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BPOs target staffing level exceeding 2M by 2025

PIXABAY

THE IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) said that it hopes to exceed the two-million mark in industry headcount by 2025, citing the competitiveness of the Philippine workforce.

In a briefing on Monday, IBPAP President Jack Madrid, whose industry is also known as the business process outsourcing (BPO) sector, said the association’s members posted substantial growth in jobs created last year.

“The IT-BPM (information technology and business process management) industry continues to grow. We ended last year with 1.7 million direct jobs for Filipinos, up 8%, and we generated well over $35 billion in revenue for the economy,” Mr. Madrid said.

Last year, Mr. Madrid said that the industry is targeting 7-8% growth in headcount and $39 billion in revenue for 2024.

“But I’m really excited about 2025 because this is when we will cross the 2 million job level. And, you know that’s quite significant. It took… almost 20 years to hit 1 million jobs and we’re attempting to do the second million in less than six years. So it’s really quite a feat,” he said.

However, he said that the industry currently faces a challenge in meeting demand for Filipino IT-BPM workers, pointing to the need for talent upskilling.

“We are an indispensable pillar of the economy, with 1.7 million employees and growing … the only thing that’s holding us back is really the availability of talent,” Mr. Madrid said.

“So we should take seriously the importance of upskilling and reskilling our existing workforce, and also the upcoming generation of job seekers,” he added.

Meanwhile, he said that the global IT-BPM industry will continue to grow and will attract more entrants into a field dominated by India and the Philippines.

“We have more competition and so if we want to increase direct investment, I think our industry is one such pathway. We are rich in human capital, we are big in services exports. So, let us continue to work on strengthening the skills of the Filipino workforce,” he added.

He said that another pathway to competitiveness and attracting more IT-BPM investment is to allow more work flexibility.

“In the past two years, there has been a gradual uptick in going back to on-site. If I were to venture a guess as to the aggregate number, we’re probably at about 60% on-site,” he said.

He added that some jobs can be done remotely while others require collaboration with some global customers, who prefer their transactions to be done in the workplace due to privacy concerns.

“I think the important thing is not the number, what’s important is the flexibility that we give our employees and the flexibility that we also give to our investors because all other IT-BPM destinations are offering work from home flexibility, including India,” he said.

“And so for us to remain competitive, we need to provide flexibility to both investors and employees,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

RCEP seen unlocking services exports

PARTICIPATION in the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) will further enhance opportunities in the services trade and support overall economic growth, according to a research paper published by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS).

“Despite being a marginal trading arrangement, RCEP can provide additional opportunities for Filipinos to generate income by providing business and professional services to both ASEAN member states and ASEAN free trade agreement partners in RCEP,” according to the “Harnessing the Opportunities in Services Trade under RCEP: Perspectives from the Philippines” research paper.

The paper, written by John Paolo R. Rivera and Tereso S. Tullao, Jr., said increased demand for services in the post-pandemic global economy provides “an opportunity for the Philippines to drive its economic recovery, growth, and development.”

“The Philippines can expand its contributions to trade in services while supporting its own economy through enhanced linkages and partnerships, comparable workforce skills, amendments to laws hampering liberalization — all of which play a role in improving the business environment in the country,” PIDS said.

“Thus, the expected implementation of RCEP can complement the Philippines’ initiatives toward economic recovery through an avenue to transform itself as one of the region’s hubs for manufacturing, innovation, research and development, and as a center for training and education,” it added.

RCEP came into force in June. Other RCEP members are the nine other ASEAN states, Australia, China, Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.

“The opportunities RCEP offers can only be maximized by enhancing the Philippines’ strengths in competitiveness, language proficiency, cultural adaptability, human capital, and government participation,” the paper said.

The Philippines can attract more investors and enterprises to do business in the country through RCEP, it said.

“This can eventually develop human capital, infrastructure, tourism, and other industries, enhancing domestic productivity in the long run,” it said.

