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Pangandaman sees no need to revise DBCC growth target

BUDGET SECRETARY AMENAH F. PANGANDAMAN — PHILIPPINE STAR/KRIZ JOHN ROSALES

BUDGET Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said on Monday that she sees no need to revise the government’s 6-8% gross domestic product (GDP) growth target this year.

Asked if she expects major revisions to the growth outlook this year, Ms. Pangandaman, who chairs the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC), told reporters: “No, not yet.”

Ms. Pangandaman said the Philippines will not be significantly affected by US President Donald J. Trump’s tariffs, citing an earlier estimate of a 0.1% possible adverse impact on GDP in the next two years issued by the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPDev).

“I think, not based on the data that I saw from NEDA (DEPDev’s predecessor, the National Economic and Development Authority). But it’s just very rough data that they crunched. The impact is small. I think it’s less than 1%,” she said on the sidelines of a DBM event.

The DBCC meeting is provisionally scheduled for this month.

DEPDev Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan has said that it may be unrealistic to expect to hit the upper end target amid global uncertainty over US tariff policy.

Philippine goods entering the US face a 17% tariff, the second lowest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after Singapore was assigned a baseline rate of 10%.

However, the new tariffs have been suspended, except for those imposed on China, until July.

“All other things being equal, we expect the new policy to weigh negatively on net exports as a direct effect, and on consumption, employment, and the fiscal balance as second-round effects,” Ms. Pangandaman said in a separate e-mail to BusinessWorld.

Last year, the Philippines exported $12.14 billion worth of goods to the US.

“As an exporting country to the US, the additional tariffs may result in the lowering of prices of exported goods to make them more competitive when compared to other countries exporting the same,” she said.

Trade Secretary Ma. Cristina A. Roque has said that the tariffs are not a major worry as the Philippines has one of lowest rate compared to its regional peers.

Ms. Roque and Secretary Frederick D. Go, the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, will be in Washington between April 29 and May 2 for tariff talks with their US counterparts.

Ms. Pangandaman said she hopes the first quarter GDP will be “higher than what is expected” due to election campaign activities.

“But then, let’s be a little conservative because there are projects and programs that are withheld because of the for-later-release (FLR) funds and the election ban,” she said.

Mr. Balisacan and Finance Secretary Ralph G. Recto both expect the first quarter growth to hit 6%, which would exceed the revised 5.9% expansion in the first quarter of 2024.

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) will release first-quarter GDP data on May 8.

Asked about recent developments on the 2026 budget preparations, she said: “We are looking for fiscal space.”

“There are a lot of programs and projects that our cabinet members want to pursue next year… And, of course, it’s the second half of the administration. So, we want more output from their departments,” she added.

Ms. Pangandaman said the Tier 1 proposals have been submitted.

“The Tier 1 ceiling of government agencies for FY 2026 amounted to P3,863.77 billion, which is higher by 14.3% or P483.41 billion when compared to Tier 1 ceilings for FY 2025,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Tier 2 proposal submissions are ongoing and may have exceeded last year’s P9 trillion.

The DBM is currently in the process of reviewing submissions of agency budget proposals for Tier 2 in time for the agency’s Executive Review Board Hearings in May.

In 2026, the overall National Expenditure Program will hit a record P6.793 trillion, up 7.38% from the budget bill signed in 2025. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

KADIWA stores to offer P20 subsidized rice for vulnerable consumers

PHILIPPINE STAR/WALTER BOLLOZOS

GOVERNMENT-BACKED stores selling produce at less than market prices will carry P20-per-kilo rice starting May 2, days before the midterm elections, the Department of Agriculture (DA) said.

“High-quality” rice will be sold at P20 per kilo to selected beneficiaries at KADIWA centers or by local government units (LGUs), the DA said.

Eligible purchasers include “indigents, senior citizens, solo parents, and persons with disabilities,” the DA said. They will be entitled to purchase 30 kilos per month.

The rice will be procured by Food Terminal, Inc. from the National Food Authority (NFA), which holds reserves of 7.56 million bags, the DA said.

The NFA’s five-year high reserve level is equivalent to 10 days’ demand.

For the pilot run, participating LGUs that help pay for the subsidy may make the rice available to all households in their community regardless of whether they belong to the vulnerable segments of society, according to DA.

It did not say which outlets will offer P20, but said LGUs in the Visayas and selected locations like San Juan City, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, Camarines Sur, and Mati, Davao Oriental have joined the program.

