Biz chamber urges PHL to aspire for 8% annual growth rate

January 15, 2026 | 8:35 pm

Building-skyline — Clouds hover over buildings in Quezon City, April 28, 2025. — PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

THE Philippines needs to aim for at least 8% annual growth rate to ensure that any economic expansion is sufficiently inclusive, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) said.

FFCCCII President Victor R. Lim said that while the recent revision of growth projections shows the administration’s “acknowledgement of real headwinds,” the government should choose ambition over accommodation.

“We noted the cited causes — the corrosive aftermath of the flood control corruption scandal and its dampening effect on confidence as well as global trade uncertainties,” he said in a statement on Thursday.

“We must categorically reject the notion that these new targets — 5% to 6% in 2026, scaling to 6% to 7% by 2028 — should represent the limit of our national economic ambition,” he added.

He said the Philippines should seek to achieve a sustained annual growth of 8% and beyond, after neighbor Vietnam posted 8% growth in 2025.

“This is the minimum viable ambition for a nation of our potential. The goal of 8% remains the ideal benchmark of transformative progress, because a steadfast and collective drive toward 8% is the critical, immediate step that will change our momentum and define this decade,” he added.

He said that as the Philippines recalibrates growth targets downward, Vietnam aims for 10% growth this year.

“Their success in attracting investment, boosting tourism, and raising per capita income underscores a critical truth: global capital and opportunity flow decisively to destinations perceived as dynamic, disciplined, efficient, reformist, and relentlessly forward moving,” he said.

“The lingering shadow of a massive corruption scandal must be dispelled not by lowered expectations, but by demonstrably higher standards of governance and performance,” he added.

The revised forecast, he said, signals the need to implement urgent reforms that will focus on six areas: human investment, anti-corruption, industrial and agricultural renaissance, foreign policy, infrastructure, and tourism and creative sectors.

In particular, Mr. Lim said that the Philippines should double down on education and public health.

“We support the budget focus but urge a shift from input-based to outcome-based spending, ensuring every peso spent truly builds a healthier, smarter, and more competitive workforce,” he said.

He also cited the need for an institutional anti-corruption overhaul following the public works scandal.

“We vigorously renew our call for creating an independent, powerful, and well-resourced anti-corruption agency to restore domestic and international confidence,” he said.

He also proposed support for domestic manufacturing and agro-industrial development, including strategic incentives as well as serious and sustained action against smuggling, high costs, and unfair import competition.

“We must create jobs here, add value here, and feed our nation with our own produce,” he added.

Meanwhile, he said the Philippines should pursue an independent, balanced foreign policy that ensures its national interests are protected while fostering stable relations and opening markets for Philippine goods and services.

He said that the Philippines should launch a national strategy for digital transformation, research and development, and green technology, while continuing critical infrastructure with renewed transparency and efficiency.

He called for a national tourism strategy that leverages cultural and natural assets while creating millions of jobs.

“Aiming for and achieving 8% growth is a realistic and necessary goal. It is a target within our grasp if we summon the collective will to reform, invest, and execute with unity and precision,” he said.

“It represents the threshold where growth begins to meaningfully transform lives and reshape our national destiny,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

PHL seen indirectly affected by Trump’s 25% tariff on some chips

January 15, 2026 | 8:34 pm

Semiconductor chips-electronics — Semiconductor chips are seen on a circuit board of a computer in this illustration picture taken on Feb. 25, 2022. — REUTERS

US PRESIDENT Donald J. Trump’s 25% tariff on certain semiconductors, particularly on advanced computing chips, is likely to affect Philippine manufacturers only indirectly, an analyst said.

John Paolo R. Rivera, senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies, said the US move is “unlikely to have a large immediate impact on Philippine exports.”

“Most of the country’s electronics shipments are assembly, testing, and components that are often covered by the World Trade Organization Information Technology Agreement or not directly targeted,” he said via Viber.

He said that the bigger risk is the indirect effect, which includes heightened US protectionism.

“That could disrupt global semiconductor value chains, raise costs, or prompt firms to reconfigure sourcing,” he said.

“Over time, Philippine exporters tied to US-centric supply chains should watch for spillovers, but for now the effect is more sentiment- and strategy-driven than a direct export hit,” he added.

In a proclamation dated Jan. 14, Mr. Trump laid down his plan of action to address the threatened impairment of national security stemming from imports of semiconductors, semiconductor manufacturing equipment, and their derivative products.

Under the two-phase plan, which follows an investigation under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the US is expected to pursue negotiation of agreements with any foreign jurisdictions.

