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FTA utilization tracker to be co-developed with South Korea

REUTERS

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it will co-develop with a South Korean partner a digital platform to promote and increase free trade agreement (FTA) utilization.

In a statement, the DTI said it signed the record of discussions for the development and implementation of the Origin Management System for the Promotion of FTAs in the Philippines project with the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology.

“This is a vital tool for the Philippines to optimize the Philippines-South Korea FTA and all other Philippine FTAs and preferential trade arrangements,” Undersecretary for Industry Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Group Ceferino S. Rodolfo said.

“The best time to prepare for an FTA is before it is even implemented or while it is being negotiated,” he added.

The project will run until December 2025. Its features include the development of an origin management system which will allow exporters to determine whether their products qualify under the respective rules of origin requirements of FTAs.

It will also develop an artificial intelligence-enabled harmonized system (HS) classification tool that will enable exporters to determine the HS codes for their products.

The South Korean government’s designated trade automation business service provider, Korea Trade Network, will serve as the implementing consortium for the project, while the DTI’s Export Marketing Bureau will serve as the implementing lead for the Philippine side.

Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. Chief Economist Michael L. Ricafort said the use of digital platforms by FTA member countries will further boost international trade, transactions and overall business.

“This will translate to higher sales, earnings, employment and other business activities that can further boost gross domestic product growth,” Mr. Ricafort said.

“Additionally, online transactions significantly increase the market reach of many businesses and that could be optimized further with FTAs,” he added.

In September, the Philippines and South Korea signed an FTA which is expected to further open up both economies and help mitigate supply chain disruptions. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Revised freight forwarding rules for seaborne cargo due within the year

ASIANTERMINALS.COM.PH

THE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) hopes to complete revisions to the freight forwarding rules for seaborne cargo this year, which will feature a streamlined accreditation process.

On the sidelines of the public consultation for the proposed department administrative order (DAO) on Wednesday, Assistant Trade Secretary Mary Jean T. Pacheco said that the new rules will facilitate compliance with the Ease of Doing Business law.

“The DTI is committed to replace and streamline the guidelines on sea freight forwarding and make it faster and easier for new and renewing freight forwarders applicants in securing accreditation,” Ms. Pacheco said. 

“Under the DAO, we want to really minimize the requirements and decrease the accreditation process time,” she added.

She added that the revisions could be completed within the year and be implemented next year.

“Assuming publication this year, it will still take 15 days to be effective,” she said.

She said that once the DAO is implemented, the documentary requirements for freight forwarders will be reduced to five from 22 previously.

The DAO is also expected to fast-track the accreditation process for freight forwarders by reducing the processing time to one day from three.

Ms. Pacheco said that the processing time could be further reduced once the Harmonized Online Freight Forwarding Accreditation (HOFFA) with the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) is created.

The HOFFA system aims to create a unified application form and a single digital system for the accreditation of sea and air freight forwarders. 

“We are already preparing for this with the CAB; this is also why we need to implement the DAO so that we can bridge it into that system,” she said.

Under the new rules, the freight forwarders’ paid-up capital and partner’s contribution or equity have all been raised for all the three categories. 

Once the DAO is implemented, the paid-up capital for non-vessel operating common carriers will become P5 million (from P4 million), P3 million (from P2 million) for international freight forwarders, and P1 million (from P250,000) for domestic freight forwarders.

Ms. Pacheco said that the increase is in line with the objective of the DAO which is to make the sea freight forwarders more professional.

“We are also trying to avoid the fly-by-night sea freight forwarders who have been complained about by clients,” she added.

According to the DTI, there are almost 800 freight forwarding firms for seaborne cargo. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Senate bill calls for new round of salary hikes for gov’t employees

PHILIPPINE STAR/BOY SANTOS

A BILL calling for a four-tranche salary hike for civilian government employees has been filed in the Senate.

The fourth and last tranche of pay hikes for public servants under the Salary Standardization Law of 2019 took effect on Jan. 1.

“The government must always review the salaries it provides to civilian employees so that it can maintain the attractiveness of government service and reduce the possibility of corruption,” Senator Christopher Lawrence T. Go, who filed Senate Bill No., 2504 on Dec. 5, said in the bill’s explanatory note.

