEX Team Governor Ronald Dulatre, who serves as the MVPO commissioner, NLEX eam manager Virgil Villavicencio, TNT legend Asi Taulava and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MIPC) Executive Director and Chief Finance Chaye Cabal-Revilla.

All employees who will participate in the week-long MPVO from MPIC, PLDT, Smart-Maya, Meralco, Metro Pacific Health, Philex Mining, Maynilad, Metro Pacific Tollways Corp.and MediaQuest also graced the event.

“Hosting the MVP Olympics 2026 has been truly meaningful for us at the MPIC. The energy and unity we’ve seen throughout this event show how a shared commitment to well-being can bring our community together in powerful ways,” said Ms. Cabal-Revilla.

Backstopping Messrs. Ramos and Carr for Team Blue were Rabin Angeles, Prince Carlos, Joao Constancia, Ryan Eigenmann, Cedrick Juan, Diego Loyzaga and Paulo Angeles while Team White had Derek Ramsay, Boom Labrusca, Prince Clemente, Marco Gallo, Dylan Menor, Martin Venegas and national athlete Michael Ver to help Messrs. Dasom, Licauco and De Vera.

Enrique Gil (Team Blue) and Dennis Trillo (Team White) didn’t suit up but cheered from the sidelines alongside legendary OPM artist Pops Fernandez with Jed Madela, Jona, Andrea Brillante, G-Force and stars of the Bagets: The Musical starring at the halftime show. — John Bryan Ulanday

Galeries Tower battles struggling Choco Mucho in PVL All-Filipino

February 25, 2026 | 8:24 pm

Games on Thursday
(FilOil Arena)
4 p.m. – Capital1 vs Farm Fresh
6:30 p.m. – Choco Mucho vs Galeries Tower

GALERIES TOWER (GT) will try to sustain its best start in franchise history as it clashes with a struggling Choco Mucho on Thursday in the PVL All-Filipino Conference at the FilOil Arena.

The GT Highrisers knocked out the heavily favored Nxled Chameleons, 25-19, 17-25, 25-20, 25-21, last week that sent the former to their second win in four starts — their strongest since joining the league three years ago.

While some consider it some form of luck, Galeries Tower’s Roselle Baliton it was also a product of hard work and the sacrifices they made.

“As they say, the ball is round,” said the six-foot middle-blocker, who was named by the media scribes as their Player of the Week following her 16-point masterpiece that she laced with a mammoth seven-block effort in that shock Nxled upset.

“Our winning culture is starting to show because we’ve been through a lot and trained hard to get this far,” she added.

They will battle at 6:30 p.m. against a Choco Mucho side that has been limping as of late following a 1-3 start.

Also seeking a third win are Capital1 (2-3) and Farm Fresh (2-2) at 4 p.m. — Joey Villar