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Nationwide round-up (03/14/21)

DENR welcomes two Senate bills that seek to strengthen wildlife conservation

ENVIRONMENT Secretary Roy A. Cimatu has welcomed two Senate bills that aim to strengthen existing laws against illegal wildlife trade in the country. “We give our full support to the initiatives of the legislators who are seeking to reinforce and recalibrate the existing Wildlife Act, particularly against wildlife traffickers who wreak havoc to our biodiversity that causes the imbalance in our ecosystems, impacting not only our livelihood but our economy in general,” Mr. Cimatu was quoted in a press release issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Saturday. The two bills are No. 2078 or the The Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2021, and No. 2079 or the Revised Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2021, filed by Senators Cynthia A. Villar and Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, respectively. Copies of the proposed measures were released during the annual World Wildlife Day on Mar. 3. Bill 2078 proposes that a provision on regulating the collection, possession, use and trade of wildlife, and its by-products and derivatives be included in the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001. The bill also calls for the amended act to cover all wildlife species across the country. Ms. Villar’s bill also seeks to recognize the authority of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) government over wildlife species in its territory. Bill 2079 also proposes that the DENR and the Department of Agriculture have legal oversight over terrestrial plant and animal species, and critical aquatic habitats. “Both bills hope to “establish a more stringent legal framework, improve enforcement mechanisms, and strengthen inter-agency cooperation against illegal wildlife trade, among others,” the DENR said. Earlier this month, DENR Undersecretary Jim O. Sampulna said the pandemic has made efforts to monitor and curb the lucrative illegal wildlife trade in the country more challenging as fewer manpower could be deployed. — Angelica Y. Yang

Justice chief says police request for list of lawyers representing suspected terrorists ‘out of line’

THE request made by a local police officer to a regional trial court for a list of lawyers representing suspected members of communist terrorist groups has no legal basis, Justice Secretary Menardo I. Guevarra told reporters on Saturday. He said such move was “totally out of line and completely bereft of any statutory or legal basis,” citing that “lawyers are professionals and are not directly or personally involved in the causes that they represent.” Lt. Fernando G. Calabria, Jr., who headed the intelligence unit of the Calabayog City police, sent a letter to the Clerk of Court of the Regional Trial Court making the request. The Philippine National Police (PNP) has since removed Mr. Calabria from his post. Mr. Guevarra said while the Department of Justice has no authority to interfere with the matter, it will take a stand and “will oppose and call out any such activity if the same is in violation of existing laws or established policies, or unnecessarily endangers the security of certain classes of persons, most especially lawyers.” The Integrated Bar of the Philippines, in a statement,  has condemned the cop’s action. “The letter disregards the very basic principle that lawyers are free and even duty-bound to represent those accused regardless of political or ideological persuasions so that their rights are protected, due process is observed, justice is done, and that the rule of law is upheld,” the lawyers’ group said. In his letter dated Mar. 12, 2021, Mr. Calabria requested for a “list of lawyers (who) represent CTG (Communist Terrorist Group) personalities in the court… for subsequent submission to PNP higher offices.” The PNP spokesperson said no such order was issued to police officers. — Bianca Angelica D. Añago

Regional Updates (03/14/21)

Quezon City reimposes liquor ban, closure of gyms, internet cafes

QUEZON City, the biggest in Metro Manila in terms of land area and population, is reimposing a liquor ban among other restrictions to curb the rising number of coronavirus cases. In a memorandum issued Sunday, Mayor Josefina G. Belmonte ordered limitations on top of the 10 p.m.-5 a.m. curfew that will be implemented in the entire capital region beginning Monday. “In light of the recent alarming increase in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila, the City hereby issues these Supplemental Guidelines on the implementation of General Community Quarantine. These Supplemental Guidelines shall take effect on Mar. 15, 2021 and shall be effective until Mar. 31, 2021,” the memo reads. Apart from the liquor ban, the mayor directed the temporary closure of gyms, spas and internet cafes, and the adoption of alternative work schemes for offices and other establishments. Ms. Belmonte also reminded all establishments to use the city’s QR code system to ensure proper contact tracing. The city government has also been implementing localized lockdowns in areas where there are significant clusters of cases.  As of Mar. 13, the Department of Health tracker shows Quezon City has the highest number of total and active coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases at 47,767 and 4,554, respectively.