Under the measure, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) will prepare a modified four-tranche payment hike schedule starting Jan. 1, 2024, with succeeding tranches taking effect on the same date annually until 2027. It will also issue guidelines to implement the salary hike schedule.

The differences in salary increases would be determined based on “substantive differences in duties, responsibilities, accountabilities and qualification requirements” of the various government positions.

“The compensation for all civilian government personnel shall be standardized and rationalized across all government agencies to create an enabling environment that will promote social justice, integrity, efficiency, productivity, accountability, and excellence in the civil service,” according to a copy of the measure.

Military and uniformed personnel and those working in government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) covered by the Compensation and Position Classification System of the Governance Commission for GOCCs are excluded from the bill.

In August, Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman told the House Committee on Appropriations that the DBM is setting aside about P17 billion for salary adjustments for public servants next year.

The DBM had allocated P48 million to conduct a study evaluating the need to raise government workers’ pay.

“Having competitive compensation in government service not only improves the lives of government employees but also attracts employees with expertise and skill,” Mr. Go said. “It dignifies work in the government.” — John Victor D. Ordoñez

NEA loans to electric co-ops hit P975.54M at end-Nov.

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE National Electrification Administration (NEA) has lent P975.54 million to at least 26 electric cooperatives (ECs) as of the end of November.

According to the NEA, the loans exceed its P700-million target for releases this year by 139.36%.

Of the total, P474.69 million funded the capital expenditures of 19 ECs particularly those in Mindanao, the NEA said, citing a report by its Accounting Management and Guarantee department.

Nine ECs, meanwhile, borrowed around P438 million for working capital. Misamis Oriental I Rural Electric Cooperative, Inc. borrowed P12.85 million for its modular generator set. The remaining P50 million was used by Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative, Inc. for short-term credit.

The NEA offers financial assistance to ECs through its Enhanced Lending Program, which consists of regular, calamity and concessional loans, stand-by and short-term credit loans, single-digit system loss loans, renewable energy loans, and modular generator set loans.

Last month, the NEA, whose mandate is total rural electrification — began the procurement process for power generated by natural gas-fired plants for use of ECs.

The Department of Energy (DoE) asked the NEA in October to help organize a competitive selection process (CSP) for power generated by indigenous natural gas, which is meant to be a transition fuel for ECs.

In its 2023-2032 National Total Electrification Roadmap, the DoE identified 285 unserved areas and 122 underserved areas in off-grid locations which will be prioritized for tender to private sector investors through CSPs.

The DoE has pre-qualified nine entities for the upcoming auction for microgrid service areas to serve off-grid areas. — Sheldeen Joy Talavera

House approves amendments to procurement law on 2nd reading

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE House of Representatives approved on second reading proposed amendments to the procurement law, with the measure calling for a single portal for electronic procurement.

Legislators on Wednesday approved via voice vote House Bill No. 9648, which seeks to amend Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

The proposed New Government Procurement Act seeks to “institute (a) streamlined and transparent procurement process… the use of emerging technologies and innovative solutions and open contracting practices,” according to a copy of the bill.

The measure aims to adopt a single electronic portal known as the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) for all procurement activities from planning to implementation.

It will establish an electronic payment system through the Budget department and the central bank for procuring entities.

The measure also proposes to ensure equal access to bid information on PhilGEPS except in cases involving national security.

The bill also seeks to strengthen the planning stage of procurement by making fit-for-purpose determinations, requiring detailed engineering submissions, providing for multi-year contracting, and including life-cycle cost analyses.

The measure also gives the bids and awards committee (BAC) or head of the procuring entity the option to determine the lowest calculated bid or the most economically advantageous bid for goods as well as infrastructure auctions.

The bill gives preference to bids that offer locally manufactured and environment-friendly goods, articles, and materials.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. last month ordered a buy-local policy for construction materials used in the infrastructure program.

The measure also defines the powers and functions of the BAC, increasing its honoraria to 30% of the basic monthly salary from 25%.