“I have also determined that it is necessary and appropriate to impose an immediate 25% ad valorem duty on the import of certain advanced computing chips and derivative products when such importation does not contribute to the buildout of the US technology supply chain and the strengthening of domestic manufacturing capacity for derivatives of semiconductors,” he added.

However, Mr. Trump clarified that the tariff excludes chips used for US data centers, startups, and non-data center consumer applications, among others.

University of Asia and the Pacific Associate Professor George N. Manzano said Mr. Trump’s announcement does not indicate a blanket tariff on all types of semiconductors.

“The document mentions that the high tariffs will apply to a very narrow category of semiconductors that are an important element of (the Trump administration’s) artificial intelligence and technology policies,” he said.

“I think these are the chips incorporating more advanced technology. This will significantly impact the exports of countries that make these advanced or high-performance chips or computer systems,” he added.

Michael L. Ricafort, chief economist at Rizal Commercial Banking Corp., said the proclamation could potentially slow Philippine semiconductor exports.

However, he said that the industry is still adopting a wait-and-see stance on Mr. Trump’s previous threats of as much as a 300% tariff on electronics.

“Thus, there is a need for the Philippines to diversify further its export markets and products,” he said via Viber.

“This could also be seen as a negotiating tactic by Trump to get more concessions or investments for the US,” he added. — Justine Irish D. Tabile

Labor market experiencing fallout from infra scandals

January 15, 2026 | 8:33 pm

UNRESOLVED governance issues and slow public investments that continue to weaken the economy are now weighing on the labor market, GlobalSource Partners said.

In a commentary dated Jan. 13, GlobalSource Country Analysts Diwa C. Guinigundo and Wilhelmina C. Mañalac noted that the ongoing flood control corruption scandal has led to weaker labor force participation and higher unemployment, especially in construction.

“These labor market outcomes are consistent with the broader slowdown in economic growth observed in the third quarter of 2025,” the GlobalSource analysts said. “Growth decelerated primarily due to reduced public construction activity linked to unresolved issues surrounding flood control projects.”

In November, the jobless rate climbed to 4.4% from 3.2% a year earlier — a development the Department of Labor and Employment said was unprecedented as the year-end holiday season typically boosts hiring.

However, Mr. Guinigundo and Ms. Mañalac said the slowdown reflects lingering governance concerns and still-sluggish public spending during the period.

“The slowdown highlights how governance bottlenecks and delayed public investment can transmit directly to employment outcomes, especially in construction and related sectors with strong multiplier effects,” they added.

Last year, extensive flooding uncovered substandard or non-existent flood control projects across the country, triggering investigations that linked government officials and private contractors to corruption.

The economy thus slump to its weakest growth in over four years — 4% in the third quarter. In the first nine months, gross domestic product growth averaged 5%, undershooting the government’s 5.5%-6.5% target.

GlobalSource said the weak labor market likewise shows weakening business conditions, noting the over four-year low S&P Global Philippines Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reading of 47.4 in November.

“These developments point to subdued labor demand, particularly in sectors that traditionally absorb a large share of the workforce,” Mr. Guinigundo and Ms. Mañalac said.

However, the PMI also indicated that factory activity recovered to 50.2 in December.

Meanwhile, GlobalSource said the job market may remain vulnerable without meaningful government reforms to revive economic growth.

“These governance challenges have eroded investor confidence and constrained the economy’s capacity to generate stable, quality jobs,” Mr. Guinigundo and Ms. Mañalac said. “Without credible reforms, labor market vulnerabilities are likely to persist, leaving workers increasingly exposed to growth slowdowns and external shocks.” — Katherine K. Chan

Free WiFi launched on EDSA Busway

January 15, 2026 | 8:33 pm

EDSA Bus lane — PHILIPPINE STAR/EDD GUMBAN

THE departments of Transportation (DoTr) and Information and Communications Technology (DICT), said they jointly launched the Free WiFi for All program at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) Busway stations.

“Basic services like transport and internet should also progress because it has now become a necessity for the public,” Information and Communications Technology Secretary Henry Rhoel R. Aguda said on Thursday.

The DICT’s “Free WiFi for All” program provides free public internet services in public areas like schools, health facilities, and underserved markets to help bridge the digital divide.

The DoTr said free internet access will only be available at 17 stations for now — Balintawak, Kaingin, Fernando Poe, Jr., SM North EDSA, North Avenue, PHilAm, Quezon Avenue, Kamuning, Nepa Q-Mart, Main Avenue, Ortigas, Buendia, Ayala, Tramo, Taft Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, and SM Mall of Asia.