Hansley A. Juliano, who teaches political science at the Ateneo de Manila, said the the new initiative — just a few days after the DA announced the P20 rice pilot program in the Visayas — may be an effort by the Marcos administration to gain more support ahead of the May 12 midterm elections.

“This feels like ‘cramming the submission,’” he said via chat.

Mr. Marcos ran on a campaign promise to bring the price of rice down to P20 per kilo.

“If they could have genuinely done it as a policy, why (launch it) on the eve of elections?” Mr. Juliano said.

OCTA Research Fellow Fredegusto P. David said the rush to implement the P20 rice program may still have an impact on voting preferences.

“Maybe around 20% of voters will put this in their consideration,” he said, noting that socio-economic classes D and E are “particularly likely to be influenced” by the rice initiative and other similar programs.

The DA said the new initiative for KADIWA markets “aligns” with its food security emergency declaration.

The emergency, declared in late January, allows the NFA to release stocks to government agencies, LGUs, and KADIWA markets.

In the face of rising costs, the government has also imposed a maximum suggested retail price for rice.

“With world market prices now averaging just $300 per metric ton — down from a high of over $700 — and with NFA buffer stocks at their strongest in years, we felt the conditions were finally right to launch,” Agriculture Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. said.

Prices of rice in Metro Manila markets ranged from P39.99 to P58.17 per kilo from April 21 to April 24, according to DA price monitors.

The Commission on Elections has exempted the P20 rice program from the spending ban in force ahead of the polls.

IBON Foundation over the weekend said the program is unsustainable, urging the government to prioritize programs that raise farm productivity.

The DA said NFA Administrator Larry Lacson has directed his procurement staff to purchase as much palay (unmilled rice) as possible at P18 to P24 per kilo “to help boost farmers’ incomes.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

LRTA Q1 revenue P349M as rider volumes climb

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), which operates Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) said first-quarter revenue rose 9.1% to P349.79 million on passenger volumes rose. 

Passenger traffic for the three months to March was 14.35 million, up 7.7% from a year earlier. 

LRTA revenue was P349.79 million, marking the second year in which it exceeded the P312.81 million pre-pandemic benchmark in the first quarter of 2019. 

For 2025, LRTA is expecting revenue of P1.38 billion.

This year, LRTA expects passenger volume of 57.15 million. If realized, this will surpass its pre-pandemic passenger tally of 56.98 million in 2019.

In 2024, LRTA gross revenue from rail operations was P1.27 billion, up 15.5% and exceeding the target of P1.2 billion. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

NCR March retail price growth lowest since 2020

PHILIPPINE STAR/RUSSELL A. PALMA

RETAIL PRICE growth of general goods in the National Capital Region (NCR) eased to a 58-month low in March, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported.

Citing preliminary data, the PSA said price growth in Metro Manila, as measured by the general retail price index (GRPI), slowed to 1.1% year on year in March, from 1.3% in February.

This was also significantly slower than the year-earlier growth rate of 2.1%.

The March indicator was the weakest reading since the 0.6% reported in May 2020.

In the first quarter, GRPI growth averaged 1.2%, cooling from the 2.2% rate a year earlier.

“The primary driver of the slower year-on-year change of the GRPI in NCR was the lower annual increment in the heavily weighted food index at 1.4% during the month from 1.6% in February 2025,” the PSA said.

The food subindex accounts for 37.5% of the GRPI.

The PSA also said that the index of mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials also contributed to the GRPI downtrend, decelerating further by 2.6% from a 1.3% decline previously.

Slower price growth was also seen in beverages and tobacco (3.6% from 3.9%), crude materials, inedible except fuels (0.6% from 0.8%), chemicals, including animal and vegetable oils and fats (2.1% from 2.2%), manufactured goods classified chiefly by materials (1.0% from 1.1%), and miscellaneous manufactured articles (1.0% from 1.1%).

Growth rates for the machinery and transport equipment sub-index remained stagnant at 0.2%.

According to the PSA, the GRPI is used as a deflator in the National Accounts, particularly in the retail trade sector, and serves as a basis for forecasting. — Pierve Oei A. Montalvo

FDI slowdown seen for Asia as tariffs roil trade

BW FILE PHOTO

ASIA is expected to experience a slowdown in foreign direct investment (FDI) as trade shifts in response to US tariff policy, ANZ Research said.