Changes to the law are expected to improve agencies’ absorptive and budget utilization, House revision of laws committee chairman and Manila Rep. Edward Michael Vera Perez Maceda said during committee proceedings on Nov. 8. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

OECD backs fiscal autonomy for local governments

BARANGAY HEALTH CENTER in San Nicolas, Iriga City

ASIA and the Pacific need to provide further support to help subnational governments achieve fiscal autonomy, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said.

In a report, the OECD said the region has the most number of subnational governments in the world.

“In addition, 12 out of 26 countries in the region have sub-municipal governments, which are much more frequent than in other world regions,” it added.

It also noted that subnational governments in the region have become “key economic and social actors.”

“They account for 29.1% of total government expenditure, representing 8.8% of GDP on average, above world averages (21.5% and 8.3%), and they account for 35% of revenue, representing 8.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on average, also above the world averages (25.9% and 8.0%),” the OECD said.

However, the report noted that subnational governments’ high levels of expenditure and revenue “do not necessarily indicate high subnational fiscal autonomy, meaning that potential benefits from fiscal autonomy are not always realized.”

“Fiscal autonomy can improve the quality and efficiency of spending, promote fiscal responsibility, increase accountability to citizens and help improve access to external financing,” it said.

“Yet, in several countries in the region, subnational governments have limited autonomy over public spending, with decision-making remaining quite centralized,” it added.

It said in at least four countries, subnational governments are still required to seek approval from the central government for their budgets.

“In many countries, a large part of subnational government expenditure is defined through earmarked grants and transfers, giving subnational governments limited spending autonomy. However, achieving benefits from fiscal autonomy also requires developing human and financial capacity at the subnational level.”

The OECD recommended strengthening subnational government finances and multi-level government frameworks, in order to “support economic development, improve wellbeing and achieve sustainable development goals.”

It said that responsibilities must be clarified across government levels and coordination mechanisms should be enhanced.

The OECD also said that support must be given to ensure “sufficient, stable and balanced basket of revenues, including by harnessing physical and financial assets.”

These assets could range from land, property and natural resources. It also called for further expanding other revenue measures, such as property taxes.

On the expenditure side, subnational governments also need more autonomy to better improve their budget management and delivery of services. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Annualization and related year-end compliance items

With the close of the calendar year weeks away comes the period of annualization, when employers calculate the annual income tax of their employees and prepare related year-end compliance filings.

Noteworthy items during this period are as follows:

DE MINIMIS BENEFITS
The latest maximum thresholds of de minimis benefits (benefits of relatively small value) are in Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 11-2018. Any amounts in excess of the thresholds are generally subject to withholding tax or fringe benefit tax depending on the position of the recipient-employee, unless they can form part of the P90,000 nontaxable bonus covering 13th month pay and other benefits.

Under RR No. 15-2011, all other benefits given by employers that are not included in the exclusive list will not be considered as tax-exempt de-minimis benefits and will, therefore, be taxable.

Daily meal allowance for overtime work and night/graveyard shift not exceeding 25% of the basic minimum wage on a per region basis are considered de minimis benefits. Companies should, therefore, consider the recent minimum wage increases in their calculations.

EQUITY-BASED INCOME
Equity-based income granted to employees as a performance incentive, regardless of position, is considered compensation and shall be subject to withholding tax on compensation once exercised or availed of by the employee-grantee. (RR No. 13-2022)

SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM (SSS) MATERNITY BENEFITS AND SALARY DIFFERENTIAL
The most common error is including the SSS reimbursable amount of maternity benefit in the gross compensation. However, only the salary differential (i.e., the net amount of benefit after deducting the SSS reimbursable amount from the total maternity benefit due to the employee) should be included as nontaxable income. Salary differentials are also accounted for as part of actual basic salary in the calculation of 13th month pay.

UPDATED WITHHOLDING TAX RATE AND MANDATORY CONTRIBUTIONS
Employers should see to it that the latest annual withholding tax table effective for 2023 and the latest schedules of mandatory contributions are used. Only the total actual mandatory contributions can be deducted from the gross compensation to arrive at net taxable income.

ON-LEAVE OR RESIGNED EMPLOYEES AND THOSE WITH PREVIOUS EMPLOYERS
For employees who resigned before the end of the year whose final pay was not yet calculated and for employees on leave (i.e., Absence Without Official Leave, maternity, medical, study or sabbatical leaves), employers should take note that their earnings for the year should also be annualized using the actual compensation information.