The remaining three EDSA Busway stations such as Monumento, Bagong Barrio, and Guadalupe will soon be part of the program after rehabilitation work is completed.

The program provides commuters between 40 and 60 megabits per second of free internet service, the DICT said.

The DICT said last year that it is hoping to establish up to 70,000 free WiFi sites after having launched 19,000 such sites as of August 2025.

For 2025, the DoTr reported ridership of 66.67 million on the EDSA Busway.

The DoTr expects to carry more than 70 million passengers this year, reflecting greater efficiencies due to modernization.

Since its launch in June 2020, the EDSA Busway has served 341.31 million passengers.

The DoTr is also working on the expansion of the EDSA Busway, it said, with three more stations set to start construction within the first quarter.

The additional stations are in Cubao, Magallanes and the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange, the DoTr said, adding that the new stations are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter. — Ashley Erika O. Jose

Growth in NCR building-material retail prices accelerates in December

January 15, 2026 | 8:32 pm

RETAIL price growth of construction materials in Metro Manila accelerated to a four-month high in December, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) reported on Thursday.

The PSA reported that the construction materials retail price index (CMRPI) in the National Capital Region (NCR) was 1% in December, against 0.9% in November.

This was the strongest reading since the 1.1% posted in August. The recent high was 1.5% in December 2024.

In 2025, CMRPI growth averaged 1%, easing from 1.2% in 2024.

The CMRPI is based on 2012 constant prices.

The PSA attributed the expansion in December to the stronger increase in plumbing material prices, which came in at 0.5% from 0.3% a month earlier.

Stronger retail price growth was also noted in electrical materials (1.9% from 1.8%), painting materials and related compounds (2.2% from 2.1%), and miscellaneous construction materials (0.8% from 0.6%).

Growth in the carpentry materials sub-index slowed to 0.5% in December from 0.6% in November.

Marco Antonio C. Agonia, an economist at the University of Asia and the Pacific, attributed the retail price growth acceleration in December partly to holiday spending, “where consumers may have been repairing facades and putting up Christmas decorations for the season.”

“On the yearly easing, milder consumer demand compared to Q4-2024’s growth performance may have explained the slower increase,” he added.

In terms of supply, Mr. Agonia noted that “discounted and diverted construction material exports from China and Vietnam as a result of US tariffs may have increased the available supply in the Philippine market, leading to lower price pressures.”

He expects the price growth of construction materials at the retail level to remain stable in 2026.

“With construction projects being deferred and key global industrial input prices (iron and oil) somewhat stable, the usual price growth of around one percent may persist, all other things held equal,” he added. — Isa Jane D. Acabal

UPLB testing chemical, biological agents against onion fungal disease

January 15, 2026 | 8:28 pm

RESEARCHERS at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) are developing sustainable chemical and biological control methods to curb onion anthracnose-twister disease, a major threat to the crop in Nueva Ecija.

Known as kulot by farmers, the fungal disease causes leaf spotting, twisting, and neck elongation, and can cut onion yields by as much as 80%, resulting in significant losses for onion cultivators.

Nueva Ecija, the top onion-producing province, accounted for 148,097 metric tons (MT) out of Philippine output of 264,323 MT in 2024, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority.

The research project, being carried out by the UPLB National Crop Protection Center, is evaluating biological control agents such as Trichoderma, as an environmentally sustainable alternative to chemical fungicides.

Trichoderma is a soil fungus known for acting as a biocontrol agent against plant pathogens.

The study, supported by the Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD), aims to determine how these agents suppress disease-causing fungi and whether they can help strengthen onion plants’ resistance to future infections.

Field assessments revealed that most growers cultivating red onion varieties rely heavily on chemical fungicides to manage the disease, while only a few have adopted Trichoderma as a biological control agent.

The researchers also collected fungal isolates, particularly Colletotrichum and Fusarium species, that are being tested against a range of fungicides to identify the most effective chemical treatments and to assess potential resistance among aggressive strains.

PCAARRD said the researchers also identified several possible alternative host plants, including barnyard grass, spreading dayflower, and sedges. Cross-infection studies will be conducted to determine whether these plants contribute to the spread of the disease. — Vonn Andrei E. Villamiel

REDMI Note 15 Series smartphones now available in the Philippines

January 15, 2026 | 7:30 pm

REDMI-Note-15-Pro-5G_Ti&blue&purple&black — REDMI Note 15 Series smartphones — XIAOMI PHILIPPINES

MACTAN, CEBU — Xiaomi Corp. on Thursday launched in the Philippine market the REDMI Note 15 Series that is marketed to have enhanced durability, long battery life, upgraded imaging features, and flagship-level performance at mid-range pricing.

