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Public servants shouldn’t be onion-skinned. They need to answer bona fide questions from their constituents. With all the hullabaloo on flood control, it’s my opinion that former congressman of Cebu’s 7th District, as well as the incumbent, his own wife, have a lot of issues to clarify.

PJ and Dra. Patricia Cinco Calderon are persons of integrity, honor and dignity. Nonetheless, they may have the legal and moral obligation to answer questions on the issue of flood control.

PJ used to be mayor of Samboan, which belongs to the 2nd District. We don’t know why he was later representing the 7th District, from 2016 to 2019 and again from 2019 to 2022 and from 2022 to 2022 and from 2022 to 2025. He was a Provincial Board member from 2007 to 2016. He was succeeded by his wife, Patricia, who ran without any serious opposition in 2025.

First, as vice chairman of Zaldy Co’s magical and controversial Appropriations Committee, under the overall leadership of resigned speaker Martin Romualdez, PJ should explain to the people and to the nation, and especially to the concerned citizens of Cebu, particularly of the 7th District, how in the world did this remote area get the lion’s share of flood control budget, when there is no scientific study indicating that the eight towns in southwest Cebu are the most flood-prone in the whole province.

Second, the Calderons should explain, what political and financial wisdom guided Congress in allocating no less than ?12.06 billion to the 7th District alone, as declared in the online Sumbong sa Pangulo platform, out of the total ?25.521 billion allocated for the entire island of Cebu. Out of 395 flood control projects for the entire Cebu, why did Calderon’s district get 162? Congressmen are national officials, not LGU or parochial leaders. Did they consider the bigger picture instead of focusing only on the most remote district? It is incumbent upon the Calderons to explain this to the people. Explain the rhyme and the reason.

Third, why was the 1st District, with three cities, and with a population multiplied four times the population of the 7th District, and with too many flood-prone areas given only ?3.01 billion or just one-fourth that of Calderon’s district? The 3rd District, with the big city of Toledo and the largest towns of Barili and Balamban, and with a population four times bigger, given only ?1.95 billion, or less than one-sixth of what Calderon’s district got? What formula did Calderon’s committee use in the distribution of public funds?

Fourth, explain why the 7th District had 162 flood control projects. Where are these located? What is the scientific basis in terms of atmospheric geophysical and astronomical criteria and determining factors? What planning parameters and mechanics were used by the congressman and the DPWH in determining that there should be 162 flood control projects in the 7th District, while only 36 in the 1st District, only seven in the 6th District, and 42 in the 3rd District? My God, all thinking Cebuanos should be amazed at such a draconian mystery.

Fifth, the Calderons should declare the exact location by precise geographic coordinates, where in the world these specific projects are located. Where in Malabuyoc are the so-called 38 projects supposedly costing ?3.3 billion located? How many projects are in Ronda, my own hometown, which is allegedly blessed by no less than ?2.6 billions. I am from Ronda and I always go around my small town. And I can testify before the holy image of Our Lady of Sorrows that I have not seen these projects. Well, I am not saying that they do not exist. I must be either blind or a stranger in my own paradise.

Lastly, the Calderons should declare why of all contractors in the whole universe, his close friend’s own construction company, a single proprietorship, based in Dumanjug, the QM Builders, reportedly cornered 89 projects worth ?7.15 billion in the whole Cebu and Quirante Construction Corp. allegedly got a whopping 41 projects worth ?3.19 billion. It must not be an accident that QM and Quirante Construction have been blessed with such huge, even gargantuan multi-million projects.

With no malice or bad faith, as a taxpayer from the 7th District, this humble writer has the right to know the truth. If the Calderons have nothing to hide, they should take these questions calmly and in good faith. I believe they are honorable people.

Former World No. 1 and two-time major champion Dustin Johnson is set to bolster an already formidable field at the International Series Philippines, which fires off on October 23 at Sta. Elena Golf Club in Laguna.

Johnson, whose resume includes an undefeated Ryder Cup record over five appearances – highlighted by a dominant 5-0 showing at Whistling Straits in 2021 – joins a stellar lineup that makes this event the most high-profile golf championship in the country since the Johnnie Walker Classic in 1995 at the Orchard Golf and Country Club.

He will be joined by fellow major winners Bubba Watson, Patrick Reed, Charl Schwartzel and Louis Oosthuizen, alongside international standouts Dean Burmester and Marc Leishman. With a $2-million purse, the International Series Philippines promises top-tier competition and world-class shotmaking from the opening tee shot to the final putt.