Employees with previous employers during the year should submit the Certificate of Compensation Payment/Tax Withheld (BIR Form No. 2316) from their previous employer to their current employer. The current employer is required to consolidate the earnings from the previous and current employers for proper annualization of total earnings and taxes due for the calendar year. The withholding tax certificate will also serve as reference in determining any unutilized amount of the P90,000 nontaxable threshold.

RETURNS AND ALPHALISTS
Filing of 1601-C for Electronic Filing and Payment System (eFPS) filers follows the monthly schedule for groups A to E (list of taxpayers based on industry classification), which is from Jan. 11 to 15 and the payment is due on or before Jan. 20. As for manual filers, the due date of filing and payment is Jan. 15.

The annual information form 1604-C contains a summary of the monthly 1601-C filings. Together with the e-submission of the related alphalist, it is due on or before Jan. 31 of the following year. The form was updated in the eBIRForms in 2021. Recently, Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 62-2023 announced that the updated form is now also available in the eFPS. To update the forms in eFPS, however, the taxpayer-employer must still submit a letter to the BIR requesting the latter to update the forms in the taxpayer’s eFPS account, along with a screenshot of the list of available tax forms in the taxpayer’s eFPS account and a copy of the BIR Certificate of Registration (CoR).

RMC No. 16-2022, on the other hand, announced the availability of the revised format for the alphalist of employees that is attached to BIR Form 1604-C. Employers should validate the alphalist using the latest version of validator before submitting to esubmission@bir.gov.ph. If the validation e-mail returns an invalid note, one will need to check the error and resubmit the revised alphalist.

Companies should have identified those employees qualified for substituted filing because there’s a requirement to indicate in the alphalist whether or not an employee is a qualified substituted filer. Those who are not qualified will be required to file personal income tax returns (BIR No. Form 1700 or 1701, whichever is applicable) by April 15 of the following year.

BIR FORM NO. 2316
The withholding tax certificates (BIR Form No. 2316), duly signed by the employer’s authorized signatory (typically the company officer overseeing payroll), should be issued to employees on or before Jan. 31 using the new version.

Qualified substituted filers must return a signed copy of their 2316 to their employers, who in turn submits the same to the BIR on or before Feb. 28. Under RMC No. 18-2021, the BIR accepted the submission of the copies of the 2316 forms for the taxable year 2020 without the employee’s signature, provided they were signed by the employer. The reprieve was due to the pandemic, and no similar concession has since been granted post-2020.

Under RR No. 16-2021, only scanned copies of the 2316 forms saved in a DVD-R will be accepted by the BIR. The file format, naming conventions, and other documentary requirements should be complete and comply with the rules of the BIR.

Every year, employers, together with their accountants and tax providers, put in extra effort to properly calculate employees’ taxes and comply with year-end requirements. Compliance with these rules is important, to say the least. But if you think compliance is expensive and tedious, try non-compliance.

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.

 

Bernadette R. Fama-Absolor is a manager at the Client Accounting Services group of Isla Lipana & Co., the Philippine member firm of the PwC network.

bernadette.r.fama@pwc.com

UST ends NU dynasty

IN EPIC FASHION, University of Santo Tomas toppled the great dynasty of National University by carving out a pulsating 71-69 comeback triumph in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball finals. — FACEBOOK.COM/WEARETHEUAAP

Growling Tigresses rally to edge Lady Bulldogs in a thriller, 71-69

THERE’S a new ruler in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) basketball queendom.

In epic fashion, University of Santo Tomas (UST) toppled the great dynasty of National University (NU) by carving out a pulsating 71-69 comeback triumph in the winner-take-all Game 3 of the UAAP Season 86 women’s basketball finals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Growling Tigresses erased a 15-point deficit late in the third quarter highlighted by the title-clinching 13-2 closeout in the last four minutes as they dethroned the Lady Bulldogs after their unprecedented, unchallenged seven-year reign.

