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DoE calls stake sale in Malampaya operator a ‘private transaction’

PHILSTAR

THE Department of Energy (DoE) said Monday that the sale of Malampaya gas field operator Shell Philippines Exploration B.V.’s (SPEx) participating interest to Udenna Corp. unit Malampaya Energy XP Pte Ltd. is a private transaction, but added that it has the power to approve the deal.

Shell Petroleum N.V. signed an agreement with Malampaya Energy for the sale of its 100% stake in SPEx, which holds a 45% operating interest in petroleum service contract (SC 38), which includes the Malampaya gas field.

On Thursday, Shell said that the sale’s base consideration is $380 million, with additional payments of up to $80 million between 2022 to 2024 contingent on asset performance and commodity prices.

“The DoE did not take part in the decision of SPEx to sell, the bidding or negotiations that ensued, and its outcome…. Any agreement between (the) Udenna Corp. unit and SPEx on the acquisition of SPEx’s 45% participating interest in SC 38 is a private business transaction between the parties,” it said in a statement on Monday.

It said the SC 38 Malampaya consortium is governed by the joint operating agreement, which states that all parties must first agree to the sale of any or all participating interests.

Once the consortium completes the transaction, it will be reviewed by the department for approval in line with the Oil Exploration and Development Act of 1972 or Presidential Decree No. 87.

“The DoE will, accordingly and judiciously, evaluate the legal, financial, and technical aspects of the transaction, and its impact on the obligations of the consortium to the Philippine government,” the department said.

In a statement last week, Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian urged the Energy department to disclose its plans and programs for Malampaya in light of the Shell-Udenna agreement and the upcoming expiration of the consortium’s contract in less than three years.

On Thursday, Mr. Gatchalian, who chairs the senate committee on energy, said the panel will conduct an inquiry into the sale of the SPEx stake, and the basis for any DoE decision to approve the sale.

“It is critical for the DoE to ensure that whoever gets hold of Shell’s interest should have, not just similar experience or capacity, but more so the technical, financial and legal capability to operate the Malampaya project or to be a service contractor,” he was quoted as saying.

Earlier, Mr. Gatchalian said the remaining reserves of the Malampaya project will be depleted by the first quarter of 2027, citing estimates from the Energy department.

Other firms that hold interests in SC 38 are UC38 LLC, a Udenna Corp. subsidiary, with 45%, and Philippine National Oil Co. Exploration Corp. with 10%. — Angelica Y. Yang

House committee approves bill extending term of joint energy commission

THE HOUSE Committee of Energy approved a bill that will extend the term of the joint congressional energy commission (JCEC), an oversight body in charge of implementing energy-sector laws, after the extension was backed by various agencies and stakeholders Monday.

House Bill (HB) 9312 seeks to remove the expiration period of the JCEC, which is set to end its term on June 26 by amending a section in the electric power industry reform act of 2001 (EPIRA).

“The removal of the expiration period of the JCEC will also allow us, House and Senate members of the JCEC, to conduct the oversight functions of regularly monitoring the implementation, not only of the existing laws but also the laws that we will pass during our term,” Vice-Chairman of the House Committee on Energy Presley C. De Jesus said during the committee’s virtual deliberations Monday.

Supporters of the extension included the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) and Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines (IEMOP), which were represented at the hearing.

“We interpose no objections to the proposed deletion of the expiration period of the JCEC. In our experience and as provided, we have seen that JCEC… can effectively initiate collaboration among concerned government agencies in the electric power industry, especially if there is an issue that (an) agency cannot seem to agree on,” ERC Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer Agnes VST Devanadera said.

She said the commission is also able to tackle issues related to competitive bidding, outages and loopholes in current law.

IEMOP Head of Corporate Strategy and Communications Isidro E. Cacho, Jr., said that the removal of the expiration date will benefit “all stakeholders and Filipino consumers.”

During the meeting, Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives Representative Sergio C. Dagooc asked to include an additional provision amending the JCEC’s oversight role to cover “all existing energy laws at the (EPIRA) act’s time of effectivity including but not limited to the Oil Exploration and Development Act of 1972 and the Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998, except the Biofuels Act of 2006.”

