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DoE plan must elevate energy security to top priority item, think tank says

FREEPIK

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

THE Department of Energy (DoE) should designate energy security as its main focus when it submits the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) to Congress, according to a think tank.

“From power generation to transmission to distribution and supply, they all should harmonize into one goal — energy security,” Bienvenido S. Oplas, Jr., president of the free market think tank Minimal Government Thinkers, said in a Viber message.

Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian last week sought an explanation from the DoE on the delays to its energy roadmap, which had been due on Sept. 15.

The PEP will outline the Philippines’ energy goals between 2023 and 2050.

Under the Electric Power Industry Reform Act, the DoE must submit to Congress an updated energy roadmap annually.

Mr. Oplas said the DoE must ensure enough power is available to consumers to dispel worries of blackouts, especially after recent power outages in Panay.

“The DoE must consider power price fluctuations, surges and dips,” he said. “Which means the DoE should remain agnostic about where the energy comes from.”

DoE Director Michael O. Sinocruz earlier told BusinessWorld that the department is finishing its National Strategic Transmission Plan and wrapping up the consultation process before it submits the energy roadmap by the end of January.

He said the plan will include a smart and green grid plan that would tackle efficient transmission of power to accommodate more renewable energy sources.

The government is aiming to increase the share of renewable energy (RE) in the power generation mix to 35% by 2030 and to 50% by 2040. RE currently accounts for 22% of the energy mix.

The DoE has said the PEP will also detail the government’s plan to tap nuclear energy.

The Energy Regulatory Commission on Jan. 4 said the Panay power outage has been referred to an interim grid management committee for investigation.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on Saturday said the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) must take responsibility of the power outage in the Western Visayas on Jan. 2.

The NGCP on Jan. 2 reported that multiple power plants tripped, including units of Panay Energy Development Corp. and Palm Concepcion Power Corp.

Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte, Jr. said on Sunday that legislators must reconsider the legislative franchise of the NGCP.

“The only way we can hope for things to change for the better is for the 19th Congress to recast the NGCP’s franchise to, among others, possibly strip it of his task as traffic manager of the nationwide transmission system, or to revoke the concession altogether,” he said in a statement.

UK business chamber seeks delay in storage fee hike for container cargo to middle of 2024

REUTERS

THE INCREASE in storage fees for foreign container cargo needs to be deferred to mid-2024 to mute its inflationary impact, the British Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (BCCP) said.

“This is not the time, let’s look at it again mid-year. As soon as you put up storage fees there will be a cost increase and it has to go somewhere,” BCCP Executive Director Chris Nelson told BusinessWorld by phone on Sunday. 

In a memorandum circular, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said it will increase by 32% storage fees for foreign container cargo starting Jan. 6.

“The British Chamber along with other business groups are against this increase because obviously it has an inflationary impact the charges tend to be passed on. If you put up storage fees this will obviously force companies and businesses to pass on,” Mr. Nelson said.

In a memorandum circular, the PPA said it will charge 32% more for import, export, and transshipment containers and a 150% surcharge for refrigerated containers.

Storage charges for export cargoes will be determined when containers remain at PPA ports beyond the free storage period, which is four calendar days for export cargoes from the day it was received at port and 15 calendar days for foreign transshipments, the PPA said.

“We would ask the PPA to again reconsider if this is the right time. We’re all here trying to fight inflation,” Mr. Nelson said.

Headline inflation slowed to 3.9% in December on easing prices of food and utilities.

December inflation settled within the central bank’s target range of 2-4%.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation justified the storage fee increases as they are meant to “discourage” overstaying cargoes.

“The storage hike, although it is quite high, it is some sort of penalty. It is meant to discourage importers from storing goods at PPA facilities,” Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista told reporters on the sidelines of a recent forum. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

El Niño planning must be broadened to cover climate change, analysts say

RENZO D SOUZA—UNSPLASH

By Adrian H. Halili, Reporter

THE Department of Agriculture (DA) needs to extend its planning for El Niño to address broader climate resiliency issues, analysts said.

“Since the DA is on the planning stage, it may be the proper time to consider seriously not just the El Niño but also the more serious issue of climate change,” Ateneo de Manila economics professor Leonardo A. Lanzona said via messenger.

Last week, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said that the department is set to introduce its strategy to develop the industry and boost production.

El Niño threatens agriculture because it is projected to bring drought or dry spells to about 63 provinces in the Philippines.