Bohol asserts jumpstarting tourism, economy does not need such events as ‘foam party’

BOHOL Governor Arthur C. Yap ordered a stop to the “Foam Party Fashion Show” scheduled at a resort last Saturday, but the municipal mayor of Panglao issued a special permit allowing the event to push through and personally went to the venue to observe compliance to health protocols. “The Provincial Government of Bohol understands the need to jumpstart the tourism economy, we are your partner on this cause but only in a proper and decent manner; let alone can we tolerate violations of the law and ordinance under any circumstance,” Mr. Yap said in his order dated Mar. 12. He also cited that the venue, Amanzara Resort, does not have accreditation from the Department of Tourism (DoT). Citing a letter from the DoT regional office, he said the resort neither has a pending application for accreditation. Amanzara Resort did not immediately reply to a request for comment. The resort has previously held a foam party where health protocols were shown to have been violated through a video that went viral on social media.

RECOVERY
Panglao Mayor Leonila Paredes Montero has defended the resort saying in a statement from the town government that “she supports activities such as these to promote the recovery of the tourism economy.” She added, however, “that lewd shows and any form of indecent exposures have no place in Panglao. That is not the direction of the marketing efforts of tourism of the Local Government Unit of Panglao.” Mr. Yap, in a post late Saturday on his own Facebook page, said, “The (Panglao) Mayor is missing the point. Amanzara does not have a fire clearance, has no business permit, and has no DoT accreditation. Why is she allowing it to operate? Is it not her duty to uphold the law? Her defiance is not in defense of Panglao tourism. She is actually endangering her municipality, the whole Boholano community, and the entire Province of Bohol, by failing to enforce the minimum health standards.” A DoT-accredited resort in Panglao, Casa Teofista, said the provincial and municipal governments “must form a united front in tackling COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) as one cannot function without the other.” It added, that “an establishment must have the necessary documents and enforce COVID-19 protocols.” — MSJ

Palawan plebiscite: Initial results show more ‘no’ votes for division into 3 provinces

PARTIAL and unofficial count of Saturday’s plebiscite in Palawan show more people voted ‘no’ to the law that will divide the province into three. Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Rowena V. Guanzon posted on social media that as of 12:19 p.m. Sunday,  there were 42,312 “yes” votes while those who voted “no” were 84,549. Various local media reports from the different towns also show a trend in favor of the “no” vote. The Palawan Board of Canvassers reconvened 2 p.m. Sunday at the Puerto Princesa Capitol Compound to resume the official count. Comelec earlier said the official result is expected to be announced by Mar. 16. The proposed division, contained in Republic Act No. 11259 signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte in 2019, would create the provinces of Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur.

CONCEDE
At least two local officials supporting the division have posted statements conceding to defeat. Mayor Maryjean D. Feliciano of Brooke’s Point, which would have become the capital of Palawan del Sur, wrote: “Tinawag pero hindi pinili. Ibinigay subalit tinanggihan. Sa mga nagsulong at bomoto ng NO, congratulations sa inyo sapagkat nakumbinsi nyo ang ating mga kababayan na huwag tanggapin ang pagiging kapitolyo na maglalapit ng serbisyo sa mga tao, magbibigay ng maraming job opportunities at magbubukas ng maraming negosyo (Called but not chosen. Given but turned down. To those who pushed for the NO vote, congratulations to you because you convinced our townmates to reject becoming a capital that would have brought services closer to the people, more job opportunities and more businesses).” Palawan Provincial Board Member Ryan D. Maminta said he gives full “acceptance and respect” to the majority vote as part of a “healthy democracy.” He concluded, “Together,  we shall ceaselessly and tirelessly continue doing our best! Let us serve our communities, our sambayanan, and our nation well!” The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), accredited by Comelec to deploy observers for the plebiscite, said on Saturday evening that there was uneven voter turnout with some areas having less than 50% while others at over 70%. The province, based on Comelec data, has 490,639 registered voters in 23 municipalities. The Palawan plebiscite was the first electoral exercise held in the country with new health protocols in place due to the coronavirus pandemic. Ms. Guanzon said the plebiscite showed Filipinos “can vote” despite the pandemic. — Gillian M. Cortez