He said the Biofuels Act has a separate oversight body.

HB 9312 was subsequently approved after one hearing, according to Pampanga Rep. Juan Miguel M. Arroyo, who chairs the House’s energy committee.

The JCEC was previously known as the Joint Congressional Power Commission (JCPC). The JCPC was renamed to reflect the expansion of its oversight powers over the entire energy sector after the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act was passed in 2019. — Angelica Y. Yang

Bayanihan III bill elevated to House plenary

PHILSTAR

THE House of Representatives began plenary deliberations on the proposed P405.6 billion Bayanihan to Arise as One law, known informally as Bayanihan III, with little more than a week remaining before Congress adjourns.

Legislators sponsored the measure to the House floor late Monday, after the measure was approved jointly by the House Committees on Economic Affairs and Social Services that morning.

“I appeal to the members of Congress (to) pass this swiftly because this is what we see that our people need,” AAMBIS-OWA Party-list Rep. Sharon S. Garin said during her sponsorship speech.

Congress resumed session on May 17, naming the passage of Bayanihan III as a top priority for approval before sine die adjournment on June 2. As of Monday, the bill has the support of 293 of the 300 members of the House of Representatives, who had signed on as co-authors.

Marikina City Rep. Stella Luz A. Quimbo, the bill’s original author, said during her plenary sponsorship, “I speak for all the authors of this measure when I declare our main objectives: We want the poor to have food on their tables and money in their pockets. We want businesses to survive. We want government to have the needed power to control the spread of COVID and achieve herd immunity. We want the most critically impacted sectors to arise, and with their contributions, along with our collective will and dynamism as a people, re-engage the engines of the national economy. Inclusiveness is the only path to true recovery.”

The bill contemplates giving out P1,000 each to the entire population of 108 million, regardless of social class or standing.

The bill will also seek to provide relief for workers displaced due to the pandemic; businesses whose operations were impacted by the economic downturn; areas hit by disasters; and allowances and aid for critical sectors affected by current restrictions on business operations.

Albay Rep. Jose Ma. Clemente S. Salceda said the bill can be funded.

“First, Bayanihan III already meets the constitutional requirement that the proposal be supported by funds to be raised by revenue proposed in the same bill. The question of presentation of certification of availability of funds is superfluous because the proposal meets the condition that a special appropriations bill be supported ‘by funds … to be raised by a corresponding revenue proposed therein,’” he said during his sponsorship speech to the plenary.

These funding sources include provisional advances by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to the National Government not exceeding 10% of the average income of the government between 2018 and 2020; expanding the minimum required remittances of government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs); and giving the President the authority to withdraw capital from GOCCs.

Ms. Quimbo said in a briefing Monday that the bill will also reallocate funds from the 2020 and 2021 national budgets but will not touch those on projects that are being implemented or have logged significant work in progress.

“We will realign funds from those that are not essential spending items such as discretionary travel,” she said, noting that one of the guiding principes is “not discontinue programs that are already fully implemented.”

The bill will also direct the National Economic Development Authority to create a long-term plan to develop economic resilience to prepare the economy for any future crisis. — Gillian M. Cortez

IRR on tax incentives: CREATE-ing life and hope for all

Filipinos have grown accustomed to celebrating festivities. However, things changed when the pandemic set in. Towards the close of the first half, it seems many celebrations have been called off due to safety concerns and travel restrictions. Without the pandemic, many would have been busy preparing for the Flores de Mayo and the Santacruzan.

Despite the low-key nature of celebrations this year, there is reason for businesses to hope this month. Notwithstanding the pandemic, the government remains determined to attract more foreign investment through key legislative like the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises (CREATE) Act. The new law, which became effective on April 11, 2021, is expected to help bolster economic growth following the pandemic.

Recently, the much-awaited draft of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on Tax Incentives was released by the Department of Finance. It contains, among others, details on new tax incentives awaiting investors, as well as the expanded functions of the Fiscal Incentives Review Board (FIRB) as overseer of the grant of investment incentives and the delegated authority given to Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs).