“While liberalizing the economy will pose competition with domestic enterprises and infant industries, protection can still be accorded. Liberalization can be considered for industries where the Philippines has inadequacies, such as utilities, telecommunications, construction, and infrastructure. These areas have been the country’s key constraints that impede economic takeoff,” it added.

The paper said that the Philippines can also take advantage of trading opportunities such as business services in China.

“More specifically, professional organizations in accounting and auditing (e.g., the Philippine Institute for Certified Public Accountants) may directly benefit from this opportunity. Filipino and Filipino-Chinese certified public accountants (CPAs) proficient in Mandarin are deemed viable candidates, as outlined by the RCEP commitments,” it said.

“However, it must be noted that there are market access and national treatment limitations… these can be considered threats to the Philippines, as Filipino and Filipino-Chinese CPAs proficient in Mandarin need to hurdle China’s CPA examination,” it added. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Withholding tax rules on digital commerce

The evolving narratives of personal growth and determination at the start of the new year bear a striking parallel to the transformative changes unfolding in digital commerce. Just as people face a crucial checkpoint in the fourth week of 2024, electronic marketplace (e-marketplace) operators and digital financial services providers (DFSPs) are also navigating a pivotal moment. The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) recently implemented groundbreaking withholding tax rules pursuant to Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 16-2023 and Revenue Memorandum Circular (RMC) No. 8-2024 issued on Dec. 21 and Jan. 15, respectively. This move, aimed at reshaping the taxation framework, mirrors the determination seen in individuals striving for self-improvement.

The commitment to fairness and transparency in taxation aligns with the collective spirit of renewal and fresh beginnings that the new year often brings. The challenges and opportunities posed by the new regulatory framework underscore the parallel paths of personal and economic development, highlighting the dynamic nature of progress in the first month of the year.

EFFECTIVITY OF WITHHOLDING TAX OBLIGATION
The revenue regulations that imposed withholding tax obligations on e-marketplace operators and DFSPs took effect on Jan. 11, or 15 days after its publication in the Manila Bulletin on Dec. 27.

On the other hand, RMC No. 8-2024 was issued and published on Jan. 15.

RATE OF WITHHOLDING TAX
In general, e-market place operators and DFSPs are required to withhold 1% tax on one half of their gross remittances to sellers and merchants of goods and services using their platforms or facilities. Remittances to sellers and merchants are not subject to withholding tax if (a) the annual total gross remittance for the past taxable year is P500,000 or below; (b) the cumulative gross remittance for the taxable year is P500,000 or below; or (c) the seller or merchant is exempt from or subject to a lower income tax pursuant to law or treaty.

COVERED TAXPAYERS
The following taxpayers are affected by the new regulations:

• e-marketplace operators: those that develop and/or provide a digital platform that connects online buyers with sellers to facilitate sales. These platforms handle various aspects, including processing payments, organizing product shipments, and providing post-purchase support. They oversee transaction processes and cover a range of services, such as online shopping, food delivery, and booking accommodations like resorts, hotels, and rental spaces in the Philippines. Essentially, e-marketplace operators offer digital platforms that serve as online hubs for various services and products. Examples are marketplaces for online shopping, food delivery platforms, and booking platforms for resorts, hotels, and similar lodgings.

• DFSPs: those that provide financial technology. These providers use internal systems, mobile applications, or similar methods to deliver various financial services to the public. These services include banking, insurance, payment and money transmission services, and other related financial offerings. In essence, digital financial service providers provide a broad range of financial solutions through digital platforms.

• Sellers/merchants of goods and services: local sellers/merchants for purposes of imposing creditable withholding tax.

OBLIGATIONS OF E-MARKETPLACE OPERATORS AND DFSPs
E-marketplace operators and DFSPs are required to carry out the following:

• Ensure sellers/merchants are registered with the BIR by collecting their Certificate of Registration (CoR or BIR Form No. 2303) before allowing them to use the e-marketplace or DFSP platforms.