COVID surge emboldens backers of third Bayanihan stimulus law

THE SURGE in the coronavirus case count has strengthened the argument for a third stimulus package, which as currently packaged is worth about P420 billion, Marikina City 2nd District Representative Stella Luz A. Quimbo said.

In a mobile phone message to BusinessWorld Sunday, Ms. Quimbo said the direct aid to millions of families contemplated in House Bill (HB) 8628, otherwise known as the proposed Bayanihan to Arise as One Act, will allow beneficiaries to better comply with stricter health protocols imposed to contain coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Ideally, we should pass a Bayanihan III law sooner rather than later.  With aid forthcoming, we can expect a greater willingness to comply with stricter quarantine requirements, which we may need in the face of a surge of new COVID-19 cases and the emergence of a Philippine variant,” she said.

The first two stimulus packages, known as the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act. The packages, also known as Bayanihan I and Bayanihan II, were passed in March and September respectively.

The daily COVID-19 case count rose to 5,000 on Saturday, approaching the peak in daily cases recorded in August. The recent surge was accompanied by news of the identification of a distinct Philippine COVID variant.

Ms. Quimbo, along with Speaker Lord Allan Jay Q. Velasco, filed HB 8628 last month.

The Bayanihan to Arise as One bill provides for P108 billion in social amelioration program assistance to families affected by the pandemic; P100 billion for capacity-building programs for establishments in critically impacted industries; P70 billion for capacity building for agriculture workers; P52 billion for wage subsidies; P30 billion for displaced workers; P30 billion for internet expenses of teachers and students; P25 billion for COVID-19 vaccines and medicine; and P5 billion for the rehabilitation of typhoon-affected areas.

House leaders claim broad support for a third stimulus, but economic managers have been lukewarm, preferring to allow funds from the first two Bayanihans and the 2021 budget to work their way into the economy.

Ms. Quimbo and Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente S. Salceda, who chairs the House Committee on Ways and Means, have said that the first two economic stimulus packages and the 2021 budget are insufficient to deal with the effects of the pandemic. — Gillian M. Cortez

ERC targets April release of green energy option rules

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said that it is planning to release the regulatory framework for the green energy option program (GEOP) by late April.

“End of April. It will be promulgated by the Commission,” ERC Commissioner-in-Charge Floresinda G. Baldo-Digal told BusinessWorld in a mobile message Wednesday.

Renewable Energy Management Bureau Director Mylene C. Capongcol has said that the bureau is still waiting for the ERC to issue the rules governing GEOP, a program launched in 2018 which allows large consumers using 100 kilowatts or more to select eligible renewable energy (RE) providers to supply their power needs.

“We’re still waiting for the Energy Regulatory’s (ERC’s) framework, particularly in setting the technical and interconnection standards as well as wheeling fees,” Ms. Capongcol said Wednesday during a webinar hosted by non-governmental organization Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology.

Authorized by the implementing rules and regulations of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, the commission is required to issue a regulatory framework to “effect and achieve the objectives of the GEOP.”

Ms. Capongcol said at the webinar that the program is for end-users prepared to “totally migrate” to sourcing power from RE resources.