Now a leading figure with LIV Golf’s 4Aces GC, Johnson last played on the International Series circuit at the PIF Saudi International in 2023. His return to Asia and debut in Manila is expected to energize fans and draw new attention to the sport locally.

‘What I love most about the game is that it takes me to places I might never have gone otherwise – and the Philippines is one of those places,’ said Johnson. ‘To be able to play in front of new fans, experience a different culture, and share the excitement of world-class golf in a country that’s still discovering the sport – that’s really special for me.’

Johnson captured the US Open title in 2016 and delivered a record-breaking performance at the 2020 Masters, winning with a tournament-best 20-under-par total. He first reached world No. 1 in 2017, holding the top spot for 64 consecutive weeks – the fifth-longest reign in history – and has spent over 130 weeks in total atop the rankings.

But despite his illustrious achievements, the upcoming International Series event holds special meaning.

‘The International Series is a perfect fit for where I’m at in my career,’ said Johnson. ‘Even though the LIV Golf season is over, I still want to compete, stay sharp, and challenge myself against some of the best players out there.’

Beyond personal goals, Johnson emphasized the broader impact of competing in events like this one: helping to grow the game in emerging markets.

With his addition to the field, the International Series Philippines is shaping up to be one of the most competitive and captivating events on this year’s global golf calendar.

The tournament is the sixth of nine elevated events in the 2025 Asian Tour schedule, offering players from around the world a direct pathway into the LIV Golf League through its season-long rankings race.

That’s what Christ told his disciples, James and John, who, feeling aghast that the Samaritans were not welcoming to Christ, suggested that fire come down from heaven to consume them. (cfr. Lk 9,51-56) Of course, Christ rebuked them, telling them straight that they did not have the right spirit.

The proper spirit is precisely what Christ showed them and to all of us which is that of all-out charity, full of understanding, mercy, and magnanimity. It’s a charity that can continue loving even the enemies and would enable one to continue serving everyone even to the extent of giving one’s life as a ransom for all of us. (cfr. Mk 10,45)

We have to be wary of our tendency to fall into what is termed as bitter zeal. While it’s true that we should try to be always zealous in our life, we have to make sure that our zeal is righteous, holy, and charitable, not bitter, with a clear and proper sense of purpose, not just aimless.

Righteous zeal is always respectful of legal, juridical and, most importantly, of moral standards, especially that of charity and mercy. Bitter zeal wants instant results while ignoring legal and moral requirements, let alone the requirements of charity and mercy. It may pursue a valid cause, working for truth and justice, but without taking care of the appropriate means.

Bitter zeal makes a person hasty and reckless in his assessment of things. It fails to consider all angles, to listen to both sides, so to speak. He is prone to imprudence. In the end, it’s animated by the evil spirit of self-righteousness.

Inflammatory, incendiary words are its main weapons. Being belligerent is its style. It relishes in rousing controversies and sowing intrigues. It’s actually not as interested in looking for the objective truth and justice as carrying out one’s own personal agenda.

Especially when we engage ourselves in matters of opinion, we have to learn to practice restraint and moderation since no one has the exclusive ownership of what is right and fair. Opinions are views that are hardly based on absolute truths of faith and dogmas. They are more expressions of one’s preferences and tastes, and therefore we should expect a wide spectrum of differences, since things depend on people’s different temperaments, backgrounds, cultures, etc.

We have to learn how ‘bear each other’s burdens’ as suggested by St. Paul in his Letter to the Galatians (6,2). It’s the surefire formula of how to live genuine charity, one that is down to earth and easily and abidingly doable.

In this regard, we have to learn how to be magnanimous, knowing how to suffer since suffering is an unavoidable consequence of evil. Magnanimity is part of the charity as described by Christ. ‘Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,’ he said. (Mt 5,44) ‘If anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.’

We need to enlarge our heart, to make it more universal to accommodate everyone and any situation and condition properly. We should evade being caught by the grip of our strong views, and even our positions that we think are so essential that they are not anymore subject to opinion.

We have to see to it that our thoughts, desires, and intentions, our words and deeds are always animated by charity. There should no negative elements in them. We have to have a good grip on our emotions, able to dominate and properly orient our biases, preferences, and other idiosyncrasies that constitute our differences and even conflicts with others. We have to learn to focus more on what we have in common rather than what divides us. We have to learn how to dialogue with everyone.

Lucio Tan-led Philippine Airlines (PAL) has been named as one of the world’s four-star airlines by an industry network that specifically assesses in-flight comfort and passenger service.