According to PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration), the government weather service, El Niño is expected to intensify between January and May. 

“There’s no short-term solution to the food supply problem except to import more. This means lowering tariffs and relaxing quantitative restrictions,” Calixto V. Chikiamco, Foundation for Economic Freedom president, said in a Viber message.

On the other hand, Raul Q. Montemayor, national manager of the Federation of Free Farmers, said that the entry of imports must be calibrated to fill in for shortages to avoid oversupply condition.

“Too many (rice) imports depress palay prices and discourage farmers from planting or expanding their production, making the country more dependent on foreign suppliers for our food staple,” he said in a Viber message.

The government has recently extended the low-tariff regime on rice, corn, and pork meat until Dec. 31, 2024.

Executive Order No. 50 kept the rates for rice imports at 35% regardless of their source country, without reference to the minimum access volume (MAV).

The rates on pork meat, whether fresh, chilled, or frozen were kept at 15% for imports within the MAV quota and 25% for those exceeding the quota.

Corn shipments were kept at 5% for shipments within the MAV quota and 15% for those exceeding the quota.

“We need a comprehensive review of all existing programs, and if necessary, an overhaul of these programs given that the billions being poured into the sector do not seem to have had a significant effect on output, productivity, profitability of farmers, and competitiveness against imports,” Mr. Montemayor added.

Mr. Lanzona said the government should also think of products that it can export competitively.

To boost exports of agricultural and fisheries products, the DA has said that it is drafting a Philippine Agricultural Export Development Plan.

Separately, it said that it will seek to expand shipments of agricultural products to Japan, one of the Philippines’ largest export markets.

The DA has recently reassigned key undersecretary positions to streamline operations and “more efficiently carry out President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s marching orders to modernize the farm sector and ensure the country’s food security.”

Mr. Montemayor said that the reorganization would provide an opportunity for the DA to bring in new people and ideas, “instead of just repeating old ineffective programs and pouring more money into them.”

Weak investment, household spending seen dampening growth — Mastercard Economics

STOCK PHOTO | Image Dmitry Berdnyk from Unsplash

PHILIPPINE gross domestic product (GDP) growth this year may be dampened by risks to gross capital formation and household consumption, Mastercard Economics Institute (MEI) said.

“MEI expects economic growth to strengthen in the Philippines in 2024 versus 2023. There are, though, some challenges to be mindful of, mainly from gross capital formation and private consumption,” Mastercard Economist Jason Yek said in an e-mail.

The government is targeting 6.5-7.5% growth this year, reducing the upside on previous goal of 6.5-8%.

The economy grew 5.9% in the third quarter, bringing GDP growth to 5.5% for the nine-month period.

To meet the lower end of the government’s 6-7% target for 2023, GDP must expand 7.2% in the fourth quarter.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) is set to release fourth-quarter and full-year 2023 GDP data on Jan. 31.

MEI earlier projected that GDP growth would settle at 5.6% this year. This would make the Philippines the second fastest-growing country in Southeast Asia, just behind Vietnam.

Mr. Yek said that gross capital formation — the investment component of the economy — may continue to be impacted by elevated interest rates.

“The sharp increase in interest rates has yet to fully feed through the economy and credit growth has slowed across many industries, indicating weaker appetite for business investment,” he said.

In the third quarter, gross capital formation contracted 1.6%, ending nine consecutive quarters of growth. This was also a reversal of the 18.2% expansion in the previous year and 0.3% in the second quarter.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) has raised borrowing costs by a cumulative 450 basis points from May 2022 to October this year. This brought the benchmark rate 6.5%, the highest in 16 years.

Risks to household consumption, which typically accounts for three-fourths of GDP, may also weigh on overall growth.

“Private consumption growth is likely to continue facing headwinds from the labor market and price pressures. On the surface, the labor market is tighter now than what it was in 2019 based on the unemployment rate. However, total employment has somewhat stagnated and private sector businesses have been cutting staff,” Mr. Yek said.

Mr. Yek said that the rise in public sector employment, self-employed workers, and unpaid family workers may offset this decline.

“While an increase in public sector employment is positive, the increase in self-employed and unpaid family workers may indicate an increase in income instability among the employed, which is likely negative for spending growth,” he added.

Household consumption grew 5% in the third quarter, registering its weakest growth in two years. This was also slower than 8% a year ago and 5.5% in the previous quarter.

