Jasha Gamao

MANILA—The AFP Cavaliers pulled off a massive upset in UNTV Cup Season 12, downing the tournament's top-seeded Ombudsman Graftbusters, 88-84, at the Paco Arena on August 2. 

The thrilling victory marks a critical resurgence for the Cavaliers, who desperately needed a win after enduring a brutal three-game losing streak in the second round of the eliminations. 

By outlasting the powerhouse Graftbusters, AFP proved they are still serious contenders capable of taking down the league's best.

Michael Bañaria stepped up big time when the Cavaliers needed it most, capturing the Best Player of the Game honors. 

Bañaria spearheaded the AFP attack by delivering a stellar performance, dropping 20 points and grabbing 2 rebounds to anchor his team's offense and defense down the stretch. 

His relentless energy on the court provided the perfect antidote to the Graftbusters' top-tier ranking, rallying his teammates to fight through the pressure and secure the hard-earned win.

Reflecting on the team's grit and dedication to turn their season around, Bañaria credited their intense preparation for the breakout victory. 

“Nakapag-balik po kami ng laro namin kasi araw-araw po kami nagpa-practice dahil sa game namin na tatlong loss so kailangan talaga namin mag step up bawat isa sa amin at saka ginawa lang po namin yung rules namin doon sa loob at doon naman po naging maayos naman po yung hardwork ng teammates ko at saka yung coaches,” Bañaria said in a post-game interview. 

With their losing skid finally snapped, the Cavaliers look to carry this newfound momentum deeper into the tournament.

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MANILA—The PNP Responders locked in the first coveted seat in the UNTV Cup Season 12 semifinal round after dismantling the Judiciary Magis, 70-51, on August 2, at the Paco Arena. 

The dominant victory extended the Responders' perfect run to four straight wins in the second round of the elimination phase, cementing their status as a top title contender this season.

PNP playing coach Harold Sta. Cruz led by example, earning Player of the Game honors after rallying his squad through an early rough patch. 

Sta. Cruz pulled double-double figures—12 point, 18 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal to put the PNP on top of their battle with the Judiciary.

The Magis put up a tough fight in the opening minutes, but Sta. Cruz successfully anchored the team's defensive and offensive adjustments to completely break the game open in the later quarters.

"Slow start kami, well I reminded them na hindi tayo pwedeng complacent kasi alam namin na pag nakuha namin ‘tong game na ‘to, magiging automatic number 2 talaga kami. So, medyo nagising naman yung mga teammate so nagtrabaho ulit kami," Sta. Cruz said after the game. 

His timely wake-up call effectively boosted the Responders' morale, transforming a sluggish start into a 19-point blowout victory that officially punched their ticket to the next round.

Hungarian Ambassador Titanilla Tóth met with Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian and Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito for a final farewell meeting on July 30.

The senators thanked the outgoing ambassador for her hard work in making the bond between the Philippines and Hungary much stronger. 

They specifically praised Hungary for always sending quick help to the Filipino people during severe natural disasters.

During the meeting, the leaders talked about the active partnership between lawmakers from both countries. 

They expressed strong confidence that this close friendship will continue to grow through their official parliamentary groups. 

Both sides agree that keeping these communication lines open is key to their future relationship.

Finally, the senators shared their hope for a fast finish to the Philippines-E.U. Free Trade Agreement. 

Hungary has always supported this deal because it will boost farming, business, and economic growth for both sides. 

Ambassador Tóth officially ends her diplomatic work in the Philippines at the end of this month.

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Filipino professional golfer Justin Quiban has officially secured his spot in the Rocket Classic at the Detroit Golf Club after a grueling, high-stakes battle through both pre-qualifying and Monday qualifying rounds. 

Defying the odds in golf’s most unforgiving elimination format, Quiban earned one of the few coveted open spots to punch his ticket directly to the main stage. 

This gritty performance marks just the second PGA Tour appearance of his career, showcasing his resilience and readiness to compete against the sport's elite.  

Quiban joins fellow standout Rico Hoey in representing the Philippines, doubling the nation’s presence and giving Filipino golf fans plenty to look forward to this weekend. 

As he tees it up at the newly renovated Detroit Golf Club, Quiban faces a formidable field in what promises to be a career-defining opportunity. 

With the global spotlight shining bright, the homegrown talent is fully prepared to make his mark and show the world what Pinoy golf is all about.

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The Office of the Ombudsman is now moving forward with a meticulous evaluation of plunder and graft complaints filed against Senator Loren Legarda and her son, Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste. 

Ombudsman Crispin Remulla firmly dispelled rumors of political bias, asserting that state investigators are systematically reviewing the evidence regarding alleged anomalies in solar projects. 

Refusing to back down, Senator Legarda swiftly fired back to deny the corruption allegations and protect her decades-long record in public service. 

“All my public life since 1998, I have always upheld my integrity, which I hold dearly. This allegation is a taint on my person that is totally undeserved,” Legarda declared in an official statement. 

While noting that her camp has yet to receive formal communication from the Ombudsman, she maintained that no public funds were ever involved, asserting, “I can categorically state that the reported accusations are utterly baseless.”

With both sides digging in, the legal battle lines are officially drawn as the Ombudsman commands a thorough probe while the Legardas brace to clear their names. 

Urging the public to look closely at the suspicious timing of the charges, the veteran lawmaker made it clear that her family will not shrink from the legal battle. 

"We are prepared to bring out the truth," Legarda stated, adding, “We remain confident that once the facts are laid bare, we will be vindicated and our names cleared.”

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