The flag carrier was recognized a four-star major airline for 2026 by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX).

The APEX Awards are considered as some of the highest accolades in the aviation industry, as it gathers verified feedback covering more than one million flights yearly across over 600 airlines.

PAL chief operating officer Carlos Luis Fernandez said the award places the airline in the league of some of the world’s finest carriers.

As a four-star major airline, PAL was judged as one of the best for cabin comfort, food and beverage, in-flight entertainment and overall service.

‘We remain steadfast in sustaining the highest standards of service for the welfare of passengers we serve across our global network. The trust and confidence of our travelers inspire us in PAL to further elevate our service standards,’ Fernandez said.

Also joining the four-star list are Air Europa, Air Mauritius, Air Transat, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Cayman Airways, Condor, EgyptAir, flydubai, Hong Kong Airlines and Icelandair.

The list also includes Kenya Airways, KM Malta Airlines, Norse Atlantic Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Brunei Airlines, Royal Jordanian, SriLankan Airlines, Virgin Australia and WestJet.

Among global airlines, APEX gave five stars to some Asian carriers, such as Bangkok Airways, Gulf Air and Vietnam Airlines.

PAL is landing wins after wins in its recovery from the pandemic restructuring. The carrier won as the second most preferred airline in Southeast Asia at the 2025 Flyers’ Choice Awards.

Cirium also named PAL as the most punctual airline in Asia and the Pacific for August. The airline turned in an on-time rate of 89.37 percent during the month, outperforming even some of the region’s finest like Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines.

PAL plans to maintain its position as a respected full-service carrier through the addition of new aircraft and the refurbishment of existing assets.

Currently, PAL is reconfiguring 18 of its Airbus A321ceos by sacrificing seats to expand space for passenger comfort, and the airline will receive new long-range aircraft starting at the end of this year.

A Chinese national was arrested in Parañaque City for allegedly trafficking Vietnamese women for sexual exploitation, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) reported yesterday.

Wang Gang, alias Kelvin Lee, was nabbed in an entrapment operation on Sept. 25 after he allegedly offered women to foreign clients for up to P70,000 per night.

Agents of the NBI Cybercrime Division posed as customers and arranged to meet the suspect in a Parañaque hotel where he reportedly agreed to deliver two Vietnamese women for P35,000 each.

After receiving the marked money, Wang was arrested. The women were rescued.

The suspect is facing charges for violating the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act and the Cybercrime Prevention Law.

Tala, a global financial infrastructure company building the world’s most accessible financial services, has been Certified as a Great Place to Work company in the Philippines. The certification is given to organizations that provide excellent workplace culture and employee experiences, as determined by employee feedback and other criteria.

‘It is an honor to be part of the Great Place to Work list. This reflects Tala Philippines’ commitment to ensure the well-being of employees and champion inclusivity in the workplace,’ said Mia Lim, people director of Tala Philippines.

‘We are delighted to know that our employees take pride in their work and enjoy being part of this organization as we all work together to advance financial inclusion in the country.’

Over 90% of Tala Philippines employees said it is a safe, welcoming and a fair place for all regardless of one’s gender and sexual orientation. This year, 86% of employees said it’s a great place to work-21 points higher than the average Philippine company.

Tala continues to foster employee well-being through the implementation of a remote-first work set-up. To support this, it offers free teleconsultations for mental, financial and physical wellness as well as learning and development programs, including participation in professional conferences, to employees.

It also champions gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace by maintaining gender pay equity that ensures there is no significant gender pay gap across departments and levels within the organization, equal employment opportunities and creating a safe space for employees where they can express their true selves without worries. Moreover, Tala exercises zero tolerance for harassment and discrimination with stringent policies always in place.

‘Through these measures, we’re building a workplace culture that we can all be proud of-one that is healthy, fair, respectful and inclusive for all our employees,’ said Lim. ‘We continuously listen to feedback and enhance our programs and policies to address the diverse needs of our workforce.’

Tala Philippines is listed under Great Places to Work in the Financial Services and Insurance industry.

The naval forces seized P18.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes in two separate anti-smuggling operations in Basilan and Sulu, the Western Mindanao Naval Command reported yesterday.

WMNC commander Rear Adm. Constancio Arturo Reyes Jr. said Naval Task Force 61 personnel intercepted a motorized boat loaded with smuggled cigarettes off Pandukan Island yesterday dawn.

On Sunday, Navy men aboard the BRP Herminigildo Yurong also intercepted P2.7 million worth of smuggled cigarettes off Hadji Muhtamad town.