The series features four smartphone models: the REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G, REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G, REDMI Note 15 5G, and REDMI Note 15.

The top-of-the-line REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G is priced at P27,999, and is available in the colors Mocha Brown, Glacier Blue, and Black.

Meanwhile, pricing for the REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G, which has two storage variants, starts at P19,999. It comes in Titanium Color, Mist Purple, and Black,

Those who will order the two models from Jan. 16 to 29 get a P2,000 discount and a free Xiaomi Smart Band 10 and Black Box Gift Set. From Jan. 30 to Feb. 8, customers will get the same freebies but no discount.

On the other hand, the base models REDMI Note 15 5G and REDMI Note 15 both come in Glacier Blue, Mist Purple, and Black, and have two storage variants. The 5G model is priced starting from P14,999, while the non-5G model costs as low as P9,999.

The phones are available at P1,000 off and free REDMI Buds 8 Lite and Xiaomi Black Backpack from Jan. 16–29. Those who will order from Jan. 30 to Feb. 8 will only get the gifts.

Promotional offers for REDMI Note 15 Series are also available on mi.com and across various e-commerce platforms, including Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

Customers also get a four-year battery replacement warranty, two-year liquid damage coverage and front and back cover replacement, and a comprehensive two-year overall warranty.

Each smartphone purchase also comes with three months of free Spotify Premium and a three-month 100GB cloud storage plan.

“Spanning every model, REDMI Titan Durability integrates a long-lasting battery experience, enhanced drop resistance, and comprehensive dust and water resistance — establishing a new durability standard for REDMI Note Series. REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G and REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G lead the lineup with the most advanced durability features, while all models are engineered to meet the demands of everyday use,” the brand said.

The Philippine launch event was held at Mцvenpick Hotel Mactan Island Cebu and featured P-pop boy group SB19 as official brand ambassadors.

KEY SPECIFICATIONS
The two Pro models both have a silicon-carbon battery with up to 6,580mAh battery life and have 22.5-watt (W) reverse charging support.

They have IP66/IP68/IP69/IP69K dust and water resistance ratings and are certified to withstand immersion at depths of up to two meters for 24 hours.

The phones have the same rear camera setup made up of a 200-megapixel (MP) main lens with optical image stabilization and an 8MP ultra-wide camera.

Both also have a 6.83-inch CrystalRes AMOLED display made of Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced durability with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz and 3,200 nits peak brightness.

“REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G and REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G have achieved SGS Premium Performance Certification, verifying resistance to drops, crushing, and bending. Built on REDMI Titan Structure, both models combine a high-strength motherboard, reinforced mid-frame, and multi-layer shock-absorbing design,” Xiaomi said.

The REDMI Note 15 Pro+ 5G is powered by a Snapdragon 7s Gen 4 Mobile Platform chip, while the REDMI Note 15 Pro 5G has a MediaTek Dimensity 7400-Ultra processor.

The two phone models feature dual speakers with 400% volume boost and Dolby Atmos | Hi-Res support.

Meanwhile, the base models feature a 6.77-inch AMOLED display with a refresh rate of up to 120Hz, a 108MP main camera and 8MP ultra-wide camera, and battery life of up to 6,000mAh with 18W reverse charging support.

They also have dual speakers with 300% volume boost.

The REDMI Note 15 5G features a Snapdragon 6 Gen 3 Mobile Platform chipset, while the REDMI Note 15 has a MediaTek Helio G100-Ultra chip.

“Across the lineup, a new generation of Snapdragon and MediaTek chipsets delivers faster performance, smoother graphics, and improved energy efficiency. All models support Google Gemini and Circle to Search with Google, delivering personalized interactions and convenient search,” the brand said.

“Across the series, imaging is further enhanced with creative and AI-powered tools, including an ultra-clear portrait algorithm, Dynamic shots 2.0 for motion effects, and easy editing with direct sharing to Instagram. Post-processing is easier than ever, with REDMI Note 15 Pro models featuring AI Creativity Assistant, while REDMI Note 15 5G and REDMI Note 15 offer a suite of AI image editing tools designed for everyday creativity. Across the entire series, AI Remove Reflection and AI Beautify are supported, enabling cleaner images and one-tap enhancements with minimal effort.”

WEARABLES
Xiaomi also launched new audio wearables, namely the Mijia Smart Audio Glasses and the REDMI Buds 8 Lite.