AVAILABLE TAX INCENTIVES
The CREATE Act provides for the following incentives to registered business enterprises:

1. Income Tax Holiday (ITH) for four to seven years

2. Special Corporate Income Tax (SCIT) equivalent to a tax rate of five percent (5%) based on the gross income earned (GIE) for ten years, in lieu of all national and local taxes

3. Enhanced Deductions for five or 10 years

4. Customs duty exemptions on imports of capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts, and accessories

5. Value-Added Tax zero rating and exemption

For an export enterprise with the option to avail of either the SCIT or enhanced deductions, the draft IRR states that the option shall be exercised by the business enterprise at the time of the application for registration of the project. Such an option is irrevocable.

CONFLICTING ISSUES ON THE EXCLUSIVE LIST OF DIRECT COSTS IN THE IRR
Under the draft IRR, the enumeration of direct costs that are deductible from the GIE shall be exclusive. However, the Supreme Court, in its decision in the case of Commissioner of Internal Revenue vs. East Asia Utilities Corp. (G.R. No. 225266, Nov. 16, 2020), ruled that the list of direct costs that are deductible from the gross income of enterprises registered under the Philippine Economic Zone Authority or PEZA is not exclusive. The decision is consistent with Section 24 of the PEZA Law which states that costs and expenses directly related to the enterprise’s PEZA-registered activities, which are not administrative, marketing, selling and/or operating expenses or incidental losses, are allowed as deduction from gross income. I remain hopeful that the final IRR clarifies this part to properly guide registered business enterprises (RBEs).

ADDITIONAL TAX INCENTIVES
Projects or activities located in areas recovering from armed conflict or a major disaster and projects or activities relocated from the NCR are entitled to an additional two years of ITH and additional three years of ITH to commence at the completion of the relocation of operations, respectively, subject to certain conditions as specified in the Act.

PENDING ISSUANCE OF THE SIPP AND ITS VALIDITY
To be eligible for incentives, the activity must be listed in the Strategic Investment Priority Plan (SIPP). The validity of the SIPP is three years from its issuance. The 2020 Investment Priorities Plan under Memorandum Order No. 50, signed by the President on Nov. 18, 2020, shall be applied until the publication of the SIPP under the CREATE Act.

SUFFICIENCY OF THE CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION (COR) AND THE CERTIFICATE OF ENTITLEMENT TO TAX INCENTIVES (CETI)
During the public consultation on the draft IRR on tax incentives, it was also made clear by the DoF that the COR and CETI are sufficient basis for the grant of tax incentives. This means that a prior ruling from the BIR will not be required before an RBE may qualify for incentives.

TRANSITORY PERIOD
Projects that were registered prior to the effectivity of the CREATE Act may be registered and entitled to incentives granted under the CREATE Law, subject to the criteria and conditions set forth in the SIPP. Here, the RBE shall surrender its COR or CETI, as applicable.

RBEs whose projects were granted only an ITH prior to the effectivity of the CREATE Law will be allowed to continue with such availment for the remainder of the ITH, as specified in the terms and conditions of registration. RBEs whose projects were granted an ITH prior to the effectivity of the CREATE Act and those that are entitled to the 5% tax on GIE incentives after the ITH, shall be allowed to use the ITH for the period specified in the terms and conditions of their registration. They may then avail of the 5% tax on GIE for 10 years. On the other hand, RBEs currently availing of the 5% tax on GIE granted prior to the enactment of the CREATE Law shall be allowed to continue availing of the tax incentive at the rate of 5% for 10 years.

The period of availment of 10 years is reckoned from the effectivity of the CREATE Act. I am also hoping that the final IRR will include sample computations and scenarios for the transitions.

With the recent developments in our tax system, I can see how the initiatives of the government might foster a more equitable tax incentive system, thereby promoting inclusive growth and the generation of jobs and opportunities. Much depends on ensuring access to and ease of the granting of tax incentives, especially for applicants in less-developed areas.  For now, we hope that the government releases the final IRR soon. As various public consultations have conducted, I also hope that the final IRR will be clear and can sufficiently address all questions raised by the public. After all, this IRR will bring life to the provisions of the CREATE Act, which can provide hope for everyone.