Reyes said the two operations yielded a total of 440 master cases of smuggled cigarettes, valued at P18.7 million.

He said the cigarettes were turned over to the Bureau of Customs here for forfeiture and destruction.

‘The Western Mindanao Naval Command continues to strengthen maritime patrols, inter-agency collaboration and enforcement of the Comprehensive Archipelagic Defense Concept to safeguard the seas of Western Mindanao,’ Reyes said.

Sen. Francis Escudero took to the Senate floor yesterday to accuse former speaker Martin Romualdez of orchestrating a ‘scripted farce’ to divert to the Senate public outrage over the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.

‘Lalabanan ko siya (I will fight him),’ Escudero said.

His diatribe was hurled days after the Department of Justice (DOJ) recommended the filing of charges against him and several senators, based on a sworn affidavit presented at a Blue Ribbon committee hearing.

Escudero said senators were being used as ‘fall guys’ while members of the House of Representatives linked to anomalous projects were being shielded.

Reacting to Escudero’s speech, Romualdez said it was a ‘script’ prepared by the camp of Vice President Sara Duterte, specifically by the so-called DDS or Duterte diehard supporters of their family.

Earlier, the DOJ listed Escudero, Senators Joel Villanueva, Jinggoy Estrada and former senator Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla as among those facing criminal complaints in relation to the flood control scandal.

While former Rep. Zaldy Co was also recommended by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for indictment and prosecution, Romualdez was not among those facing charges.

‘In the past weeks, it’s been very clear that public outrage over ghost and substandard projects is being diverted from those guilty to the Senate and to some of its members,’ Escudero said in Filipino. ‘Senators are being made fall guys.’

‘There’s only one person behind this script and zarzuela – Martin Romualdez,’ he said.

He cited testimonies from former marine M/Sgt. Jay Guteza, who told senators that he had personally delivered suitcases of cash to Romualdez’s residence, as well as earlier disclosures by Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco.

Escudero recalled Guteza’s testimony about having delivered 35 suitcases containing cash to Romualdez’s residence.

‘Despite this, isn’t it perplexing that Romualdez has never been included in any investigation by the DOJ, NBI or AMLC,’ referring to the Department of Justice and the Anti-Money Laundering Council.

The senator alleged Romualdez had also weaponized the release of ‘for later release’ (FLR) funds and even used the impeachment complaint against the Vice President to pressure lawmakers.

The Vice President, who attended a budget hearing and conducted a press conference with reporters at the Senate in the morning, was present during the session after visiting allies in the chamber in the afternoon.

Escudero, who insisted he has ‘never been accused nor charged with corruption’ in his 27 years in public service, vowed to defend himself and the institution.

‘I will not allow justice to be weaponized against the innocent to protect the guilty. Let’s not follow the script of Martin Romualdez. Let everyone be held accountable and investigated – and this should include Martin Romualdez,’ he said.

Disbarment case

Escurdero, meanwhile, filed a disbarment case against lawyer Jesus Nicardo Madarang Falcis III over his ‘demeaning’ and ‘hateful’ social media posts.

In seeking Falcis disbarment, Escudero cited the lawyer’s several Facebook posts allegedly containing accusatory, defamatory, demeaning, speculative, hateful and/or malicious statements and remarks against him.

These, he said, are ‘all unbecoming of a member of the Philippine Bar and quite unfortunately, against a fellow member of the Philippine Bar.’

He also said Falcis’ ‘unwarranted and professionally irresponsible statements and remarks’ were made in connection with the issue on the government flood control programs, including the 2025 national budget deliberations.

‘Unfortunately, marked by ill-tempered and hateful language, respondent’s tirades in social media betray not only a lack of restraint and virtue expected of a lawyer, but also an inexplicable contempt for complainant,’ Escudero’s complaint read.

‘Clearly at stake is not only the complainant’s good name and reputation, but also the integrity and honor of the legal profession,’ Escudero said.

In a statement, Falcis said Escudero should be the one disbarred for violating Rule 139-B, Section 18 of the Rules of Court, which provides for the confidentiality of proceedings against a lawyer.

DDS script

Romualdez, meanwhile, shrugged off Escudero’s accusations. ‘With respect, what we heard was not an exposé but a DDS script – the same recycled accusations we have long seen on troll pages and social media posts. Nothing new, no iota of truth as well,’ the former speaker said.

‘It was a performance designed to profess loyalty and service to VP Duterte, and to position himself as her ally for 2028. The only service he is trying to render is not the truth, but of self-interest and political plans in the future,’ Romualdez, a first cousin of President Marcos, added.