• Request certification or documentation from sellers/merchants exempt from or subject to a lower income tax rate under existing laws or treaties.

• Mandate sellers/merchants to submit a copy of the BIR-received Sworn Declaration (SD); an automatic withholding tax deduction under RR No. 16-2023 shall apply for failure to submit SD and for failure to submit within the prescribed period.

• Monitor buyers/customers’ gross payments, deduct the withholding tax as per RR No. 16-2023, and remit it to the respective sellers/merchants. If a payment reaches the seller/merchant through multiple channels, the last facility (e-marketplace operators and DFSPs) that has control of the payment before fully remitting it to the seller/merchant is responsible for withholding taxes under RR No. 16-2023.

• Issue the Certificate of Creditable Tax Withheld at Source (BIR Form No. 2307) to sellers/merchants within the prescribed period stated in the Tax Code or upon their request.

OBLIGATIONS OF SELLERS/ MERCHANTS
Sellers/merchants using the e-marketplace facility or DFSP must register their business with the BIR and provide a copy of the BIR-issued CoR to the e-marketplace operator. All sellers/merchants currently not registered with the BIR but selling goods and services in an e-marketplace facility must register their businesses with the BIR within the transitory 90-day period.

If the expected annual gross remittance from e-marketplace operators or DFSPs is below P500,000, sellers/merchants need to submit a BIR-received SD to the e-marketplace or DFSP, declaring this limit. The BIR-received SD must be submitted before the 20th day of the first month of each taxable year.

Failure to submit the required SD will result in the automatic deduction of withholding tax by the e-marketplace operator or DFSP. If the annual gross remittances exceed P500,000 during the taxable year, sellers/merchants must promptly submit the required BIR-received SD to the e-marketplace operators or DFSPs.

If a seller/merchant is exempt from income tax or qualifies for a lower income tax rate under existing laws or treaties, they should provide the e-marketplace operator with a duly issued certification as evidence of their exemption or eligibility for the lower rate.

WHAT COMPRISES GROSS REMITTANCE?
The P500,000 gross remittance limit includes all payments received by an online seller/merchant from all e-marketplace operators and DFSPs. If any e-marketplace operator or DFSP finds that the total remittances on its platform surpass P500,000 at any point during the taxable year, the required withholding tax will be automatically deducted from the exceeding amount. This withholding tax will also apply to subsequent remittances.

COMMENCEMENT OF OBLIGATION TO WITHHOLD
E-marketplace operators and DFSPs’ obligation to withhold commences:

1. Upon receipt by the e-marketplace operator and DFSP of the BIR-received SD indicating that the sellers/merchants have exceeded the P500,000;

2. When the seller/merchant failed to submit the required BIR-received SD to the e-marketplace operator or DFSP within the described period; or

3. When the e-marketplace operator or DFSP has determined that its total gross remittances to the concerned seller/merchant have exceeded the P500,000 threshold.

PAYMENTS/REMITTANCES TO SELLERS/MERCHANTS
Sellers/merchants are not allowed to receive payments in their personal accounts. All payments, remittances, or transfers must go to their BIR-registered tradename. The BIR will monitor the usage of accounts under the registered tradename of the seller/merchant.

TRANSITORY PERIOD
E-marketplace operators and DFSPs have a 90-day window from the issuance date of this circular on Jan. 15, or until April 14, to adhere to any additional policies or requirements set by the BIR. This transitory period allows them the opportunity to make necessary adjustments and ensure full compliance with the provisions outlined in RR No. 16-2023 before the official enforcement of the prescribed creditable withholding tax.

Existing unregistered sellers and merchants must fulfill the specified requirements detailed in this circular within the same 90-day period. Violators of any provision of RR No. 16-2023 are liable for penalties.

Truly, we are entering a new era of taxation for digital marketplaces, marking a crucial milestone in shaping the rules for the digital economy. This change signifies a shift in how these digital businesses are taxed, representing a significant step toward creating fairer taxation rules for everyone in and out of the digital landscape.