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

 

Ma. Jessica A. Guevarra is a senior associate of the Tax Advisory & Compliance division of P&A Grant Thornton, the Philippine member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd.

pagrantthornton@ph.gt.com

Golf’s oldest major winner

PHIL MICKELSON of the United States holds the winner’s trophy after the final round of the PGA Championship on the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island in South Carolina on May 23. — REUTERS
PHIL MICKELSON of the United States holds the winner’s trophy after the final round of the PGA Championship on the Ocean Course at Kiawah Island in South Carolina on May 23. — REUTERS

Phil Mickelson defies age to win PGA Championship

KIAWAH ISLAND, SC — Phil Mickelson blocked out the distractions and kept his mind quiet in front of a raucous gallery to win the Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) Championship by two strokes on Sunday and become golf’s oldest major winner at the age of 50.

Mickelson battled through strong winds, shrugged off a few poor shots and kept calm amid suffocating pressure to record a one-over-par 73 at the Ocean Course, holding his nerve with Brooks Koepka and Louis Oosthuizen breathing down his neck.

In collecting the sixth major of his career, and first since the 2013 British Open, Mickelson surpassed Julius Boros as the oldest major winner. Boros was 48 when he won the 1968 PGA Championship.

“This is just an incredible feeling because I just believed that it was possible, but yet everything was saying it wasn’t,” said Mickelson, who is now the only player to have claimed PGA Tour victories 30 years apart.

“And I hope that others find that inspiration. It might take a little extra work, a little bit harder effort to maintain physically or maintain the skills but, gosh, it is worth it.”

When Mickelson’s approach shot safely found the green at the final hole, a wild scene ensued as fans raced to follow one of the game’s all-time greats up the fairway and completely enveloped him in a frenzied swarm.

Mickelson, who also won the tournament in 2005, later acknowledged he had been a little unnerved by the experience, while fellow competitor Brooks Koepka said he was “dinged” by spectators in the crush.

Security officials had to create a narrow path for Mickelson to navigate his way to the green, where he two-putted from 16 feet to seal the win.

‘QUIET THINGS DOWN’
Mickelson, who will get the chance to complete the career Grand Slam of all four modern majors at the US Open next month, said his triumph had yet to sink in.

“It’s been an incredible day, and I’ve not let myself kind of think about the results until now, now that it’s over,” Mickelson said after finishing at six-under 282.

“I’ve tried to stay more in the present and at the shot at hand and not jump ahead and race. I’ve tried to shut my mind to a lot of stuff going around. I wasn’t watching TV. I wasn’t getting on my phone. I was just trying to quiet things down.”

Mickelson led by five shots with six holes to play, though the advantage was cut to two after bogeys at the 13th and 14th and a birdie at the 16th by Oosthuizen, who was playing in the penultimate pairing.

With victory in sight, an undeterred Mickelson showed great resolve and even flashed a thumbs-up to the crowd as he went on to reclaim a three-shot cushion with a birdie at the 16th before a bogey-par finish.

Mickelson was under no illusions that at this point in his career, when most players are long since done and dusted at the top level, wins are incredibly difficult to come by.

“It’s very possible that this is the last tournament I ever win, if I’m being realistic,” he said.

“But it’s also very possible that I may have had a little bit of a breakthrough in some of my focus and maybe I go on a little bit of a run.”

Mickelson’s great rival Tiger Woods, who is home recovering from serious leg injuries suffered in a February car crash, was quick to congratulate him.

“Truly inspirational to see @PhilMickelson do it again at 50 years of age. Congrats!!!!!!!,” the 15-times major champion tweeted.

Oosthuizen (73) and Koepka (74) finished in a share of second place while European Ryder Cup captain Padraig Harrington (69), Ireland’s Shane Lowry (69), Englishman Paul Casey (71) and Harry Higgs (70) were a further two shots back in fourth place. — Reuters

Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 ready for FIBA Olympic qualifier

THE national men’s 3x3 basketball team left for Graz, Austria, late on Sunday to compete at the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament from May 26 to 30. — SAMAHANG BASKETBOL NG PILIPINAS

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo, Senior Reporter

THE national men’s 3×3 basketball team broke training camp and left for Graz, Austria, at the weekend to compete at the International Basketball Federation  (FIBA) Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT).