The Mijia Smart Audio Glasses will be available in three options: Titanium starting from P12,999, and Browline and Pilot-Style starting from P10,999.

The glasses have a speaker system and four built-in microphones.

“Although all lenses can be replaced with prescription ones if needed, both Browline and Titanium come with up to 25% blue light protection lenses. In comparison, Pilot-Style features UV400-protection sunglasses with an up to 99.99% blocking rate of ultraviolet light,” the brand said.

They are powered by a pair of 114mAh custom non-coaxial steel-cased batteries, with a full charge promising up to 13 hours of continuous music playback.

The device can be controlled via the Xiaomi Glasses app.

Meanwhile, the REDMI Buds 8 Lite comes in Black, White, and Blue and is priced starting at P1,199.18.

The wireless earbuds have a 12.4mm titanium-diaphragm driver and support both AAC and SBC audio codecs.

They also feature up to 42dB wide frequency hybrid active noise cancellation (ANC).

“Using a combination of talk and feedback microphones, ANC mode effectively detects and suppresses a broad range of low-frequency ambient noise. For outdoor calls, dual-mic AI environmental noise cancellation comes into play, leveraging the microphone array and AI algorithms to focus on the user’s voice, even against up to 6m/s wind speeds,” Xiaomi said.

In addition to these two, other devices in Xiaomi’s AI of Things lineup are now also available at all authorized online and offline Xiaomi stores: the Mijia Smart Air Purifier Max and the Xiaomi Electric Scooter 6 and 6 Lite. — Bettina V. Roc

Eala faces ‘fastest server’ Alycia Parks of US in Round One of AO

January 15, 2026 | 7:18 pm

AND the battle lines are drawn.

Filipina sensation Alexandra “Alex” Eala will face “fastest server” Alycia Parks of the United States to kick off her highly-anticipated main draw debut in the Australian Open (AO) this weekend at the Melbourne Park.

It will be an acid test for the 20-year-old Filipina according to Thursday’s official draw for the 128-player major, slugging it out against the American ace who currently shares the distinction of the fastest serve by a woman tennis player in history.

Ms. Parks, 25, tied the record of Venus Williams (2007) for the fastest female serve ever with 129 miles per hour in a 6-3, 7-5 defeat to No. 68 Olga Danilović of Serbia in the first round of the 2021 US Open.

Albeit ranked lower now at No. 100 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), that should serve as enough warning for a tall order Ms. Eala, WTA No. 49, needs to hurdle in a bid to reach the second round.

Ms. Parks with a total of three WTA titles also boasts a career-high ranking of No. 40 back in 2023, higher than Ms. Eala’s current place after resetting her previous best of No. 50 last month to become the first Filipina at that stature ever.

Game time is on Sunday, projected at 8:30 a.m. (Manila time) at a still-to-be-determined court in Melbourne Park featuring the Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena, Margaret Court Arena and the newly-built Kia Arena.

Mses. Eala and Parks are at the upper half of the bracket, listed as the 22^nd pair in the Round of 64 which means a possible collision against some of the world’s titans.

A win by Ms. Eala, who could be her second in any Slam main draw after the US Open last year, would set her up against either No. 19 seed and WTA No. 19 Karolina Muchova of Czechia or WTA No. 37 Jaqueline Cristian of Romania.

It gets tougher from there with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus, No. 3 Coco Gauff of USA, No. 7 Jasmine Paolini of Italy and No. 8 Mirra Andreeva of Russia expected to be at the later rounds waiting.

Other top seeds in world No. 2 Iga Swiatek, No. 4 Amanda Anisimova of USA, No. 5 Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan and No. 6 Jessica Pegula of USA are at the bottom half of the stacked AO cast.

Hopes are high for Ms. Eala to finally do well in AO after multiple qualifying round exits since turning pro after following her AO girls doubles crown conquest with Indonesian pal Priska Madelyn Nugroho in 2020.

The AO remains as the only Slam main draw Ms. Eala has not played in after the US Open, Wimbledon and French Open. And it’s now here for the taking with Ms. Eala making sure to be as ready as ever after a solid buildup at the ASB Classic in Auckland and the Kooyong Classic at the same city.

Ms. Eala, as the No. 4 seed, made it to the final four in Auckland to enter inside the Top 50 rankings followed by her mastery against Paris Olympics silver medalist and 2024 Wimbledon semifinalist Donna Vekic, WTA No. 70, of Croatia in the Kooyong Classic, 6-3, 6-4.

“For me to be able to win the junior girls doubles with a good friend of mine was such a treasured memory,” Ms. Eala said on the AO promotional video featuring her and her mentor Rafael Nadal of Spain. “It’s sort of my home slam and I have a lot of good memories there.”