Let’s Talk Tax is a weekly newspaper column of P&A Grant Thornton that aims to keep the public informed of various developments in taxation. This article is not intended to be a substitute for competent professional advice.

 

Paul Vinces C. Leorna is a manager from the Tax Advisory & Compliance division of P&A Grant Thornton. P&A Grant Thornton is one of the leading audits, tax, advisory, and outsourcing firms in the Philippines, with 29 Partners and more than 1000 staff members. Tweet us: GrantThorntonPH, like us on Facebook: P&A Grant Thornton,

pagrantthornton@ph.gt.com

www.grantthornton.com.ph

Filinvest installs electric poles

LISTED property developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) partnered with the Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CENECO) to install electricity poles in Talisay City as part of further developing the area’s infrastructure.

In partnership with CENECO, FLI said it installed 42 electricity poles on a 2.7-kilometer stretch along Circumferential Road in Barangay E. Lizares, Talisay City. The poles are located near FLI’s 51-hectare Palm Estates mixed-use development.

“We believe in the potential of Talisay City, and through initiatives like this, we strive to energize growth and enhance the quality of life for the community,” FLI Geographic Planning Head-Rest of Visayas Phil Calumpang said in a statement on Monday.

Palm Estates features the Futura Homes Palm Estates residential community, which offers smart-value house and lots with a modern minimalist theme. The turnover of houses is expected in the first quarter.

Some of the Palm Estate’s features include a neighborhood commercial complex, chapel, clubhouse, events area, and transportation hub.

FLI said the clubhouse and basketball court are expected to be opened this year, while the other amenities such as the soccer field and swimming pool are set to open in 2025.

CENECO, incorporated in 1975, is one of the country’s 121 electric cooperatives. It purchased and took over A. S. Diaz Electric Service in 1978, which previously served the cities of Bacolod and Talisay.

On Monday, shares of FLI closed unchanged at 67 centavos apiece. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

Tourism in Davao del Sur town posts 11% surge

STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur — Tourism in this municipality has recorded an 11% surge in tourist arrivals, reaching 248,968 in 2023, up from 224,473 in the previous year, according to the local tourism and information office.

“The increase can be attributed to our aggressive marketing and promotions campaign,” said tourism information officer Julius R. Paner, noting the rise as a consolidation of the visitor numbers for such attractions as Lantawan sa Matutungan, Mt. Fortune View, and Tajos Beach, among others.

The introduction of the Sta. Cruz Trailblazer Award, rewarding those visiting seven key sites in a year, also contributed to the upswing. The designated sites are Mt. Apo, Mt. Dinor, Mt. Loay, Bamboo Peak, Mt. Fortune View, Tomari Waterfalls, and Saliducon Cave.

Despite stiff competition, the tourism office views the increase as a significant milestone. The local government is actively implementing new marketing strategies to outshine neighboring regions and plans to sustain this momentum in the coming years.

In 2023, this municipality achieved a milestone by reaching a million tourists in just 13 years, marking a remarkable achievement for the local government. — Maya M. Padillo

House sessions now aired on free TV

BW FILE PHOTO

THE HOUSE of Representatives on Monday launched a free-to-air digital channel to broadcast regular sessions conducted in the Chamber, as it seeks public access to events in Congress.

The broadcast platform, called Congress TV, will be viewed on state-owned People’s Television Network (PTV) digital channel 14 in the capital region.

“Through this platform, we are tearing down the walls that have long kept the inner workings of the legislature away from public scrutiny,” House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez said during the launch of Congress TV.

The House leader called Congress TV a “bridge built on the pillars of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.”

“By airing the sessions of Congress, we aim to present democracy in action, and show the participative governance in the shaping of a new Philippines,” PTV Network General Manager Ana Puod said in a statement.

House Secretary General Reginald S. Velasco said that CongressTV would help inform the public on how laws are created, which includes the country’s national budget.