‘Instead of answering the serious questions he himself must face, Escudero chose to deflect. He did not deny the allegations against him. He did not explain his own role in flood-control kickbacks. Instead of explaining himself, he took the blame game route,’ he said.

‘The truth is staring at us very clearly: the speech of Escudero is not about accountability, but only in the pursuance of his personal ambition,’ the congressman from the first district of Leyte province said.

‘For my part, I will continue to cooperate with every impartial investigation. My record can withstand scrutiny. I have nothing to hide. As for Sen. Escudero, kung tunay na pananagutan ang hanap, sa presinto na siya magpaliwanag,’ Romualdez said.

When the Women’s China Open first teed off in 2006, the occasion was quietly significant. At the time, women’s golf in the Middle Kingdom was still taking fledgling steps in the global game. The domestic circuit was modest, the talent pool limited, and the pathway to elite professional circuits like the LPGA Tour seemed distant, if not daunting.

Yet that first swing in Xiamen coincided with the dawn of a new era, one in which the nation’s most talented women would soon find their footing at home before spreading their wings abroad to challenge the best of the best and eventually write Chinese golf into the pages of sporting history.

Nearly two decades after the inaugural event, the transformation has been profound in China. From Feng Shanshan’s trailblazing major victory in 2012, to the steady rise of top players such as Janet Lin Xiyu, Yin Ruoning and Miranda Wang on the LPGA Tour, and milestone Olympic Games moments in Rio de Janeiro and Paris where Feng and Lin earned bronze medals, women’s golf in China has certainly propelled to the forefront with great force.

Such has been the impact and growth in China that golfers from across Southeast Asia, including Mafy Singson of the Philippines, are now looking at the CLPG Tour as the potential springboard for their careers as they dream for the stars.

At the heart of this rise has been the national championship. It is not just another stop on the calendar, it is the flagship event on the CLPG Tour, where every aspiring golfer aspire to join their idols and attain world-class stature.

For Feng, the country’s first major champion and its most iconic player, the Women’s China Open was an early inspiration especially when she saw first hand how Korean superstars Jiyai Shin, Kim Hyo-joo and Park Sung-hyun dominated on Chinese soil by winning the Open five times amongst them. Shin is a former World No. 1, Kim and Park are major champions and the trio holds a staggering 109 professional victories combined.

‘Growing up as a young golfer, the Women’s China Open was a tournament that held special meaning for me. The experiences I gained over the years played a pivotal role in shaping my career,’ said Feng, who has 22 career wins including 10 on the LPGA Tour.

‘In the early days, competing against strong Korean players (in the Open) showed us just how high the standard was, and it motivated me to work harder, stay resilient, and keep striving for success in the game,’ added the 36-year-old, whose best finishes include 2nd/2011, T3/2012, 4th/2016 and 3rd/2019.

Feng’s victory at the Women’s PGA Championship in 2012, one of golf’s majors, broke barriers for Chinese golf, but she has never overlooked the foundation that events like the Women’s China Open and the CLPG Tour provided. ‘I am proud to see Chinese golfers achieving success on the LPGA Tour, and I believe the future of women’s golf in China is exceptionally bright. Today, we have a growing pool of talented amateurs excelling on the CLPG Tour and winning tournaments, which bodes well for the years ahead. I am confident the next decade will be a remarkable era for women’s golf in China.’

For Janet Lin Xiyu, who has taken a temporary leave of absence from the LPGA Tour for the arrival of her first child, the Women’s China Open was both a launching pad and a personal milestone. She became the first Chinese golfer to lift the trophy in 2019, an achievement she cherishes as much as her achievements abroad which include a podium finish at the Paris Olympic Games last summer.

‘That achievement will always hold a special place in my heart, and I am proud to have contributed to the growth of our country’s golfing history,’ said the 29-year-old Lin, who owns seven CLPG Tour victories. ‘From the time I began competing, the Women’s China Open stood out as one of the most important tournaments on the calendar. It inspired me to push harder and strive for excellence. Like all great national Opens, it has played a pivotal role in developing women’s golf, providing a stage for Chinese players to challenge themselves.’

That sense of higher standards and bigger dreams has carried into the new generation. The 23-year-old Yin Ruoning, who has already captured a major championship and the World No. 1 ranking, treasures her formative experiences at the Women’s China Open where she finished tied fourth in 2018.