Finals MVP Tantoy Ferrer went berserk in the fourth quarter to ignite the comeback, Kent Pastrana scored the game-tying basket while Nikki Villasin sprinted to a wide-open game-winner in transition as UST in the process brought back the crown in España after 17 long years. “I’m really lost for words. I’m happy for the girls. We’re down big but I said to them, don’t give up. Stick together,” mentor Haydee Ong, in tears, said. “NU gave us a lot of chances to recover. We made good stops in the last minute and that spelled the difference.”

UST doing it was an understatement with Mmess. Ferrer, Villasin and Pastrana essaying a comeback for the ages to unseat a superpower that stood impregnable and unshakeable for almost a decade.

Ms. Ferrer hauled down a double-double of 19 points and 14 rebounds, including nine points in the payoff period, Ms. Pastrana, who missed the game-winning triple in Game 2, added 16 points while Villasin saved her best for last in draining the championship winner to finish with 12 points.

In turn, Santo Tomas ascended to the UAAP women’s kingdom for the first time since 2006 for now a league’s best 12th title, breaking a tie with Far Eastern University  (11).

But it wasn’t a walk in the park.

In this game alone, the Growling Tigresses endured a long, winding climb to the top to hand Ms. Ferrer, who registered 15.7 points and 11.3 rebounds in the finals, and Ms. Villasin a fitting swan song in España.

Staring at 46-61 deficit in the last minute of the third period, the Growling Tigresses flaunted sharper claws on the defensive end by limiting the Lady Bulldogs to only eight points the rest of the way.

Santo Tomas, which first snapped a 20-game, 11-year losing skid against NU with a 76-72 win in Game 1, then banked on the heroics of Ms. Pastrana, who tied the game with a bank shot in the last 24 seconds, and Ms. Villasin’s fastbreak lay-up in the last nine seconds as the former champion fired blanks.

“This will go down in history for UST. The last time we had our championship was in 2006. I think that says a lot to the level of NU. They raised the bar for women’s basketball for seven consecutive years. It’s one hell of a program,” added Ms. Ong.

“And beating them today and never giving up, that also says a lot for these special ladies. They deserve to be UAAP champions.”

Kristine Cayabyab, who led the Lady Bulldogs with 18 points, had one last chance albeit with no timeouts left to preserve their dynasty with a desperation trey down the stretch but to no avail — paving the way for the new UAAP basketball queens.

Princess Fabruada (13) and Karl Pingol (11) chipped in help as ace player Camille Clarin struggle for only two points on 0-of-11 clip in the end of NU’s era. — John Bryan Ulanday

The Scores:

(women’s finals)

UST (71) – Ferrer 19, Pastrana 16, Villasin 12, Tacatac 9, Bron 4, Dionisio 4, Santos 4, Ambos 3, Maglupay 0, Soriano 0, Amatong 0, Serrano 0.

NU (69) – Cayabyab 18, Fabruada 13, Pingol 11, Berberabe 9, Surada 9, Canuto 5, Clarin 2, Konateh 2, Bartolo 0, Betanio 0, Solis 0.

Quarterscores: 19-19, 32-44, 47-61, 71-69.

Mapua Cardinals a win away from 32-year NCAA championship drought

THE LONG NCAA championship wait could be over soon for the Mapua University Cardinals. — FACEBOOK.COM/NCAA.ORG.PH

Games Sunday (MOA)
9 a.m. — CSB vs LPU (Battle for Third)
12:30 p.m.— Awarding Ceremony
2 p.m. — San Beda vs Mapua (Game Two)

THE LONG National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) championship wait could be over soon for the Mapua University Cardinals.

Displaying disciplined defense and unveiling an MVP Clint Escamis, Mapua sent an upset-conscious San Beda University crashing with an epic 68-63 victory yesterday and moved on the cusp of arranging a date with destiny in NCAA Season 99 before a sizable Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena crowd.

The Cardinals found a way to stifle Jacob Cortez and the Red Lions’ assassin-like gunners by holding them to just a combined five triples out of 32 tries while Mr. Escamis buried a mammoth triple and two foul shots late in claiming the win and a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three title duel.

That pushed them on the brink of claiming their first crown since winning it all 32 years ago and seventh overall.

Mapua has a chance to achieve the feat if it could replicate its Game One magnificence in Game Two slated Sunday also at MOA.