“The collective net FDI into India, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam dropped to -0.1% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024, marking the weakest outcome since 2012,” it said in a report.

The FDI of ‘net contributor’ economies such as Thailand, South Korea and Taiwan was -1.6% of their GDP last year. This was 30 basis points (bps) below the long-term average,” ANZ said.

“The ‘net recipient’ economies (India, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia) recorded a sharper decline — their total net FDI dropped to 0.7% of GDP in 2024 versus the long-term average of 1.5%.”

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas  reported that net FDI fell 20% year on year to $731 million.

In 2024, Philippine FDI net inflows rose 0.1% to $8.93 billion. In December, inflows plunged 85.2% to $110 million.

“This decline is due to a broader downtrend in the region’s inward FDI cycle, which has been brewing for a while and is not due to geopolitical factors alone,” ANZ said.

“A structural uptrend in the region’s outward FDI, even from low per capita income economies, has also contributed to the net FDI slowdown.”

ANZ Research said the main driver of weak FDI is the “stagnation in global trade-to-GDP.”

“Trade or tariff wars hurt global trade, unequivocally posing structural risks to global FDI,” it added.

“The current trade war is much bigger than the one in 2018 — the US now wants to correct bilateral trade imbalances with most of its trading partners (not just mainland China) by deploying universal tariffs as an indiscriminate policy tool.”

Southeast Asia was assigned some of the most punitive tariffs by US President Donald J. Trump, including Vietnam (46%), Thailand (36%), Indonesia (32%) and Malaysia (24%).

The Philippines was assigned a 17% rate, second lowest in the region.

These reciprocal tariffs were put on hold for 90 days, though the baseline 10% is still in effect for most countries.

“However, FDI drivers have also become nuanced. The importance of product sophistication, export promise and service export potential has surpassed that of traditional drivers such as domestic market size, cheap labor, or the quality of regulations.”

“Not all economies in Asia have progressed meaningfully on these fronts in the last decade or so,” it added.

Based on the latest edition of Kearney’s FDI Confidence Index, the Philippines fell three spots to 16th place out of 25 emerging markets. The index ranks markets that are likely to attract the most FDI in the next three years.

“Going forward, manufacturing FDI will likely favor new-age goods, for which capacities are yet to build up to cater rising global demand,” ANZ said.

“The FDI composition itself is expected to skew further towards services, which are rapidly gaining global trade share.”

The report said that to mitigate the impact from these uncertainties, Asian economies must “work harder to create and support ecosystems to attract FDI.”

“Policy focus must shift to supporting factors such as research, intellectual property, labor skills, and export infrastructure.”

“Even so, outward FDI will likely remain on an uptrend, driven by rapid growth of the global service sector, acquisition of strategic resources, and risk mitigation practices among large firms in a fragmented global geopolitical order.”

ANZ also noted that these spillovers from trade tensions could also “re-energize Asia’s intra-region trade that has otherwise stagnated as a share of the region’s total trade in the past decade.”

If the region can shift to “value-creating ecosystems,” this could attract investment in local production, research, and distribution capabilities.

“There is a real second chance for Asia ex-China to attract FDI in the medium term due to the current trade war, as the rift between the US and mainland China is widening with their reciprocal tariffs reaching prohibitive levels.”

“Overall, while the recent FDI trends have been disappointing, it will be imprudent to write off the region’s long-term investment promise, especially amidst a fractious global economic order. While opportunities exist, tasks are cut out, and FDI investors will be discerning.” — Luisa Maria Jacinta C. Jocson

BPOs to set up council to establish quality norms

DCSTUDIO-FREEPIK

THE IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) said it will organize a quality council next month to set performance standards for the industry.

“You have to think of our industry as being composed of all industries. Because business services cover all industries … so what we get certified for, whoever we train, the curriculum, the way we work, it all has to be done excellently,” IBPAP President Jonathan R. Madrid said on Monday.

“We will set this up in the next, I would say, 30 days,” he added.

The council is among the key commitments outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the industry group and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). 

The MoU also seeks to promote Philippine Quality Awards (PQA) within the industry.

The PQAs are the highest level of national recognition for exemplary organizational performance in the Philippines. 

“The DTI is committed to supporting the IBPAP as best as we can. The information technology and business process management sector has been a pillar of economic resilience and a powerful engine of job creation in the Philippines,” Trade Secretary Cristina A. Roque said. 