Congress TV will air daily from 9 am to 9 pm beginning on Tuesday at PTV digital channel 14, as well as on its own social media platforms.

It will also be available on channel 2 on ABS-CBN’s TV Plus and channel 46 on GMA Affordabox. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Qualifier Yastremska reaches quarterfinals on fairytale run

DAYANA YASTREMSKA — REUTERS

Djokovic, Sabalenka lead Melbourne quarterfinalists

MELBOURNE — Qualifier Dayana Yastremska continued her fairytale run into the quarter-finals of the Australian Open on Monday with a 7-6(6) 6-4 upset of twice former champion and 18th seed Victoria Azarenka.

The Ukrainian world number 93, who stunned Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the first round, had to fight hard but was rewarded for her aggression with 38 winners to forge on into a half of the draw devoid of top 10 seeds.

“I feel like my heart is going to jump out of my body,” the 23-year-old said after the biggest win of her career. “I was losing the tiebreak, I was losing the second set, I was always felt like I was running behind the train. But I think I’m a little bit of a fighter so that’s why I won this match.”

In a punishing baseline battle with virtually no net play, Ms. Yastremska got the first of the six breaks of serve in the opening set only for Ms. Azarenka to rattle off the next four games to edge in front.

Ms. Azarenka, back-to-back champion in 2012-2013 and a Melbourne semifinalist last year, served for the set but Ms. Yastremska kept up the pressure through five deuces and finally converted her fourth break point to force a tiebreak. The tiebreak was just as tight but the Ukrainian sealed it with her 21st winner, a blistering forehand that was just too fast and too deep for 34-year-old Ms. Azarenka.

Both players took lengthy bathroom breaks after the first set and Belarusian Azarenka came out firing, racing to a 3-0 lead almost before Ms. Yastremska had time to catch her breath.

The Ukrainian stalled Ms. Azarenka’s progress and then went back on the attack, finding her rasping winners again to win five straight games. She held her nerve serving for the match two games later, lashing across one more big backhand to set up a meeting with Czech world number 50 Linda Noskova in her first Grand Slam quarterfinal.

QUARTERFINALISTS
Novak Djokovic flirted with a rare “triple bagel” and Aryna Sabalenka produced yet another powerful performance as the defending champions swept into the quarterfinals of the Australian Open on Sunday.

American fourth seed Coco Gauff also rattled through her match in double quick time and while she was only on court for an hour, the US Open champion showed she has all the weapons to win a second Grand Slam title.

Jannik Sinner, the men’s fourth seed, got through a tough fourth round clash in three sets to underline his title credentials but last year’s losing finalist, Stefanos Tsitsipas, was ousted by Taylor Fritz.

Mr. Djokovic, playing a rare daytime match, blanked Frenchman Adrian Mannarino in the opening two sets and threatened to become only the sixth player to win 6-0 6-0 6-0 in the main draw of a Grand Slam.

Mr. Djokovic will meet Fritz in his 58th Grand Slam quarterfinal — a record the world number one now shares with Roger Federer — as he seeks a record 25th major singles title.

The American played an excellent match to beat Greek seventh seed Mr. Tsitsipas 7-6(3) 5-7 6-3 6-3 but will take an 0-8 record into his first Australian Open quarterfinal.

Reigning US Open champion Ms. Gauff outclassed Magdalena Frech 6-1 6-2 in only 63 minutes for her ninth straight victory but was not at all concerned that she might be undercooked for the business end of the tournament.

Barbora Krejcikova is the only other top 10 seed left in the women’s draw and the Czech is certainly battle-hardened after giving up the opening set in three of her four matches this year

Next up for Mr. Sinner is Andrey Rublev, who ended Australia’s interest in the singles draws with victory over Alex de Minaur in a five-set evening thriller on Rod Laver Arena.