A decider, if necessary, is on Dec. 17 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

And it was all because of their defense and Mr. Escamis, who had a game-high 18 points including that decisive five-point swing in the clutch amid cramps that sidelined him for some time in stretches in the third and final period.

The Cardinals, thanks to a feisty and energetic Ryle Rosillo, held Jacob Cortez scoreless after the first half.

Still, Mr. Cortez, son of former PBA player Mike, plodded on and tried to will San Beda back by fueling a furious fourth quarter fight back.

And he almost did.

Almost given up for dead after trailing by as much as 16 points, Mr. Cortez, who wound up with 12 points, drained a tough, buzzer-beating three from near the half court line at the end of the third canto.

It eventually lit San Beda’s flickering hopes as the Red Lions managed to inch closer by just three points before Mapua’s pesky defense stopped it short, sending it sprawling to the former’s third defeat in as many games to the latter this season.

Thanks to it, Mapua has moved a step away from the championship that has eluded the school for so long now. — Joey Villar

The scores:

Mapua 68- Escamis 18, Hernandez 16, Rosillo 15, Bonifacio 15, Bonifacio 6, Recto 5, Cuenco 4, Soriano 4, Fornis 0, Dalisay 0

San Beda 63- Payosing 14, Puno 12, Cortez 12, Andrada 8, Jopia 8, Tagle 5, Cuntapay 2, Visser 2, Alfaro 0, Gonzales 0, Royo 0, Gallego 0

Quarterscores: 17-17; 36-31; 59-48; 68-63

Argentina’s Messi named Time’s Athlete of the Year

TIME
TIME

ARGENTINA captain Lionel Messi has been named Time magazine’s Athlete of the Year for 2023 after winning the Ballon d’Or for a record-extending eighth time and elevating the profile of the sport in the US with his move to Inter Miami.

Mr. Messi played a key role in guiding Argentina to their first World Cup title in 36 years when they beat defending champions France in the final in December last year.

The 36-year-old had no shortage of offers when he left Paris St Germain earlier this year, choosing to sign for Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami despite being linked with his former team Barcelona and a big-money move to Saudi side Al-Hilal.

“The truth is that fortunately, I had several options on the table that were interesting, and I had to analyze them and think, even weigh them up with my family, before making the final decision to come to Miami,” Mr. Messi told Time.

Mr. Messi made an instant impact at Miami, scoring 10 goals in seven Leagues Cup appearances as he spurred them to victory in the tournament which features MLS teams as well as sides from Mexico.

The Argentine’s arrival in the US also made waves off the pitch, causing a massive spike in searches for match dates and tickets to see him in action, with fans also buying up his official pink Inter Miami shirt.

The price of tickets to Inter Miami games skyrocketed, while Apple TV, which has a 10-year partnership with the MLS, saw a significant increase in subscriptions, according to research firm Antenna.

“Messi managed to do what once seemed impossible: turning the US into a soccer country,” Time wrote.

Simone Biles, LeBron James and the United States women’s soccer team have won the award in recent years, with Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees winning in 2022. — Reuters

Bucks rout Knicks, will play for tournament title

GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO collected 35 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds to fuel the host Milwaukee Bucks to a 146-122 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday in the quarterfinals of the NBA in-season tournament.

Mr. Antetokounmpo, who turns 29 on Wednesday, made 15 of 22 shots from the floor, and Damian Lillard recorded 28 points and seven assists.

Malik Beasley drained six 3-pointers for all 18 of his points for the Bucks, who set a season high in points to advance to the semifinals against the Indiana Pacers on Thursday in Las Vegas.

Milwaukee shot a robust 60.4 percent from the floor (55 of 91) and 60.5 percent from 3-point range (23 of 38) en route to notching its 10th win in 12 games overall and ninth in a row at home. The Bucks also posted a 110-105 win over the Knicks to begin the in-season tournament on Nov. 3.

New York’s Julius Randle scored a season-high 41 points after making 14 of 19 shots from the floor, including all nine shots he attempted in the first half. He eclipsed his previous season-high point total of 29.

Jalen Brunson scored 24 points and RJ Barrett collected 23 points and eight rebounds for the Knicks. New York’s loss in this quarterfinal game means it will travel to Boston to play the Celtics on Friday.