“That being said, strong remittances inflow should help to somewhat offset the headwinds to household spending growth from underlying domestic labor market weakness,” Mr. Yek added.

Meanwhile, MEI also cautioned that headline inflation may not remain within target. “Inflation has come off its post-pandemic peak, but may struggle to fall sufficiently and stably within the central bank’s 2-4% target range in 2024,” Mr. Yek said.

“The first half of 2024 may see a continuation of high food inflation due to India’s ongoing rice export ban constraining the global supply of rice, a staple in the Philippines, before some softening in the second half of the year,” he added.

Inflation eased further to 3.9% in December, its weakest reading in 22 months. This was also the first time in nearly two years that it settled within the BSP’s 2-4% target.

For 2023, inflation averaged 6%, in line with the BSP forecast. The central bank expects inflation to settle at 3.7% this year.

MEI also cited other headwinds such as the weak recovery of tourism from China and Japan. “The persistence of a weak peso into 2024 may also intensify upside price pressures from the import channel, notably on fuel prices,” he added.

On the other hand, net exports could help support growth this year, Mr. Yek said.

“Balancing prices and priorities will remain top-of-mind for consumers and corporations, but the backdrop remains one of consumer empowerment with moderating inflation, steady real economic growth and varied regional dynamics playing into the outlook for the Philippines,” he added. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

ADB exploring PHL coral reef insurance scheme

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) is exploring an insurance cover scheme for coral reefs in the Philippines.

“Across Asia and the Pacific, there are likely many places where an insurance policy could be a cost-effective way — that is, the price of the premium payments is offset by the protective value provided by the coral reefs — to ensure funds are available to restore coral reefs following triggering events,” it said in a recent report.

“The ADB, with funds from the Global Environment Facility and Asia-Pacific Climate Finance Fund, is exploring where in Fiji, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Solomon Islands such an insurance scheme can be put in place,” it added.

It estimated that 3.8 million or more than half of the fishing communities dependent on coral reefs globally are found in Asia and the Pacific.

“In addition, 1 square kilometer of healthy coral reef can provide as much as $900,000 in associated tourism value and provide hundreds of millions of dollars in annual flood production benefits in Asia and the Pacific,” it added.

However, 80% of coral reefs in the region are at risk due to overfishing, pollution, coastal development, and climate disasters, among others.

The bank said insurance payouts will go towards the repair and recovery of damaged coral reefs after a disaster.

“In some instances, coral reefs may not recover naturally without active restoration. This active emergency restoration can include debris cleanup and coral planting to help ensure that coral colonies and reefs remain intact and are able to continue to benefit coastal communities,” it added.

The ADB recommends funding mechanisms such as parametric insurance policies instead of utilizing traditional financing sources like government grants. These insurance policies are most suited for coral reefs as they are able to “fund rapid emergency restoration post damage.”

“Ultimately, a comprehensive reef management system will include the financing of reef management, reef restoration, and post-disaster reef repair. Until sufficient funding is established, however, effective progress will not be made in reef management and restoration because a single disaster event can erase years or decades of progress,” it said.

“Coral reef insurance offers one innovative means of managing the risk to coral reefs from disaster events. Given the rapid loss and degradation of reefs, there is an urgent need to focus on identifying opportunities for and piloting reef insurance policies as a specific policy frequently takes months or years to develop,” it added. — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

Risk and resilience in 2024

As we start a new year while still grappling with the challenges left behind by the pandemic, organizations are more cognizant of the increasing number of risks in the global market. The range of risks organizations face is broad, intricate, and interconnected, from unpredictable black swan events to more frequent and predictable gray rhino events.

Black swan occurrences, which are highly unpredictable, rare, and uncontrollable, could potentially have a catastrophic impact. Gray rhinos, on the other hand, are common, expected, and often have a large visible impact. It is crucial for boards to concentrate on the latter and integrate them more proactively into their overall risk management strategy.

Beyond the typical risks related to finance, cybersecurity, reputation, regulation, and competition, firms are increasingly pressured to handle risks associated with climate change, sustainability, supply chains, and geopolitics. This has led to a greater emphasis on governance and increased pressure on boards.

The EY Global Board Risk Survey 2023, which polled 500 board directors worldwide from companies earning over $1 billion, revealed that less than a quarter of the respondents are deemed highly resilient.