Meanwhile, Ms. Roque said that the department is also enhancing efforts to ensure that only quality construction materials are being sold to consumers.

“We need to protect consumers. We cannot be selling substandard steel … because if there is an earthquake, buildings will fall,” she said.

“For the steel industry, we will strictly monitor and enforce (standards), even on e-commerce platforms,” she added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Gov’t procurement portal handles P80 million in Q1 orders, DBM says

BW FILE PHOTO

THE e-marketplace for government procurement booked P80 million worth of transactions in the first quarter, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) said.

DBM Procurement Service Executive Director Genmarie S. Entredicho-Caong told reporters that the e-marketplace processed 86 orders, with 15 of these delivered.

“These 15 (are worth) around P31 million. The 86 orders amount to around P80 million,” she said in a briefing on Monday.

The e-marketplace started receiving orders in January and turned over its first deliveries in February.

Savings from online procurement, which accounts for 70% of the government budget, were estimated at P10 million in the first quarter.

She noted that prices of common-use supplies and equipment on the e-marketplace are 30-40% lower than market prices.

The portal was established under Republic Act 12009 or the New Government Procurement Act, signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. in July.

Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said the earlier government agencies procure goods and services, the faster it helps the economy.

“For example, around 30% is allocated to our capital outlay. So that’s infrastructure spending. With infrastructure spending, we know it has the greatest multiplier effect. In terms of jobs, one project can provide many jobs around the community,” she said.

In the coming months, the DBM expects to add cloud computing services, airline tickets, software and licenses, ICT equipment, printing materials, and paper products to the e-marketplace.

The e-marketplace is still being piloted and a report on its results is due soon with the Government Procurement Policy Board.

The Philippines hosted the East Asia and the Pacific International Public Procurement Conference on Monday, co-hosted by the World Bank.

The three-day conference brings together 150 procurement regulatory agencies, reformers, innovators, leaders, members of civil society, and development partners from the region. — Aubrey Rose A. Inosante

Ocean economy seen needing stronger environmental protections

THE GOVERNMENT needs to strengthen its environmental laws and turn to nature-based solutions if it wants to harness the potential of its blue economy, according to an environmental advocacy group.

Philippine blue-economy ambitions “must be anchored on good ocean governance, strong environmental laws, nature-based solutions, and community stewardship,” Oceana said in an e-mail.

It flagged the destruction of mangroves, wetlands, and reefs as especially harmful in an archipelagic country.

Among the most urgent moves needed to protect ocean resources is the signing into law of the bill declaring Panaon Island south of Leyte as a protected seascape under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (E-NIPAS) Act.

The bill has been passed by both Houses of Congress.

“Panaon Island is home to some of the country’s most pristine coral reefs and supports thousands of Filipinos through fishing and ecotourism.

“This legislation is the product of years of scientific research, stakeholder consultations, and community support,” Oceana said.

“Its signing will preserve marine biodiversity, enhance food security, and empower communities to manage their seas sustainably,” it added.

The group also urged the government to include the proposed National Coastal Greenbelt Act in the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council agenda.

“These two landmark measures are seen as key steps in safeguarding the country’s marine biodiversity, improving climate resilience, and securing local livelihoods,” Oceana said.

The national coastal greenbelt proposal proposes the establishment of a nationwide network of mangroves and beach forests as natural buffers against coastal erosion, storm surges, and sea level rise.

“This bill provides a strategic and science-based approach to mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change, especially in vulnerable coastal area,” Oceana said.

It also called on the government to uphold the protection of the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park (LPPWP), Metro Manila’s last remaining mangrove forest.

LPPWP had been declared a protected area under the E-NIPAS Act of 2018 and has been included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

Oceana said the government should also ensure transparency and meaningful consultation in all marine development activities.

Nearly 80% of Philippine territory consists of waters, according to the Philippine Institute for Development Studies.

The ocean economy grew 9.9% to P943.05 billion in 2023, according to government data. — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

Transfer pricing reminders post ITR filing

Kudos to all taxpayers and their finance teams who successfully finalized and filed their income tax returns (ITRs) on time! To all accountants, you deserve hearty congratulations for a job well done. Take a much-deserved break to recharge and relax.

However, when you return to work and regain your energy and enthusiasm, I would like to remind all finance teams about some important transfer pricing reminders post-ITR filing.