The fifth-seeded Russian and 10th-seeded local went toe-to-toe for more than four hours before Rublev got over the line 6-4 6-7(5) 6-7(4) 6-3 6-0 to reach the last eight for the third time. — Reuters

TNT, Meralco brace for EASL Final Four battle

TNT TROPANG GIGA — PBA.PH

THEIR Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup campaign is over but TNT and Meralco still have unfinished business in the East Asia Super League (EASL).

The TNT Tropang Giga and the Meralco Bolts, the country’s representatives in the Continental league, have their work cut out in trying to make it to the Final Four there.

The two MVP Group squads carry identical 1-4 records with TNT running third in Group A behind Japan’s Chiba (6-0) and Korea’s Anyang (2-2) and Meralco at fourth behind New Taipei Kings (4-0), Seoul SK (2-2) and Japan’s Ryukyu (2-3).

They need to seize victory in their final group games but they would have to depend on others to keep the door to the semis open.

For the TNT Tropang Giga, they have to win big against the Anyang in their home game at the PhilSports Arena tomorrow to stay alive. Then they would root for fourth-running Taipei Fubon Braves (1-4) to beat Anyang on the final day to forge a three-way tie and hope to emerge on top after tiebreaker for the second seat to the semis.

It’s more complicated for the Meralco Bolts, who need semis-bound New Taipei to defeat Ryukyu and Seoul to keep them in the mix then to draw level at 2-4, chalk up an away win against Seoul on Feb. 7. Even then, Meralco still needs to finish with the biggest points difference to possibly salvage a semis ticket.

TNT team manager Jojo Lastimosa underscored the importance of reaching the EASL post-season. “Qualifying for the EASL Final Four would be a tremendous achievement for our team. It’s a testament to the determination, and resilience of our players, coaching staff, and the entire organization,” he said. “This is a goal we’ve been working towards since the beginning of the season, and securing a spot in the Final Four would not only elevate the profile of TNT on the international stage but also bring immense pride to our fans and supporters back home.”

TNT seeks this objective a week after bowing out of the PBA’s season-opening tournament on account of 94-109 quarterfinal loss to top seed and twice-to-beat Magnolia.

Meralco followed TNT to the exits after yielding an 84-88 setback to No. 4 Phoenix in the rubbermatch for a semis spot. — Olmin Leyba

Petro Gazz Angels tap Japanese Tsuzurabara as new head coach

KOJI TSUZURABARA — FACEBOOK.COM/PETROGAZZANGELS

THE JAPANESE invasion of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) continued after Petro Gazz tapped Koji Tsuzurabara of Japan as its new coach in time for the All-Filipino Conference set Feb. 20 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Our new driving force and guiding light has come aboard. We are ready and excited as you steer us to new heights as our head coach. Welcome to the Angels family, coach Koji Tsuzurabara,” the team announced Sunday night on social media.

Mr. Tsuzurabara will be the second Japanese coaching in the league after Nxled tapped Taka Minowa last year.

Mr. National Football Conference, who came to Filipino consciousness after he coached Kinh Bac Bac Ninh of Vietnam in last year’s PVL Invitational, has taken over from Timmy Sto. Tomas.

He also had stints with club teams in Japan, New Zealand and Saudi Arabia as well as national team tour of duties in Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar and, just recently, Chinese Taipei in last year’s Asian Volleyball Cup.

The Angels also tapped Fil-Am Brooke Van Sickle, Myla Pablo and Michelle Morente in a massive revamp aimed at improving on a sixth-place performance in last season’s second AFC late last year.

Mr. Tsuzurabara inherited a squad that included Jonah Sabete, Aiza Maizo Pontillas, Djanel Cheng and Remy Palma. — Joey Villar

Howard, Strong Group stay perfect in Dubai tourney

DWIGHT Howard unleashed his vintage form as Strong Group fended off a fiery resistance from Lebanon’s Homenetmen, 104-95, and stayed perfect in the 33rd Dubai International Basketball Championship yesterday at the Al Nasr Club.