Highly resilient boards are self-assured and handle unexpected high-impact situations more effectively. They display high effectiveness in aligning risk and business strategy. These boards are neither complacent nor unaware of potential gaps in their preparedness and the evolving risk landscape. By concentrating on certain key areas, boards can support their organizations in prioritizing resilience to more effectively navigate the risk landscape.

PRIORITIZING FUTURE AND SUBSTANTIAL RISKS
Instead of merely bouncing back in recovery, enterprise resilience is more about adapting to risks. This emphasizes the importance of foreseeing substantial and emerging threats, preparing for them, and adjusting accordingly. The board and management need to effectively perceive beyond immediate and apparent threats while allocating ample time to discuss market changes and trends.

Employing technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics to predict the possibility of black swan and gray rhino events can be beneficial. Implementing quantitative analysis in various situations can improve the board and management’s understanding of the company’s total risk exposure. It can also enhance their comprehension of the viability of the current business strategy and model in the face of emerging risks and whether any adjustments are necessary.

PERSONNEL AND CORPORATE CULTURE
Companies face ongoing challenges, such as talent scarcity, continuous workforce transformation, and managing the diverse needs of a multigenerational workforce. The demand for flexible work arrangements and the growing challenge of aligning culture are becoming increasingly central to the personnel risks that organizations encounter. With rapid technological changes, there is also a need to enable workforces with skills for the future.

The board has the responsibility of supporting management to pinpoint and address the organization’s critical talent needs. They should aim to establish an organization that can adapt to fluctuating expectations regarding culture, skillsets, and diversity, equality, and inclusion. By enhancing their knowledge, adaptability, and supervision, the board can assist management in fostering a people-centric culture. It can also prompt management to cultivate leaders who can embody and sustain that culture.

ADDRESSING CLIMATE CHANGE
The undeniable link between environmental sustainability and corporate resilience means that companies face increased expectations from various stakeholders, including investors. These stakeholders are eager to learn about the company’s environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, as it compares to short-term profits and long-term investments in sustainability. Simultaneously, authorities are pushing for transparency in sustainability disclosures, while new standards like the IFRS S1 and IFRS S2 from the International Sustainability Standards Board are reducing ambiguity in sustainability reports.

However, this presents a golden opportunity for companies to showcase their progress in sustainability performance beyond mere compliance. Highly resilient boards are more conscious of significant sustainability issues and feel more at ease discussing them. This usually occurs when responsibility for ESG risks is assigned, either to a leading committee or the entire board.

Boards can also earn the trust of investors by monitoring stringent procedures for gathering, managing, and disclosing reliable data to meet regulatory requirements. If discussions don’t lead to tangible action, the board should question management’s plans and dedication. To effectively fulfill their roles, boards need to enhance their knowledge and expertise in sustainability.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES
With advancements in generative AI, the emergence of the metaverse, and escalating cyber threats, the landscape of digital technology continues to evolve at an accelerated pace.

As enterprises increase their investments in digital technology, it is beneficial for boards and management to possess the knowledge required to identify possible technology opportunities and risks. Their responsibility is not to become tech-savvy — but to ensure their organization is balancing the pace of adopting technology with the willingness to take risks and caution. Innovation is necessary and while emerging technologies may be captivating, they alone do not form a robust business plan and must be supported by well-founded business cases — especially in times of economic uncertainty.

To achieve this, the board should collaborate more closely with management, staying informed about significant investments in technology, digital transformation, and cybersecurity. The board needs to encourage management to prioritize the education and skills enhancement of their employees regarding digital matters and acknowledging that the management of digital and technological risks is not solely the responsibility of IT. Boards must gain hands-on experience with new technologies, welcoming innovation with purpose and careful understanding.

At the same time, innovative technology will not be able to progress organizational growth without proper governance. Organizations will need to be forward-thinking and proactive towards innovation, treading the fine line of being agile while also being ethical.

PRIORITIZING RESILIENCE TO FACE RISKS
In response to a complex and interconnected risk landscape, boards need to better support their organizations in prioritizing resilience by focusing on several key areas. They can do so by building resilience, adapting, pivoting and preparing for gray rhino events.

In an increasingly complex world, organizations must be better prepared for long-term challenges. The clarity from top-level management is non-negotiable for boards, as viewing things from a distance can offer a much clearer perspective of the bigger picture.

This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for professional advice where the facts and circumstances warrant. The views and opinions expressed above are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of SGV & Co.