Following a nearly one-month-long preparation at its training “bubble” at the INSPIRE Sports Academy in Laguna, the team departed for the tournament late Sunday night, with the unit expressing readiness to go into battle.

The six-man team of coach Ronnie Magsanoc, regular members Joshua Munzon, Alvin Pasaol, CJ Perez and Mo Tautuaa, and reserve Leonard Santillan will carry the country’s flag in the OQT happening from May 26 to 30.

Unfortunately, one of the reserves, PBA free-agent Karl Dehesa, was not able to make the trip as he is still completing a 14-day quarantine due to “health and safety protocols.”

Mr. Magsanoc shared that their preparation was not without challenges amid the prevailing conditions with the pandemic but they are satisfied with the work they were able to put in.

“They’ve been off the court for the past six weeks because of the community quarantine, so we had to be patient until they got their legs underneath them. But so far, we like what we see and we’ll take what we can get,” the national 3×3 coach was quoted as saying by the official PBA website prior to their departure for Austria. “With their commitment and sacrifice, I can say that the players are really all-in.”

Gilas Pilipinas 3×3, which is looking to secure one of the three Olympic spots up for grabs in the OQT, took its preparation to higher gear in the homestretch, training hard in scrimmages against practice players Tonino Gonzaga, Greg Flor, Malik Diouf and Jason Brickman.

Also helping the team prepare were coaches Mo Gingerich and Benj Palarca.

In the OQT, the nationals play in the tough Pool C, which also has Slovenia (Europe Cup 2016 winner), France (second at Europe Cup 2019), Qatar (2014 World Champ), and the Dominican Republic.

Tournament format calls for each team playing the other four in their respective pools. The top two teams from each pool qualify for the crossover quarterfinals and then play knockout games all the way to the semifinals.

The semifinals and the third-place games will be known in the FIBA 3×3 OQT as the Olympic Ticket games.

Gilas Pilipinas 3×3 will first play Qatar on May 26 at 8 p.m. (Manila time) to be followed by the game against Slovenia at 9:45 p.m.

It will take a break the following day before resuming its campaign on May 28 against the Dominican Republic at 6 p.m. and France at 8 p.m.

Three-on-three basketball will be making its Olympic debut in Tokyo.

Gilas Pilipinas 3×3’s FIBA OQT matches can be seen live over the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas’ Facebook page.

PBA continues to adjust plans for its pandemic-delayed Season 46

THE PBA recently got a break in its push to start its Season 46 when teams were allowed to return to practices by the government last week. In photo are the TNT Tropang Giga. — PBA IMAGES

AS further proof of how fluid the situation is with the pandemic, the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) has been forced to continuously adjust its plans for the league’s delayed Season 46.

This week, the league board is set to meet to tackle anew the PBA’s push for its new season, trying to work with what it is presented with in relation with the health and safety situation in the country.

Among the expected matters to be discussed in the board meeting on May 27 are setting a “workable” kickoff date for Season 46 and the deferment of the start of the league’s inaugural 3×3 tournament.

PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial had shared earlier that the league would wait until the country’s hosting of the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers in June was over.

The PBA chief said they are targeting a start late next month or early July.

He said this was to give them more time to iron things out for the season start, including allowing all the competing teams enough time to train and prepare for their respective campaigns.

They also hope that by that time, members of the PBA family had been vaccinated and quarantine restrictions had been eased further in the National Capital Region to give the staging of Season 46 more stability and flexibility.

“The new target date (for the season opener) is after the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifier,” Mr. Marcial was quoted as saying by the official PBA website.

The country is set to host the third and final window of the FIBA Asia Cup Qualifiers from June 16 to 20 in a “bubble” setting at Clark City in Angeles, Pampanga.