The former NBA champion and three-time Defensive Player of the Year awardee scored 32 points on an impressive 12-of-13 clip laced by seven rebounds and five blocks to anchor the Philippine representatives to a 3-0 slate atop Group B.

It’s the closest win of Strong Group, which had to turn it up in the payoff period, thus far in the 12-team tourney after making short work of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) national team, 82-66, and Syria’s Al Wahda, 89-67. Joining hands with Mr. Howard to make it happen was UAAP MVP Kevin Quiambao, who further cemented his stature as Strong Group’s best local bet with 19 points, four rebounds and four assists.

Andray Blatche chipped in 18 points, six rebounds and four assists while the two other reinforcements in Andre Roberson and McKenzie Moore were also instrumental with 13 and 12 points, respectively.

Gilas Pilipinas shooter Jordan Heading only had two points but did a good job quarterbacking Strong Group’s attack with 11 assists plus four rebounds and two steals.

Unlike the first two outings, Strong Group found Homenetmen a tough nut to crack as it played catch-up basketball until the last eight minutes.

Following a 42-48 halftime gap, the wards of head coach Charles Tiu still stared at a 71-73 deficit early in the fourth before leaning on Mr. Howard and Mr. Blatche in the clutch.

Mr. Howard’s short heaves and Mr. Blatche’s three straight treys highlighted Strong Group’s 21-10 rally midway through the fourth to erect its biggest lead at 92-83 en route to the win.

The ball club owned by Frank and Jacob Lao, tied with Libya’s Al Ahly Tri Sports Club on top of Group B with 3-0 slates, now heads to a much-needed break after three straight days of action before plunging back to play on Wednesday against Beirut Sports Club.

Homenetmen, bannered by the 37 points of former Meralco import Zach Lofton, slid to 0-2 entering a must-win match against the UAE national team today. — John Bryan Ulanday

The scores:

Strong Group (104) — Howard 32, Quiambao 19, Blatche 18, Roberson 13, Moore 12, Baltazar 8, Heading 2, Sanchez 0, Cagulangan 0, Escandor 0.

Homenetmen (95) — Lofton 37, Hadidian 21, Holman 18, Jackson 16, Khalil 2, Salem 1, Ajemian 0, Akiki 0.

Quarterscores: 17-24, 42-48, 71-67, 104-95.

ITF lifts suspension of PHILTA

AFTER three years in limbo, the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) is back in the good graces of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) after the world-governing tennis body lifted the latter’s suspension.

“I am pleased to confirm that the ITF Board of Directors has decided to lift the suspension of the Philippine Tennis Association (PHILTA) in accordance with Article 5 of the ITF Constitution,” ITF President David Haggerty said in a letter dated Jan. 21 to Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino.

“Philta’s return to active ITF membership is a significant moment for tennis in the Philippines and the Asian region, and the ITF is highly motivated to support Philta in its efforts to develop, grow and promote the sport in the coming years,” he added.

The ITF suspended Philta three years ago. It was lifted just right after the Philta elected its new set of officers in December last year at the Century Park Hotel in Manila.

Eric Olivarez was elected from that poll and would return as president of the local body.

Also elected to other positions were Rolen Paulino (vice president), Gerardo Alcala (treasurer), Theodore Jose Matta (internal auditor) and board members Franzes Khu Camacho, Theodore Dy, Elmaerwin Sibucao, Gilbert Paylado, Dickerson Laruan, Fernando Silapan, Joile Mondragon, Jean Henri Lhuillier, Dyan Castillejo and April Toledo. — Joey Villar

Lions tame Bucs, reach first NFC title game in 32 years

JARED GOFF passed for 287 yards and two touchdowns and the Detroit Lions advanced to the National Football Conference (NFC) Championship Game with a 31-23 victory over the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday afternoon.

Seeking their first Super Bowl berth, the Lions will travel to California to face the San Francisco 49ers next Sunday. Detroit will be playing in the conference title game for the first time since the 1991 season.

Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 74 yards, including the go-ahead 31-yard score in the fourth quarter. Amon-Ra St. Brown caught eight passes for 77 yards and a touchdown, while Sam LaPorta had nine receptions for 65 yards for Detroit.

The Lions’ second playoff win in as many weeks came three years to the day after Dan Campbell was introduced as the downtrodden franchise’s new head coach.

For the second week running, Lions fans chanted Goff’s name.

Baker Mayfield passed for 349 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions for the Bucs. Mike Evans caught eight passes for 147 yards and a touchdown.

Derrick Barnes’ interception of Mayfield with 1:33 remaining clinched Detroit’s victory.

The Buccaneers exceeded expectations in 2023 by winning the NFC South and a wild-card game, but now they head into the offseason with pending free-agent decisions to make about Mayfield and Evans.

The game was tied at 10 at halftime.

Detroit struck first on Michael Badgley’s 23-yard field goal. Tampa Bay answered with Chase McLaughlin’s 43-yard field goal.

The Lions regained the lead early in the second quarter on Goff’s 9-yard scoring pass to Josh Reynolds. Mr. McLaughlin banged a 50-yard field-goal attempt off the left upright with 2:24 remaining in the first half.

The Bucs tied it with 15 seconds left on a 92-yard drive that took just 1:13. Evans’ diving 29-yard reception set up Mayfield’s 2-yard scoring pass to Cade Otton.

Detroit regained the lead with 3:48 left in the third quarter. Craig Reynolds scored on a 1-yard plunge on fourth-and-goal.

Tampa Bay answered again, as Rachaad White scored on a 12-yard screen pass from Mayfield with 10 seconds left in the third.

The Lions struck back quickly, as Mr. Gibbs burst through a hole and scored from 31 yards out with 13:13 left in the game to make it 24-17.

After Detroit forced a punt, its offense drove 89 yards to increase the lead. Mr. Goff hooked up with St. Brown on a 9-yard passing play to make it 31-17. Mr. Mayfield completed a 16-yard touchdown pass to Evans with 4:37 left. Evans had a 24-yard reception on fourth-and-14 earlier in the drive. The Bucs attempted a two-point conversion, but the pass was broken up.

CHIEFS FEND OFF BILLS
Patrick Mahomes threw two touchdown passes to Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs advanced to the AFC Championship Game for the sixth consecutive season with a 27-24 victory over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night at Orchard Park, N.Y.

Isiah Pacheco rushed for 97 yards and the go-ahead touchdown on 15 carries for third-seeded Kansas City. Mr. Mahomes completed 17 of 23 passes for 215 yards in his first career road postseason game and Mr. Kelce had five receptions for 75 yards for the Chiefs.

Kansas City will visit the top-seeded Baltimore Ravens next Sunday for a Super Bowl berth.

Buffalo had a chance to tie the score but Tyler Bass was way wide right on a 44-yard field-goal attempt with 1:43 remaining. Pacheco then rushed for a first down on Kansas City’s second play as the Chiefs ran out the clock.

Josh Allen rushed for two touchdowns and passed for one for Buffalo. Mr. Allen completed 26 of 39 passes for 186 yards and rushed for 72 yards on 12 carries and Khalil Shakir caught a touchdown pass for the second-seeded Bills.

Buffalo had a 16-play, 54-yard drive stall at the Kansas City 26-yard line before Bass’ wide-right boot brought back memories of Scott Norwood’s 47-yard miss in the loss to the New York Giants in Super Bowl XXV nearly 33 years ago.

Mr. Mahomes and Mr. Kelce set a record for combining on 16 postseason touchdown passes. The former New England Patriots duo of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski held the old mark of 15. Buffalo possessed the ball for 37:03 and ran 78 plays to Kansas City’s 47.

The three touchdown drives of the second half were all 75 yards long.

Kansas City took a 20-17 lead on Mr. Mahomes’ three-yard scoring pass to Mr. Kelce with 11:48 left in the third. — Reuters

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