‘Competing in the Women’s China Open was always special to me,’ said Yin, who is now ranked World No. 7 and holder of five LPGA victories. ‘The tournament has a different feel about it and there is extra motivation and pressure to perform well. As a junior golfer then, I understood what the event meant to us and looking back, those experiences have been meaningful in my journey as a golfer.’

From the inaugural edition in Xiamen to this year’s groundbreaking move to Shanghai where the tournament, which is promoted by Sportfive, will be played at Enhance Anting Golf Club from October 17-19, all eyes will be on the next wave of Chinese and regional aspiring stars. The local starlets include a group of amateurs such as 18-year-old Wang Zixuan, Xu Ying, 16, and 15-year-old Zhou Shiyuan – all of whom have won on the CLPG Tour this season.

Wang, who has won once and posted three top-10s, said: ‘The leading Chinese players are a tremendous source of inspiration. truly admire their mental strength under pressure and their resilience. Witnessing the success of top players reminds me that behind every achievement lies countless hours of tedious, gruelling practice. This motivates me to devote myself even more wholeheartedly to the sport.’

The China LPG Tour has also provided opportunities for regional and aspiring golfers from Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia to sharpen their professional teeth, with the likes Sherman Santiwiwatthanaphong (Tha), Onkanok Soisuwan (Tha), Kan Bunnabodee (Tha), Jocelyn Chee (Mas), Ng Jing Xuen (May), Amanda Tan (Sin) and Patricia Sinolungan (Ina) benefitting immensely. With Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul rising to World No. 1 recently, the importance of women’s golf growth across Asia-Pacific is not lost on many.

The upswing in fortunes is certainly testament the Women’s China Open is proving to be just the origin of greatness for women’s golf in the country and regionwide.

Playoff qualifiers San Juan and Rizal Province closed their elimination round campaign with victories over also-ran Marikina and Bacolod on Monday in the Manny Pacquiao Presents MPBL 2025 Season at the Marikina Sports Center.

The San Juan Knights trounced the Marikina Shoemasters, 78-61, in the second game to improve to 26-3 and finish No. 3 in the North Division behind the Abra Weavers (27-1) and the Nueva Ecija Rice Vanguards (27-2) in the round-robin elimination phase of the 30-team, two-division tournament.

The Rizal XentroMall Golden Coolers subdued the Bacolod Tubo Slashers, 78-72, in the nightcap to climb to 19-10 and retain the third spot in the South Division led by the Quezon Huskers (25-4) and the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters (19-10).

San Juan got 18 points and eight rebounds from former Mapua Cardinal Arvin Gamboa; 10 points and nine assists from Orlan Wamar; nine points from AC Soberano; and eight points from Raul Soyud.

Marikina, which exited with a 4-25 record, drew 12 points and eight rebounds each from Karl Penano and Jay Yutuc.

Rizal was powered by Michael Canete with 14 points, eight rebounds and three steals; Alwyn Alday with 11 points; Neil Tolentino with eight points, seven rebounds and four steals; and John Apacible with eight points and seven rebounds.

Bacolod bowed out with a 7-22 slate despite John Lemuel Pastias’ 15 points, Jan Gabriel Sobrenega’s 12 points, seven rebounds and six assists; and Aldave Canoy’s 12 points plus four rebounds.

The Davao Occidental Tigers weathered the Quezon City Galeries Taipans’ final assault and prevailed, 97-91, in the opener.

Ahead, 75-63, in the fourth quarter, the Tigers watched as the Taipans bunched 13 points, capped by Nino Ibanez’s triple, to seize control with 7:05 left.

Wowie Escosio, however, countered with back-to-back baskets to push Davao back on top en route to a 12-17 mark.

The Tigers stayed at No. 9 in the South and will tangle with No. 10 Cebu Classic (11-18) in the play-in for the playoffs.

Joseph Terso shone for the Tigers with 21 points, eight rebounds, five assists and four steals; followed by Escosio with 17 points and 10 rebounds; Harold Arboleda with 15 points, four assists and three rebounds; and Jeff Comia with 10 points, six rebounds and four assists.

Also-ran Quezon City dropped to 7-22 despite 17 points and seven rebounds from Jeff Javillonar; 13 points from Jayson Puray, 12 points and seven rebounds from Sidney Mosqueda; and 10 points each from Regie Tauto-An and 10 points plus six rebounds from Ibanez.

The league concludes the elimination round at the Robert Estrella Memorial Gymnasium on Tuesday, featuring games between Mindoro and Abra at 4 p.m., and host Pangasinan against Caloocan at 6 p.m.