FILING OF RELATED PARTY TRANSACTION FORM
The filing of the Related Party Transaction Form or RPT Form (BIR Form No. 1709), is mandatory for those taxpayers enumerated in Revenue Regulations (RR) No. 34-2020. The form is due for filing on April 30th for taxpayers based on the calendar year, which is the same deadline as the submission of the attachment to the ITR. So, mark your calendars to avoid the penalty of P1,000 for late filing.

I wish to emphasize the importance of performing an annual verification to determine whether taxpayers qualify as one of those required to file the RPT Form. Circumstances from previous years may no longer be applicable in the current and succeeding years, making this annual verification crucial.

For example, a taxpayer who was not classified as a large taxpayer last year was not required to file the RPT Form. However, if they are now registered as a large taxpayer this year, they are required to file the RPT Form for the current year. Similarly, a taxpayer who was not enjoying tax incentives last year did not have to file the form but if they are now enjoying tax incentives this year, they must file the form for the current year.

Another example is a taxpayer who reported net operating losses on the ITR for the immediately preceding two consecutive years. If, after finalizing the ITR, the taxpayer reported another net loss for the current taxable year, they are required to file the RPT Form for the current year.

Additionally, if a related party has transactions with another related party that is required to file the RPT Form, the former is also required to file.

ADDITIONAL NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS DISCLOSURE
Taxpayers not required to file the RPT form are required to disclose in the Notes to Financial Statements that they are not covered by the requirements and procedures for related party transactions.

TRANSFER PRICING DOCUMENTATION
The preparation and maintenance of transfer pricing documentation (TPD) are mandatory for those taxpayers required to file the RPT Form and meet the conditions set forth in RR No. 34-2020. However, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) highlighted that nothing prevents any taxpayer from preparing a TPD and presenting the same during a tax audit to prove that its related party transactions were conducted at arm’s length. Though it is not required for some taxpayers to prepare a TPD, they still need to reasonably assess and prove whether their dealings with related parties adhere to the arm’s length principle. After all, the burden of proof rests upon the taxpayer.

The TPD prepared by the taxpayer should be contemporaneous, meaning it should have been prepared prior to or at the time of the transaction or no later than the time of completing and filing the tax return for the taxable year in which the transaction takes place, as it ensures the integrity of the taxpayer’s income tax position.

For taxpayers who have completed their TPD, great job! For those who are required to prepare one but have not started yet, it’s not too late to comply. Remember, the TPD must be submitted to the BIR within 30 calendar days upon receipt of a request during a tax audit (subject to a non-extendable period of 30 days based on meritorious grounds). Ensure that you have your TPD ready, as well as the relevant documents, before the BIR conducts its tax audit to avoid any compliance issues.

UPDATING THE TPD
Over time, as businesses conduct their operations, various internal and external factors that were considered in preparing the TPD in the previous year may change or become irrelevant in the current year and subsequent years.

Changes in internal factors include shifts in business strategy, operations, development, acquisition, or transfer of intangible assets, and business restructuring, among others. On the other hand, changes in external factors include amendments to laws and regulations, shifts in economic conditions, changes in trade policies between countries, evolving industry practices and standards, and technological advancements, among others.

As a result of these changes, the current TPD needs to be updated. Therefore, taxpayers should occasionally revisit their current TPD and reassess whether it needs updating.

Moreover, updating the benchmarking analysis on an annual basis is necessary because the availability and relevance of comparable companies or transactions can change over time, and regular updates help identify the most appropriate comparables and ensure that the analysis is based on the most recent and relevant data. Keeping the benchmarking study up to date helps mitigate the risk of transfer pricing adjustments and penalties during tax audits.

ALIGNING THE CONTRACT WITH ACTUAL CONDUCT
It’s crucial that the contracts or agreements between related parties, which serve as the basis for preparing the TPD, align with the actual conduct of the parties.

If the BIR identifies inconsistencies between the terms of the contract and the actual conduct during its review, it may disregard and re-characterize the controlled transaction. This can occur if the economic substance of a transaction differs from its form or if the arrangements deviate from what independent parties would adopt in a commercially rational manner, thereby impeding the BIR from determining an appropriate transfer price.

What the taxpayers may do is to conduct regular internal audits and reviews of all related party transactions to ensure that the terms of the contracts accurately reflect the actual conduct and economic substance of the transactions. Additionally, update any agreement promptly to reflect changes in business practices or circumstances.

Another to-do list item is to regularly review and update your transfer pricing policies to ensure they reflect current business operations and economic conditions.