Asked whether GEOP participants will be allowed to switch back to their previous arrangements with distribution utilities, Ms. Capongcol said that they can do so any time as long as they settle all their obligations.

“As long as they meet or comply with the… financial obligations from the distribution utility or the RE supplier, then the switching can be done so they can go back and forth,” she said.

In January, the Department of Energy announced that six suppliers, including members of the Aboitiz and Ayala groups, were admitted into the GEOP. The companies were part of the first batch that filed for GEOP operating permits.

Ms. Capongcol said that the six permit holders are “already marketing their services to the Philippine Economic Zone Authority and some commercial establishments.” — Angelica Y. Yang

Revenue effort drops to 15.89% in 2020

GOVERNMENT REVENUE as a share of gross domestic product (GDP), an indicator known as revenue effort, fell to 15.89% in 2020 due to the collapse in tax collections during the pandemic, the Department of Finance (DoF) said over the weekend.

Overall revenue fell 9% to P2.856 trillion in 2020, bringing the revenue effort down from 16.1% in 2019, the DoF said in an economic bulletin.

Tax effort, a subset of revenue effort representing the share of tax collected to GDP, fell to 13.93% last year from 14.49% previously.

The two main revenue-generating agencies saw their collections drop, with the Bureau of Internal Revenue reporting a 10.3% decline to P1.95 trillion and the Bureau of Customs recording a 14.7% decline to P538 billion.

The lockdown resulted in a 9.5% contraction for the economy in 2020, the steepest drop since records were first compiled in the postwar period.

Ramped-up pandemic spending, meanwhile, drove government expenditure to 23.52% of GDP last year, up from 19.46% in 2019. Last year’s spending to GDP ratio was also a record.

“The country should continue to adopt fiscal reforms, particularly tax reforms still pending in Congress, to sustain these fiscal gains,” the DoF said in the bulletin.

“Due to fiscal reforms, the country was able to fund the unprecedented fiscal requirements imposed by the pandemic and, at the same time, protect its strong macroeconomic fundamentals,” it added. — Beatrice M. Laforga

Environment dep’t agrees PHL not ready for carbon tax

THE Environment department has concurred with the Department of Energy’s (DoE) position that the Philippines is not ready to implement a carbon tax, noting the need to establish an emissions data reporting system.

“We maintain our position that the imposition of carbon tax would not be an acceptable form of carbon pricing initiative in the Philippines. We agree with DoE’s stand on this matter,” DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) Climate Change Division Chief Albert A. Magalang told BusinessWorld by e-mail Wednesday.

Mr. Magalang said that the Philippines has yet to conduct a study on the social implications of a carbon tax, and to establish a company or facility-level emissions data reporting system.

The DENR’s Climate Change Service first outlined its position two years ago to Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte, Jr. during hearings on a House bill which sought to impose a climate tax on residential users equivalent to P1 per 1 kilogram of carbon emissions.

“A comprehensive study is needed to look at social and economic implications of implementing a policy on carbon tax imposition as a means of instituting carbon pricing,” Mr. Magalang said.

He added that a greenhouse gas emissions data reporting system is a “prerequisite” to implementing carbon taxes.

“Currently, companies have no mandatory obligations to report their emissions to the government. Although emissions have been incorporated in the sustainability reporting by the Securities and Exchange Commission… this is voluntary and applicable only to publicly-listed companies,” Mr. Magalang said.

The DoE said last week that the Philippines is still “building capacity” in terms of generating electricity and measuring emissions, and noted that carbon taxes could hinder the country’s economic competitiveness.

The Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development’s Executive Director Gerry C. Arances said that imposing high carbon taxes, particularly on coal, “can strengthen the country’s capacity to shift to clean energy systems.”

“By disincentivizing fossil fuel companies that for so long have enjoyed revenue-sharing schemes lopsided in their favor, the Philippines will be painting renewables as a much more beneficial sector to invest in. By aligning with the ‘polluter pays principle,’ a carbon tax would also be a step forward in internalizing costs of coal and other fossil fuels often dismissed as externalities, including pollution, health impacts, and high electricity prices,” Mr. Arances told BusinessWorld by e-mail over the weekend.