Mr. Lillard scored Milwaukee’s last 13 points to give his team a 75-72 lead at halftime. He capped that surge by sinking a 3-pointer with 3.1 seconds remaining.

The Bucks scored 18 of the first 24 points of the third quarter to push their advantage to 93-78. Mr. Antetokounmpo scored eight points in that stretch, highlighted by converting an alley-oop inbounds pass from Khris Middleton.

Milwaukee outscored New York by a 37-24 margin in the third quarter to push its lead to 112-96.

Josh Hart sank a 3-pointer to ignite a 7-0 run by the Knicks to start the fourth quarter, but the Bucks bounced back by scoring 13 of the game’s next 15 points. Cameron Payne’s 3-pointer capped the surge to extend Milwaukee’s advantage to 125-105 with 6:42 remaining.

LA LAKERS
Lebron James scored 31 points and dished out 11 assists, Anthony Davis added 27 points and 15 rebounds and the Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the semifinals of the NBA in-season tournament with a 106-103 victory over the visiting Phoenix Suns on Tuesday.

Austin Reaves scored 20 points for the Lakers, who will face the New Orleans Pelicans in one semifinal game Thursday at Las Vegas. The Milwaukee Bucks will face the Indiana Pacers in the other semifinal, also on Thursday at Las Vegas, with the final set for Saturday there.

Los Angeles improved to 5-0 during in-season tournament games.

Kevin Durant scored 31 points for the Suns, who lost for the third time in their past four games after a seven-game winning streak. Phoenix lost two of its five games in the in-season tournament, both against Los Angeles.

Devin Booker and Grayson Allen each scored 21 points for the Suns, with Mr. Booker grabbing 11 rebounds. Phoenix head coach Frank Vogel, who was the Lakers’ coach when they won the 2020 NBA title, is 0-3 this season against his former team. The Suns took a 95-94 lead on a 3-pointer from Mr. Durant with 5:45 remaining, but then they went more than four minutes without a field goal as the Lakers took a 102-97 lead with 2:20 remaining after six consecutive L.A. points from Mr. James. Mr. Durant ended the field-goal drought with a short jumper to bring Phoenix within 102-99 with 1:02 remaining, and Mr. Booker brought the Suns within a point at 102-101 on a layup with 30 seconds left.

After missing his first five shots of the fourth quarter, Mr. Reaves buried a 3-pointer with 15 seconds left for a 105-101 lead. Mr. Durant made a quick layup to get the Suns within 105-103, and Mr. Davis sank 1 of 2 free throws with 6.6 seconds remaining. Mr. Durant missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer.

The Lakers stormed out to a 33-23 lead after one quarter, assisted by 10 Suns turnovers. Los Angeles led 59-47 at halftime after Mr. Davis scored 20 points and pulled down six rebounds.

After the Suns opened the second half on a 14-0 run, the Lakers were up 83-82 through three quarters. — Reuters

Serrano vacates title after WBC refuses to let her fight under men’s rules

FEATHERWEIGHT champion Amanda Serrano on Wednesday relinquished her WBC title after they refused to allow her to compete in bouts under the same rule-set as men’s boxing, with 12 three-minute rounds.

Women’s championship fights are typically scheduled for no more than 10 rounds with each round lasting two minutes.

Ms. Serrano, who had unified the WBA, WBC, IBF, WBO, IBO and Ring Magazine titles, was among the women boxers who launched a campaign in October to have the choice to compete under the same rules as men.

The Puerto Rican fought Danila Ramos to a unanimous decision victory later that month, which was the first time a women’s title fight was fought in 12 three-minute rounds.

WBC did not sanction the fight, while the other sanctioning bodies recognized the bout as a title defense for the 35-year-old.

“The WBC has refused to evolve the sport for equality. So I am relinquishing their title,” Serrano wrote on Instagram.

“Moving forward if a sanctioning body doesn’t want to give me and my fellow fighters the choice to fight the same as the men, then I will not be fighting for that sanctioning body.”

WBC President Mauricio Sulaiman had earlier said that they would not sanction 12 three-minute rounds in women’s bouts.

“It’s something I’ve wanted for years and finally now that I’m in the position, I will continue my career under that rule,” she added. — Reuters

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