Although the ITR season has concluded, monitoring compliance, especially for transfer pricing, should be a continuous and proactive process, not just performed at year’s end. Regular reviews ensure that taxpayers meet reporting requirements and that the documentation in the TPD aligns with existing transfer pricing rules and regulations.

Let’s Talk TP is an offshoot of Let’s Talk Tax, 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.

 

Christian Derick D. Villafranca is a senior manager from the Tax Advisory & Compliance division of P&A Grant Thornton, the Philippine member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd.

business.development@ph.gt.com

MPTC Tour of Luzon: Javiniar rules 160.6-km Stage 5

THE 24-YEAR-OLD Joseph Javiniar came by his lonesome in the Acacia Drive finish line in Filinvest Mimosa in topping the 160.6-kilometer Stage Five that started and ended in this former American Airbase in three hours, 29 minutes and 20 seconds.

CLARK, PAMPANGA — From waiting tables to winning cycling races.

That’s how Excellent Noodles skipper Joseph Javiniar transitioned six years after taking up the bike and, just on Monday, claimed his first stage triumph in the MPTC Tour of Luzon: Great Revival here.

The 24-year-old Mr. Javiniar came by his lonesome in the Acacia Drive finish line in Filinvest Mimosa in topping the 160.6-kilometer (km) Stage Five that started and ended in this former American Airbase in three hours, 29 minutes and 20 seconds.

Jonel Carcueva of MPT Drivehub and Marc Ryan Lago of Go for Gold took second and third, respectively, after they both checked in 42 seconds behind.

It was the first lap triumph and second major feat after ruling the criterium race of the national championship in Tagaytay early this year for Mr. Javiniar, who was making ends meet as a waiter in his hometown in Pagsanjan, Laguna before finally deciding to go full time in cycling.

“I worked as a waiter in Pagsanjan before I focused on cycling,” said Mr. Javiniar, whose ambition was to become a policeman but wasn’t able to pursue it due to poverty. “All of us in cycling are dreaming to become champions, and I’m one of them,” he added.

It was a total show of force by Mr. Javiniar, who was part of the early 10-man breakaway that was eventually trimmed down to eight approaching the Sacobia bridge in Pampanga — or the first 7-km mark.

When he saw an opportunity, he broke loose in the final 5-km stretch inside Clark and was met by loud cheers from adoring fans, including a proud Excellent Noodles team owner Alex Billan, at the finish.

For the fifth straight stage, there were no changes in the overall general classification race as South Korean Joo Dae Young of Gapyeong Cycling Team intelligently kept pace with his pursuers including the closest in Standard Insurance’s Ronald Oranza and finished in the 59-man peloton that checked in at eighth with identical times of 3:30:28.

After six grueling stages, the 29-year-old two-time Korean national champion, who seized the lead via his spectacular Stage One conquest in Paoay, Ilocos Norte on Thursday, remained untouchable at the helm of the overall individual race with an aggregate time of 14:07:40.

He will continue to wear the yellow jersey in Tuesday’s 174.5-km Stage Six where they will be flagged off here and finish in front of the provincial capitol in Lingayen, Pangasinan, a province considered a cycling hotbed after producing heaps of Tour champs in the past.

Still four and a half minutes behind with a clocking of 14:12:10 was Mr. Oranza while Go for Gold’s Aidan James Mendoza (14:12:16), Exodus Army’s Dominic Perez (14:12:23), MPTD’s Mervin Corpuz (14:12:24), Standard’s George Oconer (14:12:26), MPTD’s Rustom Lim (14:12:34) and Jonel Carcueva (14:12:37), Standard’s Jeremy Lizardo (14:12:45) and Go for Gold’s Marc Ryan Lago (14:12:50) rounded out the top 10.

Standard also remained atop the team race with a 56:50:50, 19 seconds ahead of No. 2 MPT Drivehub, who had 56:51:09 with Go for Gold, Exodus Army and 7-Eleven Cliqq Roadbike Philippines at third to fifth with times of 56:51:45, 56:52:10 and 56:52:42, respectively. — Joey Villar

Meralco’s Philippine Cup title-retention bid veering off course

MERALCO BOLTS — FACEBOOK.COM/PBAOFFICIAL

COACH Luigi Trillo admitted Meralco has the urgent need to make a course correction with its PBA Philippine Cup title-retention drive veering off track lately.