Ms. Eala’s campaign in AO will determine her stint for her first-ever home tournament at the Philippine Women’s Open, where she’s listed as a wildcard in the main draw, slated on Jan. 26 to 31.

She will not make it at home if she gets past the third round or the first week in AO featuring a total of 24 players who will also vie in the historic Manila staging of a WTA Tour for the first time in history. — John Bryan Ulanday

PBA Press Corps to award Ramon Fernandez Trophy to Philippine Cup Finals MVP

January 15, 2026 | 7:17 pm

THE PBA Press Corps announced on Thursday the introduction of the Ramon Fernandez Trophy that will be handed out to the winner of the Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP).

Starting with the PBA’s 50^thSeason Philippine Cup Finals, the PBA Press Corps will present a trophy named in honor of Mr. Fernandez for his remarkable contributions that included a record 19 championships, the most by any player.

Mr. Fernandez gave his blessing in a meeting with PBA Press Corps President Vladimir Eduarte of Abante/Tonite and the group’s other officers during the 50^th Season opener last Oct. 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“To have the PBA Finals MVP trophy bear my name, especially in this 50^th year, the Golden Anniversary of the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), is something I never imagined yet will forever treasure. This is more than a personal recognition. It is a reminder of a lifetime shaped by the league that gave me purpose, pride and a second family,” Mr. Fernandez said.

“The PBA was my battlefield, my classroom and my home. It was where I learned discipline, sacrifice, resilience, teamwork, humility and the meaning of leadership under pressure. Every championship fought for, every Finals series endured, every cheer and every criticism… all of it molded the player and the man I became. I owe so much of who I am today to this league.”

The first four-time MVP won nine titles with the fabled Toyota franchise before adding three more for Tanduay and seven for San Miguel Beermen, highlighted by a historic Grand Slam in 1989.

Mr. Fernandez is also the league’s all-time leading scorer with 18,996 points, a record that may stand the test of time.

“With those 19 championships, who knows how many Finals MVP awards Mr. Fernandez could’ve won if such recognition had already been handed out during his time,” said Mr. Eduarte. “The Finals MVP trophy in Fernandez’ name is a well-deserved recognition the PBA Press Corps unanimously decided on.”

The introduction of the Ramon Fernandez Trophy also comes as the Press Corps will mark 30 years since awarding its first Finals MVP, which was Jojo Lastimosa for Alaska in the 1996 All-Filipino Cup, two years after Mr. Fernandez played his 20^th and last season as a pro with San Miguel.

A plaque had been given out to each of the previous Finals MVP winners, who are determined through votes by Press Corps members actively covering the PBA beat.

Aside from still being the PBA’s career scoring leader, Mr. Fernandez also continues to still be No. 1 to this day in the league’s total rebounds ladder (8,652), defensive rebounds (6,435), shot blocks (1,853), free throws made (3,848), minutes played (36,624:30), and still No. 2 in career assists (5,220), steals (1,302) and games played (1,074).

Mr. Fernandez, who also played for Beer Hausen and Purefoods, averaged 17.7 points, 8.1 rebounds, 4.9 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.7 shot blocks per game in an illustrious 20-season career. — Olmin Leyba

Hostility on NBA elite

January 15, 2026 | 7:17 pm

The boos at the Fiserv Forum the other day were not especially loud by National Basketball Association (NBA) standards, but they resonated all the same. When Giannis Antetokounmpo turned toward the crowd and booed back, his reaction reflected recognition of the shift in sentiment. Star and fans remained aligned, but on the opposite end of the spectrum. The Bucks were being routed at home to bring even more disappointment to the season, and the crowd had had enough. He, too, reached a breaking point, leading to his direct, perhaps reflexive, and certainly revealing response.

For and in the NBA, it is not an unfamiliar sight. LeBron James heard boos in Cleveland well before he left the first time, less because of failure than because of looming anxiety. Kevin Durant played under a similar cloud in Oklahoma City, where expectations turned to suspicion as opportunities narrowed. Anthony Davis became the focus of open hostility in New Orleans once departure was imminent. In each case, the noise was not about a single game. In each case, the narrative was stalling. And, in each case, the name on the marquee, fairly or not, became both a symbol and a point of leverage.