He said that they were “disappointed that the DoE has failed to recognize these.”

“We urge Secretary (Alfonso G.) Cusi to rethink his statement and understand that it is not by continued dependence on fossil fuels that we can have energy security, but by maximizing the availability of abundant indigenous renewable energy sources in the Philippines,” Mr. Arances said.

He added that the imposition of the carbon tax must be coupled with other reforms in the power sector that will protect consumer welfare.

Mr. Magalang said that if a carbon tax will be imposed as a means of carbon pricing, the policy must be designed to allow the country to transition to “low emission energy sources and avoid the passing of companies’ economic burden to consumers.” — Angelica Y. Yang

PHL rice inventory falls 7.7% at start of Feb.

THE rice inventory fell 7.7% from a year earlier to 2.193 million metric tons (MT) as of Feb. 1, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) said.

In its rice and corn inventory report, the PSA said household rice stocks rose 12.4% year on year to 1.18 million MT, while inventory held by commercial warehouses fell 15.7% to 708.94 thousand MT.

Rice inventory held by the National Food Authority (NFA) fell 38.1% to 302.48 thousand MT.

Month on month, the PSA said the rice inventory was down 6%, with household stocks down 8.5% holdings of commercial warehouses up 2.8%, and stock held by the NFA down 14.2%.

The corn inventory as of Feb. 1 rose 18.4% year on year to 774.83 thousand MT.

Household corn stocks rose 46.5% year on year to 224.29 thousand MT, while holdings of commercial warehouses rose 9.8% to 550.54 thousand MT.

Compared to the previous month, the PSA said household stocks fell 22.4%, and inventory held by commercial warehouses fell 11.9%. The NFA held no corn stocks during the period.

“Of the total corn inventory, 28.9% were in households, and 71.1% were in commercial warehouses,” the PSA said. — Revin Mikhael D. Ochave

VAT refunds during the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses to explore new ways to improve their cash flow. One of the ways is to tap the government for VAT refunds. This recourse is available to taxpayers with unutilized input VAT attributable to zero-rated transactions and is governed by a process which was recently streamlined by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR).

In the past, we have heard about taxpayers who expressed reluctance to file VAT refund claims in view of the numerous documentary requirements and costs associated with the filing. Those who have actually filed faced difficulties in retrieving documents, whether internally or from outside sources, such as required certifications from various government agencies and foreign jurisdictions.

To reduce the burden of the VAT refund process, the BIR issued Revenue Memorandum Order (RMO) No. 47-2020, which took effect on Jan. 19, 2021, in response to the appeal of taxpayer-claimants who, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, faced difficulty complying with the documentary requirements under the old rules, and in compliance with Republic Act (RA) No. 11032, otherwise known as the “Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018.”

The changes introduced by the RMO, coupled with the legal mandate to adopt simplified requirements, are meant to encourage reluctant taxpayers to file VAT refund claims and recover the tax they are rightfully due. If granted a refund, taxpayers can tap into a new cash flow stream that would help them sustain day-to-day operations.

NON-SUBMISSION OF PHOTOCOPIES OF SALES INVOICES/RECEIPTS
Among the notable amendments under this RMO is the removal of the requirement to submit photocopies of sales invoices or receipts for both purchases and sales of goods or services, which used to be the bulk of the documents needed upon filing. Instead, the submission of the photocopies was replaced by the submission of the originals for verification, together with corresponding scanned copies stored in a memory device. This change is believed by some to be cost and environment-friendly, and it eliminates the need for the BIR officers to conduct fieldwork at the taxpayer’s place of business, just to stamp each original document with the phrase “VAT Refund Claimed.” With all the geographical considerations and localized lockdowns, the change in the rule effectively considers the health and safety of both the BIR officers and the claimants-in-charge.