 

Wilson P. Tan is the country managing partner of SGV & Co.

Quizon secures Philippine chess crown, joins Garcia in Olympiad

DANIEL QUIZON — PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

THE PHILIPPINE chess king has returned to his old place.

And it was completed yesterday after Daniel Quizon bested Grandmaster John Paul Gomez with a masterful, sacrifice-laced win in the 13th and final round on Sunday in the Philippine National Chess Championship at the Marikina Community Convention Center.

A knight sacrifice helped the 19-year-old International Master carve and open up Mr. Gomez’s weak kingside position that essayed a 32-move victory off a King’s Indian showdown.

It capped a brilliant tournament presented by Marikina City Mayor Marcy Teodoro and Congresswoman Maan Teodoro that saw Mr. Quizon scoring 9.5 points and securing the national crown for the second time since assuming the throne three years ago in Lapu Lapu, Cebu.

It also snared Mr. Quizon the cool champion’s purse worth P120,000 and, most important of all, a place in the Grandmaster (GM) Eugene Torre-coached national team going into battle in this September’s FIDE World Chess Olympiad in Budapest, Hungary where he has a chance to claim a GM title. “Hopefully, I could make my country proud in the Olympiad,” said Mr. Quizon.

International Master (IM) Jem Garcia drew with 14-year-old wunderkind, FIDE Master Christian Gian Karlo Arca, in 30 moves of another English duel and seized second place, P70,000 and an Olympiad spot.

Woman GM Janelle Mae Frayna, wearing her Army battle uniform, took third with 8.5 points after she won two pawns early from Samson Lim III on her way to a 33-move victory in yet another English encounter.

And she could have even won it all had she not blown a winning position and lost to GM Joey Antonio in the penultimate round Saturday night.

But Ms. Frayna, nonetheless, made heads turn as she not only pocketed P50,000 but also claimed an Olympiad berth and the first female to earn a seat to the men’s team seeing action in the biennial meet.

Assuming, of course, she decides to play for the women’s team, where she has been its Olympiad spearhead for so long now, instead.

“I haven’t made up my mind yet,” said the Bicolana superwoman.

If Ms. Frayna gives up her slot, it could go to either Mr. Gomez or IM Pau Bersamina, who wound up joint fourth with eight points each.

Vince Angelo Medina, at press time, was battling WIM Marie Antoinette San Diego, and a win could propel him to a share of No. 4. — Joey Villar

Eala meets Sweden’s Peterson in the first round of qualifiers

ALEX EALA — FACEBOOK.COM/ALEXEALA

ALEX EALA is all set for a much-awaited return in the Australian Open.

Arriving in Melbourne from her side stint in Canberra, Ms. Eala has been drawn to Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson in the first round of the qualifying draw starting today at the Rod Laver Arena.

“Hello Melbourne,” said Ms. Eala ahead of her first test in a bid to barge into the main competition and avenge her early exit last year.

The unranked Ms. Eala will be up against 18th seed Ms. Peterson, who is also No. 128 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) rankings. Ms. Peterson, 28, boasts 14 titles in a seasoned career so far.

The 18-year-old wunderkind, for her part, has four titles in her pocket and has just reached No. 185 for a career-high placing in her budding women’s pro circuit career.

The Filipina tennis sensation is coming off a semifinal stint in the Workday Canberra International doubles tilt with Brazilian partner Laura Pigossi this week. In the same tourney, she participated in the singles but bowed early against Switzerland’s Celine Naef.

In the Australian Open, Ms. Eala needs to net three straight wins just to make the main draw featuring a stacked cast led by world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, world No. 2 and reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka and Angelique Kerber among the few.

Only 16 tickets to the main draw will be up for grabs in the 128-woman qualifying draw.

A former junior doubles Grand Slam winner in the Australian Open, Ms. Eala debuted in the women’s level last year albeit she absorbed a first-round loss against Japan’s Misaki Doi.

She’s hoping for a different result this time around. — John Bryan Ulanday

Bolts gun for back-to-back win in Leg 2 of PBA 3×3

PBA.PH

AFTER re-establishing itself as a PBA 3×3 winner, Meralco shoots for back-to-back as Leg 2 of the Season 3 Third Conference fires off today at the Ayala Malls Manila bay.