Antetokounmpo complicates the lineage because his story in Milwaukee is that of success. He delivered a championship. He signed contract extensions. He spoke the language of loyalty without hedging. The Bucks’ modern identity is inseparable from his rise, and confidence in their competitiveness has long been anchored to his presence. And, needless to say, the kinship reframes the boos: They were not a call for departure so much as a protest against inertia. The roster is older than desired, thinner than hoped, and increasingly dependent on the force of will of their foundational piece to paper over structural infirmities. In this sense, fans were not rejecting him; they were reacting to the possibility of a future without him.

How the league elite handle these moments often determines the way they are remembered. James tended to absorb the noise, with silence and leverage underscoring his honor. Durant, more exposed, sparred in public and online, invariably with tension. Antetokounmpo chose neither distance nor diplomacy; he met the criticism head-on, returning the boos and then explaining himself without apology. Certainly, there was an old-school quality to the manner in which he paid for action with reaction: having deemed himself worthy of unshakable belief, he met its on-demand withdrawal with proportionate anger.

To be sure, the more instructive comparisons may well be with those who endured the noise and stayed. Dirk Nowitzki heard boos in Dallas during lean years, but organizational clarity eventually steadied the relationship. Kobe Bryant was openly booed in Los Angeles during the post-dynasty wilderness; fortunately, a decisive reset restored goodwill. In both cases, the would-be Hall of Famers absorbed frustration because the direction, however painful, was evident.

Which, in a nutshell, is now the challenge in Milwaukee. Antetokounmpo’s reaction was honest, even principled. Whether it becomes a forgotten footnote or a significant marker in the sport’s annals depends less on crowd behavior than on what the Bucks do next. When boos are rained on a player with as much gravitas as his, history suggests the clock has already started: not racing, but moving all the same.

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.

Seahawks, 49ers set for rubber match with NFC title-game berth at stake

January 15, 2026 | 7:16 pm

EVERY great NFL defense needs a nickname.

From the Purple People Eaters (Vikings) to the Steel Curtain (Steelers), the Monsters of the Midway (Bears) to the Doomsday Defense (Cowboys), the Fearsome Foursome (Rams) to the New York Sack Exchange (Jets) and the Orange Crush (Broncos) to the Legion of Boom (Seahawks), the best all got monikers.

Even the Dolphins’ No-Name Defense of the 1970s.

The current Seattle Seahawks defense hasn’t yet matched the Legion of Boom, which led the NFL in fewest points allowed from 2012 to 2015, but it has come up with a nickname just in case — the “Dark Side.”

That unit will be key when the top-seeded Seahawks (14-3) play host to the sixth-seeded San Francisco 49ers (13-5) on Saturday in an NFC divisional-round playoff game.

“I think throughout the season, we were just feeling like we had a really special defense, you know, special players, and we were also just doing special things,” Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams said. “We always hear of ‘Legion of Boom,’ especially being in here. We were starting to get to a point like, ‘Hey, maybe we deserve our own name.’”

The Seahawks had the league’s top-ranked scoring defense at 17.2 points per game.

Their best performance came in the regular-season finale in Santa Clara, California, against the 49ers in a game to determine the NFC West division title and the conference’s top playoff seed, which included a first-round bye. The Seahawks allowed just 173 yards of total offense in a 13-3 victory.

That dropped the 49ers to the No. 6 seed. They went on the road and defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, 23-19, on Sunday to advance.

Christian McCaffrey gained just 48 yards on 15 carries but made six receptions for 66 yards and two touchdowns to boost San Francisco. Little-used receiver Demarcus Robinson added six catches for 111 yards and a score.

It was a costly victory, however, as star tight end George Kittle sustained a torn right Achilles tendon.

The 49ers will be without Kittle and All-Pro defender Nick Bosa (knee) against Seattle.

San Francisco coach Kyle Shanahan said All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, who was designated to return from injured reserve on Tuesday, was more likely to return should the 49ers advance to the NFC Championship Game, but Warner didn’t rule out playing this week. He has been sidelined since Oct. 12 with a fractured and dislocated right ankle.

Niners safety Ji’Ayir Brown (hamstring) and linebacker Luke Gifford (quadriceps) also sat out practice on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“I think that made us stronger for stuff like this,” Pro Bowl left tackle Trent Williams said about the 49ers’ injury-marred season. “Kittle going down in the first half (at Philadelphia). I think if we didn’t have experience with that, it would have been easy for everybody to fold and nobody would have blamed us. They would say, ‘Hey, they don’t have this player, don’t have that player, they probably should lose.’”

Offensive tackle Josh Jones (knee) was the only active Seattle player to miss both the Tuesday and Wednesday practices. Linebacker Tyrice Knight (shoulder) was limited on Wednesday after missing Tuesday, and linebacker Ernest Jones (illness) sat out the Wednesday session.