NON-SUBMISSION OF CONSULARIZED DOCUMENTS
The requirement to submit consularized or apostilled certificates of foreign registration, incorporation or association of non-resident foreign corporations (NRFCs) was likewise removed. This amendment hopes to address the dilemma of taxpayer-claimants whose VAT refund applications are hampered due to the delay in processing and delivery of foreign documents to the Philippines. The revised checklist only requires the submission of an original copy of a certification from the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) stating that the NRFC is not registered to do business in the Philippines.

In any case, it would still be advisable for taxpayers to secure a consularized or apostilled document in anticipation of a possible appeal in court. Until such time that jurisprudence eliminates such requirements, taxpayer-claimants are not yet fully off the hook in securing consularized or apostilled documents abroad.

OTHER RELAXED REQUIREMENTS
The RMO likewise removed other documents from the revised checklist, particularly those which are already accessible to the BIR from its own records (i.e., Annual Registration Fee, Authority to Print, Permit to Use Computerized Accounting System, and schedule of big-ticket purchases classified per supplier). Nevertheless, for big-ticket items, BIR officers are still required to check for authenticity and correctness by accessing the BIR’s Information System.

The RMO also compressed four separate sworn statements/declarations (i.e., amount of sales declared; affidavit of non-forum shopping; completeness and authenticity of documents submitted; and Taxpayer’s Profile) into one Taxpayer Attestation.

The RMO also removed the documents which were previously required to be certified as true copies by the issuing government agencies. The RMO recognized that certain government-issued documents contain embedded “quick-response” (QR) codes which can be verified electronically or online.

FIXED 90-DAY PROCESSING PERIOD
While previous BIR issuances provided that the 90-day period commences from the date of submission of the official receipts or invoices and other documents in support of the application, RMO 47-2020 emphasized that the start of the 90-day period is from the actual filing of the application with complete documents duly received by the processing office.

The RMO intends to eliminate the possibility of having the reckoning date moved or adjusted by a BIR handling officer by simply requesting for additional documents outside of the checklist.

CLARIFYING THE EXCLUSIVE VENUE FOR DIRECT EXPORTERS
With respect to venue, RMO No. 47-2020 expressly states that only the VAT Credit Audit Division (VCAD) may receive claims of direct exporters, to the exclusion of the Revenue District Office (RDO) or the Large Taxpayers Audit Division (LTAD). This clarifies previous BIR issuances (RMC No. 17-2018 and RMO 47-2019), which may be interpreted by some direct exporters to mean that they have the option of filing the VAT refund application at the RDO or LTAD.

Though the pandemic has somehow disrupted the “should be” order of VAT refund filings, it has also given the tax authorities an opportunity to rethink and streamline the VAT refund process. The RMO seeks to address the challenges faced by both BIR officers and taxpayers who find themselves standing as players in a pandemic where claims must still be filed and processed accordingly.

This RMO is a welcome development, and its implementation will ultimately redound to the benefit of all involved. As we continue to respond to challenges in this new world of uncertainty, taxpayers must continue to be on the lookout for further enhancements in government processes — including the VAT refunds — and take advantage of the benefits from such changes.

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.

 

Joanne P. Lansangan is a Tax Associate Director of SGV & Co.

Terrafirma selects Munzon first overall, Heading in Gilas draft

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

THE Terrafirma Dyip selected Filipino-foreign player Joshua Munzon as the top overall pick in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) rookie draft on Sunday while picking Jordan Heading in the special Gilas Pilipinas selection.

In ceremonies held virtually, the Dyip further advanced their buildup for the upcoming PBA season and beyond by selecting do-it-all players Munzon and Heading.  

Mr. Munzon last saw action in the FIBA 3×3 World Tour last year after leading his team to the title in the Chooks-to-Go 3×3 Pilipinas in October.