Three groups are set to play in the tournament, including Group A where Gilas Pilipinas will see action.

The PBA’s push for a season start recently got a break when government authorities allowed teams to return to practices but only in areas under General Community Quarantine (GCQ) setup and guided by existing health and safety protocols.

The teams did not waste much time, working on the needed requirements to resume activities.

Majority of the teams are training right now in Batangas City, a GCQ area, while others went north to Pampanga and Ilocos Norte.

3X3 START TO BE DEFERRED
Meanwhile, Mr. Marcial is set to present to the board the deferment of the start of the PBA 3×3 tournament.

Originally targeted to begin alongside the five-a-side tournament, the 3-on-3 competition is now angled to begin once 5-on-5 is up and running.

Mr. Marcial cited the availability of practice facilities as one of the reasons for the delay.

“We have limited practice facilities at the moment. We have Batangas but the 5-on-5 teams are using them so there is not enough space and time for the 3×3 teams to train,” he said. “So 5-on-5 would start first then later on we can begin with 3×3.”

At least 16 teams are expected to compete in the PBA 3×3, including six guest ball clubs. The tournament is planned to feature a total of 18 legs.

The PBA for its Season 46 is looking to squeeze in as much activity as possible so as to provide more basketball action for the fans.

Last season, it was only able to stage one tournament because of the pandemic. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

MPL-PH Season 7 playoffs kick off this week

COMPETITION in Season 7 of Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League – Philippines intensifies further with the start of the playoffs this week.

Following weeks of competitive play in the group stage, the eight remaining teams now make the final push for the coveted title beginning May 26.

The teams left in the mix are Blacklist International, defending champion Bren Esports, Omega Esports and Aura PH in the Upper Brackets, and Work Auster Force, Nexplay Esports, Execration and Onic PH in the Lower Brackets.

The playoffs happen until May 30 with the matches starting at 4:00 p.m. All matches for the playoffs will be a best-of-five with the grand finals a best-of-seven affair.

This early, much buzz is circulating around the clash between Blacklist International and Bren Esports on May 27 in a clash of top teams.

Blacklist International has established itself as an MLBB powerhouse after claiming the top spot and a consistent #1 team in the rankings.

Looking to test it in the playoffs is defending champion Bren Esports, which despite struggling early in the tournament was able to turn it around to secure an upper bracket slot.

Another clash being eyed is that between Work Auster Force and Nexplay Esports on May 26 in the lower brackets.

The win-or-go home match will see the two squads battle it out at the onset of the playoffs to stay alive and move to the next round.

The Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League – Philippines Season 7 is presented in partnership with Smart Communications with Oppo, Head & Shoulders, and J&T Express Philippines as official sponsors.

To catch the playoffs live, check out the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Facebook page, Mobile Legends Esports Facebook page, Mobile Legends: Bang Bang YouTube, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang TikTok.

MPL Philippines will also be hosting the Mythical Raffle Draw event for all gamers during the playoffs. To join, visit bit.ly/MRDS7PO.

For more information on the MPL-PH Season 7 matchups and schedule, check out the official MPL-PH website. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

No. 8 seed Memphis Grizzlies stun top-seeded Utah Jazz in Game 1, 112-109

DILLON Brooks scored 31 and Ja Morant added 26 points to lead the No. 8 seed Memphis Grizzlies to a huge 112-109 road upset win over the No. 1 Utah Jazz in Salt Lake City on Sunday night in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

The young Grizzlies fell behind by 14 points in the first half, rallied to jump ahead by 15 points early in the fourth quarter and then held on to win on the top-seeded team’s home court just two days after earning a spot in the playoffs. While Utah rested, the Grizzlies had to beat San Antonio and Golden State in the NBA’s new play-in tournament to qualify.

The Jazz were short-handed after All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell was ruled out of the game in the afternoon. Mitchell, who missed the last month of the regular season, had said on Sunday morning at shootaround that his sprained ankle was feeling better and that he was ready to play.

Former Grizzlies guard Mike Conley played well for the Jazz with 22 points and 11 assists, and Bojan Bogdanović lit up to score 29 points in the second half to lead Utah.