The Bolts broke a dry spell that followed their conquest of Leg 3 of the Season 2 First Conference in the Dec. 12 opening stage and the goal is to sustain the charge and possibly start a streak of triumphs this time.

Alfred Batino, Reymar Caduyac, Joseph Sedurifa and Jeff Manday — the crew that hit paydirt after runner-up finishes in two previous leg finals appearances this season and a close call versus TNT in the battle for the Second Conference crown — return for an encore.

The charges of coach Patrick Fran begin their quest in Pool A with the bemedalled Triple Giga, who are out for redemption after a meager seventh last stop, and Barangay Ginebra as early rivals.

Meralco, TNT and Ginebra dispute two tickets to the quarterfinals at stake in the group.

Meanwhile, MCFASolver’s Brandon Ramirez, TH Tumalip, Louie Vigil and Yutien Andrada reassemble for another shot at the gold after settling for runner-up to the Meralco Bolts.

The Tech Centrale battle Blackwater, Pioneer Elastoseal and San Miguel Beer in Pool B for three slots to tomorrow’s KO rounds.

Cavitex, third placer in Leg 1, mixes it up against Purefoods, Terrafirma and NorthPort in Pool C, where three quarters berths are also on the line. — Olmin Leyba

Jayson Tatum shines as Celtics take down Pacers

NBA.COM

JAYSON TATUM scored a game-high 38 points and Jaylen Brown finished with 31 to help the Boston Celtics end the Indiana Pacers’ six-game winning streak with a 118-101 victory in Indianapolis on Saturday night.

Mr. Tatum also had 13 rebounds and six assists. He made eight of his 13 3-point attempts.

Boston led 29-17 after one quarter, 58-49 at halftime and 84-81 at the end of three quarters. A Tatum 3-pointer capped a 14-2 run that gave Boston a 100-85 lead with 7:30 to play in the fourth, and the Celtics had their largest lead after a Tatum trey made it 116-97 with 1:17 remaining.

Al Horford added 10 points, seven rebounds and eight assists for the Celtics, who won despite going 10-for-19 from the free-throw line.

HALIBURTON
Tyrese Haliburton had 17 points and seven assists for Indiana, which made just eight of its 42 3-point attempts (19 percent). Bennedict Mathurin scored a team-high 20 points for the Pacers, who received 15 points from Buddy Hield and 12 from Myles Turner.

The Celtics didn’t have center Kristaps Porzingis for most of the game. He went to the locker room with 7:06 remaining in the first quarter shortly after Aaron Nesmith scratched him in his right eye.

Mr. Porzingis ended up returning later in the period, but he played for just over a minute before leaving for good.

Indiana had a 19-10 advantage in fastbreak points, but it was outrebounded 56-38.

Boston failed to score at least 120 points for the first time in nine games.

Indiana was without guard/forward Bruce Brown and guard Andrew Nembhard. Mr. Brown played in the Pacers’ past two games but sat out because of a right knee injury that caused him to miss five games last month. Nembhard missed his third straight game with a back sprain.

It was the third game between the teams this season. Boston won 155-104 on Nov. 1, and Indiana prevailed 122-112 on Dec. 4. The teams will also meet in Indianapolis on Monday.

Boston has won 13 of its past 15 games. — Reuters

Newcastle United beats Sunderland in Cup derby as Bournemouth hits back

SUNDERLAND, England — Newcastle United made light work of north-east rivals Sunderland as Alexander Isak’s double secured a 3-0 win and a place in the FA Cup fourth round at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Second-tier Sunderland might have fancied their chances with Newcastle on a run of five defeats in their last six Premier League games, but they were no match for Eddie Howe’s side.

Aston Villa went through to the fourth round for the first time in eight years with a 1-0 victory away at Middlesbrough thanks to a last-gasp goal by Matty Cash, while Armando Broja set Chelsea on their way to a 4-0 home win over Championship side Preston North End.

Premier League Bournemouth found themselves 2-0 down at second-tier Queens Park Rangers but hit back to win 3-2 at Loftus Road while there were also wins for top-flight sides Brighton and Hove Albion and Sheffield United.

Arsenal host Liverpool on Sunday, while Manchester United visit Wigan on Monday.

At the other end of the football hierarchy, sixth-tier Maidstone United stunned third-tier Stevenage 1-0 to keep their unlikely dream of FA Cup glory alive.