Apart from making a name for himself in 3×3 basketball, the 6’4” Munzon made waves in the ASEAN Basketball League (ABL) while playing for the Saigon Heat and Westports Malaysia Dragons.

He also saw action in the PBA D-League, where he was selected number one overall by AMA Online Education.

In the D-League, Fil-Am Munzon, 25, showed what a top-class talent he is, averaging 35 points, 10 rebounds and 4.2 assists in the Aspirants’ Cup in 2019.

“It means a lot [to be drafted in the PBA]. My journey has taken me here. I’m ready to put in the work. I’ll try to come in and contribute and be a good teammate, a good example both in and out of the court,” said Mr. Munzon immediately after being drafted first.

Filipino-Australian Heading, 24, for his part, played as well in the ABL with Alab Pilipinas where he was a steady contributor. He was also a member of the Batang Gilas team in the 2011 FIBA Asia Under-16 Championship.

While his rights are now with Terrafirma, Mr. Heading will be on loan to Gilas Pilipinas as part of the pool players the national team is developing for future competitions. He joins Isaac Go (2019) as a Dyip player currently part of Gilas.

Selected after Mr. Heading in the special Gilas draft were Will Navarro (NorthPort Batang Pier), Tzaddy Rangel (NLEX Road Warriors), and Jaydee Tungcab (TNT Tropang GIGA).

Meanwhile, selected in the regular draft was one-and-done De La Salle University player Jamie Malonzo who went to NorthPort.

Completing the top six picks were Calvin Oftana (NLEX), Mikey Williams (TNT), Leonard Santillan (Rain or Shine Elasto Painters), and Ben Adamos (Alaska Aces).

The rest of the first-round picks had Larry Muyang at seventh going to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, James Laput (eighth) to Terrafirma, Alvin Pasaol (ninth) to the Meralco Bolts, Jerrick Ahanmisi (10th) to Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok, Troy Rike (11th) to NorthPort, and Ken Holmqvist (12th) to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings.

New batch of athletes to be enshrined in PHL Sports Hall of Fame

A NEW BATCH of sports heroes is set to be included in the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame (PSHOF) in enshrinement ceremonies set for April.

On Friday, the PSHOF Selection Committee, after thorough evaluation and deliberation, formally elected 10 outstanding athletes as part of the fourth batch to be lionized in the prestigious Hall of Fame.

The committee chose for enshrinement Paulino Alcantara (football), Eric Buhain (swimming), Dionisio Calvo (coach-basketball and football), Arianne Cerdena (bowling), Robert Jaworski (basketball), Gertrudes Lozada (swimming), Elma Muros-Posadas (athletics), Rogelio Onofre (athletics), Leopoldo Serrantes (boxing), and Roel Velasco (boxing).

The enshrinees are being honored for their contribution to their respective fields and the success they had in them.

Philippine Sports Commission Chairman William Ramirez, who by virtue of Republic Act 8757, or the Philippine Sports Hall of Fame Act, also chaired the selection committee, said that the process of selecting was not easy, but they believe they have made good choices.

He went on to say that it was an “enriching” experience for them to be part of the process.

“I would like to thank everyone for all their work. It is very enriching for me to be part of this. I am pleased with the choices of both the review and selection committees. Congratulations to all the fourth batch enshrinees!” said Mr. Ramirez in a statement.

The selection committee has Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham Tolentino as vice-chairperson. Members are Games and Amusements Board Chairman Abraham Mitra, Philippine Football Federation Secretary-General Atty. Ed Gastanes and Philcycling Secretary General Atty. Billy Sumagui as NSA representatives, Philippine Olympians Association President Akiko Guevara and University Athletic Association of the Philippines Executive Director Atty. Rene Andrei Saguisag, Jr. as private group representatives.