Starting left tackle Charles Cross was a full participant on Tuesday after missing the final three games of the regular season, but he was listed as limited on Wednesday with knee and hamstring issues when the hamstring previously was the only injury listed.

The Seahawks will be playing their first playoff game at home since January 2021.

“We need it loud, man,” defensive lineman Jarran Reed said, “so the Dark Side can come alive.”

The 49ers won 17-13 at Seattle in the season opener, thanks to Bosa’s strip sack of Sam Darnold with 36 seconds left and the Seahawks at San Francisco’s 9-yard line. Brock Purdy threw a 4-yard touchdown pass to backup tight end Jake Tonges with 1:34 remaining for the go-ahead score. — Reuters

Rested Broncos, depleted Bills gear up for playoff rematch

January 15, 2026 | 7:16 pm

FOR the first time in 10 years, the Denver Broncos enter the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

The last time they were the No. 1 seed — 2015, Peyton Manning’s fourth and final season in Denver — happens to be the last time they won a Super Bowl.

Broncos coach Sean Payton knows the potential benefit of being No. 1. When his New Orleans Saints won Super XLIV in 2009, they were the NFC’s top seed.

But entering Saturday’s playoff opener against the visiting Buffalo Bills, Payton is also well aware that regular-season success and the No. 1 seed don’t guarantee anything when it comes to the postseason.

“The (bye) is important, but myth No. 2 is that (it) ensures the fast start. It doesn’t,” Payton said on Tuesday. “Understand this: We’re playing a team that’s coming off one of their biggest wins in the last 10 years. We have to earn a fast start and take advantage of the energy, take advantage of the rest. But it has to be done out (on the field).”

Payton also knows the challenges presented by the Bills, who handily beat the Broncos, 31-7, in last season’s wild-card round.

The Bills are still alive for the rematch thanks to their first road playoff win since the 1992 season, 27-24 at Jacksonville on Sunday.

Josh Allen, who entered with a foot injury and twice visited the injury tent during the game with head, hand and knee injuries, gutted out a performance that included 306 total yards, three total touchdowns and a pair of go-ahead fourth-quarter touchdown drives.

“I feel good. Honestly, I feel a little better than I have the last couple weeks,” Allen said on Tuesday.

Allen, who has won his first playoff game in each of the last six seasons, would secure his third AFC Championship Game appearance with a win over the Broncos.

However, he will have quite a limited receiver room entering the matchup after both Tyrell Shavers and Gabe Davis sustained torn ACLs in the win over the Jaguars. That leaves Buffalo with just three wide receivers on its active roster — Keon Coleman, Brandin Cooks and Khalil Shakir.

Shakir led the team with 719 receiving yards in the regular season, adding a game-high 12 catches for 82 yards against Jacksonville. Coleman, the team’s 2024 second-round pick, took a step back in production in Year 2 with 404 yards.

Curtis Samuel (elbow) had his practice window for a return from injured reserve opened on Tuesday and was a full participant in the first two practices of the week.

“Another guy’s got to step up. That’s point-blank what it means,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said. “And I don’t mean to be short. It’s just right now, it’s full confidence in the guys in that room.”

Standout defensive tackle Ed Oliver (bicep) also saw his practice window open on Tuesday, making it possible that he will play his first game since Oct. 26. He was limited in Tuesday and Wednesday’s practices.

For Denver quarterback Bo Nix, this will be his first home playoff game. He completed 59.1% of his passes for 144 yards and a touchdown in the loss to Buffalo.

“I think everybody would say they’d rather be at home in this situation,” Nix said. “Last year was a tough environment, tough road experience. Good for a young person like me to go gain that experience (in my) first year. It’s obviously nice to be at home. It’s nice for that challenge to be on the other side.”

Nix will be assisted by a Broncos defense that set a franchise record with 68 sacks, 11 more than any other team and just four off the NFL record set by the 1984 Bears.

Buffalo running back Ty Johnson (ankle), cornerback Maxwell Hairston (ankle) and safety Jordan Poyer (hamstring) did not practice on Tuesday or Wednesday. Team sack leader Greg Rousseau (back), linebacker Matt Milano (ankle) and tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee) have been limited.

Denver has just four players on the injury report, none of whom have missed a practice this week. Tight end Lucas Krull (foot) and linebackers Dre Greenlaw (hamstring) and Drew Sanders (ankle) have been limited.

The Bills have beaten the Broncos four of the last five times they’ve faced off and won both postseason matchups, including a 10-7 win in the 1991 AFC Championship Game. — Reuters

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