Sunderland’s first clash with fierce rivals Newcastle since 2016 looked the pick of Saturday’s ties, but failed to deliver any fireworks as Mr. Howe’s side avoided a slip-up. Sean Longstaff had already wasted two good opportunities as the visitors dominated by the time Dan Ballard turned Joelinton’s cross into his own goal in the 35th minute.

Sweden striker Isak then capitalized on a defensive error by Pierre Ekwah immediately after the break to put Newcastle in charge.

Sunderland did improve with Mr. Ekwah’s deflected shot being well saved by Martin Dubravka, but Mr. Isak’s late penalty after a foul on Anthony Gordon by Mr. Ballard sent the away fans crazy.

Villa and Middlesbrough appeared destined for a replay until Mr. Cash broke the deadlock in the 87th minute with a powerful shot from just outside the 18-yard box that deflected in off Emmanuel Latte Lath.

Villa, who are second in the crowded Premier League title race, have won the FA Cup seven times but not since 1957, and had not reached the fourth round since 2016.

At Stamford Bridge, Mr. Broja grazed the top of the bar before Thiago Silva, just off the bench, powered in a header from a Cole Palmer corner in the 66th minute as the Blues turned on the gas after a dull first half. The Chelsea manager reminded reporters that Mr. Broja had been out for nearly a year with injury.

Raheem Sterling curled in a free kick and five minutes from time Enzo Fernandez turned the ball into an empty net to complete the rout.

Sixth-tier Maidstone, nicknamed the Stones, were already the lowest-ranked club left in the competition, and they have now reached the fourth round for the first time, beating Stevenage with a Sam Corne goal from the penalty spot.

Two goals in quick succession by Sinclair Armstrong and Lyndon Dykes had Championship strugglers QPR in charge against in-form Bournemouth but the visitors found another gear in the second half with substitute Justin Kluivert firing the winner after Marcus Tavernier and Kieffer Moore had levelled it up.

Premier League bottom club Sheffield United were too good for fourth-tier Gillgham with William Osula and James McAtee both scoring twice in a 4-0 victory.

Joao Pedro scored twice for Brighton as they won 4-2 at Stoke City.

Championship leaders Leicester City, FA Cup winners in 2021, won 3-2 at Millwall while Ipswich Town, who are also targeting a Premier League return, won 3-1 at fourth-tier Wimbledon.

Coventry City thrashed Oxford United 6-2 to reach the fourth round for the first time in five years. — Reuters

Green reinstated

As initially projected, the National Basketball Association has reinstated Draymond Green 12 matches into his indefinite suspension. For the Warriors, his availability — slated next week following a ramp-up process to bring him back to game shape — comes at an opportune time. Although they managed to post a winning record with him sidelined is, they know any realistic hopes of going deep in the postseason hinges on his return to the regular rotation. His unique capacity to anchor the defense with sterling coverage and jump-start the offense with astute playmaking makes him their most indispensable cog outside of Stephen Curry.

That said, it’s fair to contend that the Warriors will be welcoming him back with not insignificant doubt. For all pluses he brings with his willingness to tread the fine line between requisite toughness and unnecessary roughness, he has been excessively volatile in recent memory. From his punching of Jordan Poole to choking of Rudy Gobert to roundhousing of Jusuf Nurkic, he has shown an alarming inability to keep his emotions in check. Moving forward, they’re crossing their fingers the controlled aggression that props up his value will not escalate to physical bursts that serve no purpose other than underscore his volatility.

And therein lies the Warriors’ dilemma. Their payroll has ballooned to ridiculous proportions in their efforts to keep the core that brought them four championships, and one just two years ago, but the financial commitments have not translated to any significant gains in standings. They cannot possibly head into the 2024 Playoffs with a .500 slate, not with the unprecedented depth in the West, and not with continued tension between the old guard and the young blood complicating things even further. And because they’ve latched their future to their past, they know they can go only so far as Green can take them.

Make no mistake. Green is still one of the best two-way forces in the league when he’s fully engaged. Needless to say, this is what the Warriors want him to be. And if they’re publicly voicing their confidence all the therapy he underwent and support he received during his suspension has helped his cause, it’s partly because they have no other choice. They’ve made their bet. They want to be in the black, not for him to see red — lest they draw dead in the end.

 

Anthony L. Cuaycong has been writing Courtside since BusinessWorld introduced a Sports section in 1994. He is a consultant on strategic planning, operations and human resources management, corporate communications, and business development.

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