After finishing with the NBA’s best record at 52-20, however, the Jazz no longer own home court advantage in this round.

Rudy Gobert, the favorite to be named Defensive Player of the Year, had 11 points, 15 rebounds and three blocks, fouled out with over four minutes remaining, the Jazz made a strong push in the final portion of the game.

They were trailing 97-82 with 8:22 minutes left and, led by Bogdanović, got within one point at 110-109 after he hit a 3-pointer and then was fouled on purpose for two more points on the ensuing possession. Game 2 will be on Wednesday night in Salt Lake City. — Reuters

NBA planning short offseason, October start to 2021-22 season

ADAM Silver is steering the NBA toward a return to a normal schedule with the start of next season beginning in October.

“Our plan as of now, give or take a week, is to start mid- to late October of this year,” Silver said Friday on ESPN’s “Get Up.”

The COVID-19 pandemic threw the traditional league schedule for a loop, including a months-long pause in the 2019-20 season from March to August.

Only a matter of weeks passed between the end of the NBA Finals in the league’s Florida “bubble” before the start of the 2020-21 regular season, reduced from 82 games to 72 games, in December 2020. — Reuters

Basketball coach Ong talks business and sports in PSC summit

SELF-MADE businesswoman and basketball coach Haydee Ong holds court in the 15th session of the Philippine Sports Commission online national summit on May 26. (UAAP)

SELF-MADE businesswoman and basketball coach Haydee Ong holds court in the 15th session of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) online national summit on May 26.

Ms. Ong, former national team coach and head coach of the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigresses and the Enderun Lady Titans, will talk about business and sports, drawing from her experience as co-owner of the sporting goods company Sol.

She will share her journey on how lessons and values from doing sports helped her build the foundation needed to venture into business and take on the challenges that went with it.

Apart from her sporting goods business and head coaching jobs, Ms. Ong is also involved with the Women’s National Basketball League, which is targeted to kick off its inaugural season as a professional league this year.

The online PSC summit is aimed at taking insights of different sports stakeholders and using them as foundations in crafting a sustainable and workable short to long-term plan for Philippine sports.

The PSC said all data gathered from the web series will be processed and studied to create a new set of resolutions to be presented to sports leaders for action. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Japan opens mass vaccination sites for elderly ahead of Olympics

TOKYO — Japan opened two mass inoculation centers on Monday as the country races to vaccinate most of its elderly population against COVID-19 before the start of the Tokyo Olympics.

The centers in Tokyo and Osaka will vaccinate thousands of people every day, giving a boost to Japan’s sluggish inoculation drive as officials battle a fourth wave of infections.

“It’s better to get it early,” said Tetsuya Urano, 66, a central Tokyo resident who was among the first to be vaccinated at the Tokyo center. “It went pretty smoothly all in all.”

Housed in a building normally used for tax administration, the Tokyo facility will operate 12 hours a day to dispense shots to some 10,000 people daily for the next three months. The site in Osaka, Japan’s western metropolis, will build up to about 5,000 shots a day.

Mass vaccination facilities are also planned for Nagoya, Kobe and other major cities.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga charged the Defense Ministry last month with setting up the centres to speed up the country’s vaccination programme.

The fourth wave of infections has led authorities to make state of emergency declarations covering much of the country, including Tokyo, raising some concerns about the decision to press ahead with the Olympic Games due to begin on July 23.

The states of emergency are due to end on May 31, but the government is planning to extend them to June 20, the Yomiuri newspaper reported.

Just 4.4% of Japan’s population of 125 million have received at least one vaccine dose, according to Reuters’ global tracker, the slowest rate among the world’s larger, rich countries.

Japan began its inoculation push in mid-February, later than most major economies. The campaign was slowed initially by scant supplies of imported doses of Pfizer, Inc. and BioNTech SE vaccines. But even as shipments increased, the rollout has been hampered by manpower shortages, logistical hurdles and malfunctions in the reservation system.

The mass vaccination centers for the elderly will use Moderna, Inc.’s vaccine, which was approved on Friday. — Reuters

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