The review committee, meanwhile, is composed of media stalwarts Ed Andaya (People’s Tonight), Joe Antonio (People’s Journal), Rey Bancod (Tempo), Dodo Catacutan (Spin.ph), Quinito Henson (Philippine Star), Tessa Jazmines (Larc&Asset PR), Jun Lomibao (Business Mirror) and Tito Talao (Manila Bulletin).

The enshrinees will receive P200,000 each plus the PSHOF trophy. Details of the enshrinement will be announced later. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

PBA prepares to hold 3×3 tournament in Season 46

WHEN the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) unfurls its Season 46 expect its offering to go beyond five-a-side competition as also on tap is the league’s inaugural 3×3 tournament.

Designed to help in the further growth of the sport in the country and the Philippines’ Olympic push in the discipline, the league is currently in the process of finalizing the staging of the event, which is targeted to have three conferences of six legs each. It will culminate in a grand championship.

In a media briefing last week, PBA officials said all currently competing teams in the PBA will be fielding in a 3×3 team, save for the Alaska Aces, whose representative to the board Dickie Bachmann is the chairman of the about-to-be-staged tournament.

“When Governor Dickie was appointed the chairman of PBA 3×3, he also gave up Alaska in terms of the team joining the PBA 3×3. That’s a sacrifice for him as well,” said PBA Chairman Ricky Vargas in the briefing.

Apart from the PBA teams, the 3×3 tournament is set to host guest teams.

For the competition, each team is allowed to tap six players following FIBA eligibility rules on 3×3.

Unlike in regular PBA play though, eligibility rules are more relaxed for 3×3 particularly for Filipino-foreign players.

As long as one has a Philippine passport, he is automatically eligible as opposed to the usual procedure of requiring players to secure documents from the Bureau of Immigration and Department of Justice.

Such a setup opens the possibility for players like Jason Brickman, Taylor Statham, Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser and Jeremiah Gray to parade their wares in the tournament.

Said players applied for this year’s rookie draft, but found themselves ineligible after failing to complete their papers.

The PBA is also hoping that through the 3×3 tournament, they get to provide employment for players, especially during this time of the pandemic.

It is also positioning PBA 3×3 as complementing efforts of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas for three-on-three basketball.

The country is set to compete in the FIBA 3×3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in May. The sport is to make its debut in the quadrennial sporting spectacle in Tokyo this year.

PBA 3×3 will run simultaneously with the five-on-five competition, with matches to be played every Friday and Saturday. The league looks to announce the full tournament makeup in the coming weeks.

The PBA is targeting to begin its Season 46 on April 11, pending approval from the government on pandemic-related concerns. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

James, LA Lakers lead NBA merchandise sales

NATIONAL Basketball Association (NBA) superstar LeBron James and his Los Angeles (LA) Lakers paced league merchandise sales through the first half of the 2020-21 season.

In figures released by the NBA and National Basketball Players Association, and shared to the media, 17-time All-Star and four-time champion James and the Lakers held the top positions on the NBA’s Most Popular Jersey and Team Merchandise lists. 

Results were based on NBAStore.com sales for the first half of the ongoing season of The Association, which ran until the All-Star break.

However, no figures were given.

The Brooklyn Nets finished second in team merchandise sales, their highest ranking to date in the category.

Based on the list released, Mr. James had the most popular jersey, followed by Dallas’ Luka Dončić, Brooklyn’s Kevin Durant, Golden State’s Stephen Curry and Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Coming in sixth was Kyrie Irving of Brooklyn, then Anthony Davis (Lakers), Jayson Tatum (Boston), James Harden (Brooklyn), and Zion Williamson (New Orleans).

Rounding out the top 15 were Jimmy Butler (Miami), Damian Lillard (Portland), Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers), Trae Young (Atlanta), and Russell Westbrook (Washington).

New Orleans’ Williamson made his top 10 debut, while Atlanta’s Young appeared in the top jersey list for the first time.

The top 10 most popular team merchandise, meanwhile, had the Lakers at first, followed by Brooklyn, Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, and Milwaukee Bucks. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

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