After hurdling their first two assignments, the Bolts have stumbled to back-to-back-to-back 12-point losses to plummet in the standings.

“We have a lot to figure out,” Mr. Trillo said after Rain or Shine extended Meralco’s skid with a 128-116 verdict.

“Are we better than that? Of course we are, but we’ve got to be more precise in what we’re doing,” he added.

Prior to the setback to ROS, the Bolts bowed to San Miguel Beer in their “retro” finals rematch last April 9, 110-98, and fell to an ambush from erstwhile winless Phoenix four days later, 109-97.

“Any team can beat anyone like Phoenix beat us, we beat Terrafirma, Terrafirma beat Phoenix. So at this point, every game is important, every quarter is important,” he said.

“We look like we’re not there. We look a little bit slow, a little bit hesitant in what we’re doing. It’s tough to watch because we’re better than that, we’re better defensively, we’re better offensively,” he added.

Meralco has a lot of time to do its soul-searching and make amends as it will return to action on May 9 yet against NorthPort.

“We should be better,” said Mr. Trillo. — Olmin Leyba

Liverpool thrashes Tottenham to secure Premier League title

LIVERPOOL’s Mohamed Salah celebrates after winning the Premier League. — REUTERS

LIVERPOOL, England — Liverpool roared back from a goal behind to thrash Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 and wrap up the Premier League title in style on a momentous day at a sun-drenched Anfield on Sunday.

Needing only a point to ensure a record-equalling 20th English title with four games remaining, Liverpool was rocked in the 12th minute as Dominic Solanke headed Tottenham in front.

But the title party was only temporarily silenced as Liverpool struck back with a Luis Diaz tap-in, an Alexis Mac Allister thunderbolt and a Cody Gakpo shot before halftime.

A one-sided second half saw Mohamed Salah end a six-match scoring drought by firing a low shot past Guglielmo Vicario in the 63rd minute — celebrating his 28th league goal of an outstanding season by snapping a selfie with a fan.

Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie then bundled in an own goal to complete a miserable afternoon for the visitors who have lost 19 Premier League games this season.

Liverpool, who has now matched arch-rivals Manchester United’s English titles record, has 82 points from 34 games played with Arsenal a distant second on 67.

A rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” — the club’s beloved anthem — boomed out after the final whistle with the likes of club greats Kenny Dalglish and Ian Rush joining in.

“This is difficult to put into words,” Liverpool manager Arne Slot, who replaced Juergen Klopp last year and is the first Dutch coach to win the Premier League, said on the pitch.

“It’s more than what I can describe… Everyone said we had already won it but you still feel pressure to get the point over the line.”

Slot is only the fifth manager to win the Premier League title in his debut season in English soccer and while it was a formality before kickoff, there was still the small matter of Liverpool ensuring the cake was iced in front of their fans.

Five years ago, when Klopp’s Liverpool ended a 30-year wait for a 19th title, the COVID pandemic meant a rather anti-climactic finale inside an empty Anfield.

Sunday more than made up for that as the fans went through their choir book of club anthems long before kickoff.

Sixteenth-placed Tottenham, who made eight changes to their starting line-up with one eye on Thursday’s Europa League semifinal, arrived as sacrificial lambs, but momentarily gate-crashed the party as former Liverpool player Solanke headed in James Maddison’s corner.

Liverpool was only behind for four minutes though.

Diaz, appearing in his 100th Premier League game for the club, tapped in Dominik Szoboszlai’s low cross and while it was initially disallowed for offside, the decision was overturned after a VAR check to sighs of relief all round.

UNSUNG HERO
Eight minutes later the party was in full swing as Liverpool took the lead with a special goal by Mac Allister — one of the real unsung heroes in Liverpool’s midfield engine room.

Tottenham gave possession away trying to play out from the back and when the ball arrived at the feet of the Argentine World Cup winner he thumped a left-footed shot high beyond Vicario.

With the visitors now fully complying with their role as props in Liverpool’s parade, the hosts began to run riot as Gakpo slammed in his side’s third goal after 34 minutes.

All that was left to complete a perfect day was a goal for Egyptian Kop idol Salah, and he duly obliged after the break with a trademark finish after cutting in from the right and belting a shot past Vicario.

“It’s special and something we don’t ever take for granted,” captain Virgil van Dijk said. “Lots of emotions today, we are truly the deserved champions.”

After a season of domination in which Liverpool has suffered two defeats in 34 league games, no one was arguing. — Reuters

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