Jasha Gamao

SAN JUAN—The Ombudsman Graftbusters ignited their UNTV Cup campaign with a gritty 65-58 victory over the Senate Defenders last Sunday, March 29, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre. 

Displaying superior composure in the paint, the Graftbusters fended off a late-game surge from the Defenders to secure their first win of the season. 

The match set a high bar for the tournament, as both public servant squads traded blows in a physical contest that kept the San Juan crowd on the edge of their seats.

Bernzon Franco powered the Ombudsman’s charge, earning Best Player of the Game honors with a dominant double-double performance. 

Franco proved unstoppable near the basket, racking up 18 points and crashing the boards for 11 rebounds, while adding 2 assists to anchor the Graftbusters' offense. 

His efficiency inside allowed Ombudsman to control the tempo, effectively neutralizing Senate’s defensive rotations and sealing the result in the final minutes.

MANILA—The NHA Home Masters and AFP Lady Gunnar delivered dominant performances at the Paco Arena last Wednesday, March 25, securing crucial straight-set victories in the UNTV Volleyball League. 

The Home Masters dismantled the COMELEC Suffragettes with a 3-0 sweep, maintaining control throughout the match with set scores of 25-18, 25-14, and 25-19. 

Not to be outdone, the AFP Lady Gunnar mirrored this efficiency by crushing the DENR Lawin Spikers in a one-sided affair, finishing 25-7, 25-21, and 25-15.

Lisa Amiano emerged as the driving force for NHA, earning Best Player of the Game honors after a stellar 14-point performance. 

Amiano's versatility was on full display as she tallied 10 attacks, 3 service aces, and 1 block to keep the Suffragettes at bay. 

Meanwhile, Keeley Joy Betinio spearheaded the AFP offensive, taking home the Best Player award for her squad. 

Betinio’s precision was the story of the match, as she converted 8 points, all coming from powerful attacks, to ensure the Lady Gunnar’s victory remained undisputed.

These twin sweeps have caused a significant shake-up in the league leaderboard. 

With their latest triumph, the AFP Lady Gunnar successfully climbed to the third spot in the standings, positioning themselves as a formidable threat in their upcoming games. 

The NHA Home Masters also bolstered their post-season hopes, firmly securing the top 4 position. Both teams now carry significant momentum as the competition intensifies at the Paco Arena.

The hardcourt is set to heat up as UNTV Cup Season 12 officially raises its curtains on March 29, 2026, at the FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan. 

Known as the "Liga ng Public Servants," this premier basketball tournament continues its unique tradition of merging athletic excellence with charitable missions. 

Fans can expect a high-energy opening ceremony as government officials and employees trade their office uniforms for jerseys, ready to battle for the championship and the chance to donate millions to their chosen beneficiaries.  

A total of 12 powerhouse teams are ready to compete this season, each representing various government agencies and branches. 

The official roster includes the Ombudsman Graftbusters, PhilHealth Health Insurers, Comelec Vanguards, PNP Responders, Senate Defenders, DOJ Radiance, AFP Cavaliers, DENR Lawin Patrollers, Judiciary Magis, OP Bagong Pilipinas, NHA Home Masters, and the GSIS Furies. 

With a mix of veteran champions and hungry contenders, Season 12 promises a level of play that is more competitive and unpredictable than ever before.  

Don’t miss a single minute of the action! Supporters are encouraged to watch live at the venue to feel the intensity of the opening salvos. 

For those who can’t make it to San Juan, the entire event will be broadcast via livestream on all UNTV Sports social media pages. 

Join the community online, cheer for your favorite government team, and support a league where every basket scored helps a fellow Filipino in need.

MANILA—The Paco Arena turned into a high-stakes battlefield this past Wednesday, March 25 as the PNP Lady Patrollers and BFP Lady Firefighters locked horns in a grueling UNTV Volleyball League showdown. 

Adding prestige to the electric atmosphere was the presence of the PNP’s number two man, Police Lieutenant General Bernard Banac, who watched the intense action from the sidelines. 

He was joined by his wife, Mrs. Eloisa Banac, who serves as the Team Coordinator for the BFP Lady Firefighters, creating a unique family rivalry as they supported their respective units in the hard-fought match.

In a courtside interview, General Banac emphasized that the PNP’s consistent participation in the UVL since its inaugural season is a strategic move under the leadership of Chief PNP, Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. 

“Ito’y bahagi ng programa ng ating PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. na lalo pa nating mapatatag ang disiplina sa hanay ng kapulisan.”

“This is part of the program of our PNP Chief, Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., to further strengthen discipline within the police ranks.”

According to the General, the program is designed to boost organizational discipline and provide a healthy outlet for personnel. 

Beyond the tactical benefits, the General highlighted that the league serves as a primary tool for strengthening the morale and discipline of policewomen while promoting a culture of sportsmanship across the entire organization. 

“Ang paglahok sa mga ganitong palaro katulad ng UVL ay isang paraan upang mapalaganap natin at mapatatag ang displina sa ating mga kapulisan.”

“Participating in sports events like the UVL is one way for us to promote and strengthen discipline among our police officers.”

He expressed his warmest regards to the UNTV Volleyball League organizers for maintaining a premier platform for public servants to showcase their athletic talents. 

“Talagang masaya ang PNP na kabilang tayo sa mga kalahok dito sa UVL at pinapaabot natin ang ating pagbati sa UNTV saka sa UVL sa kanilang annual event na ito.” 

“The PNP is truly happy to be among the participants here in the UVL, and we extend our greetings to UNTV and the UVL on this annual event of theirs.”

MANILA—The BFP Lady Firefighters staged a high-intensity coup at the Paco Arena last Wednesday, March 25, toppling the defending champion PNP Lady Patrollers in a four-set thriller, 22-25, 25-21, 25-17, 25-14. 

After dropping a narrow first set, BFP ignited a relentless offensive surge that left the titleholders scrambling. 

The victory not only serves as a massive statement against their rivals but also officially catapults the Lady Firefighters back to the top of the UVL standings, establishing them as the team to beat this season.

Gang Abellana delivered a masterclass performance to earn Best Player of the Game honors, spearheading the BFP attack with a dominant 26-point explosion. 

Abellana was unstoppable at the net, hammering down 20 successful attacks while adding three crucial blocks and three service aces to her tally. 

Her clinical execution in the final three sets ensured the Lady Patrollers had no room for a comeback, systematically dismantling PNP's defense with every rotation.

For Abellana and the rest of the BFP squad, this victory carried a deeper significance than just another mark in the win column but feels like they finally avenged last season’s championship loss.

With the defending champions now in their rearview mirror and the number one seed back in their possession, the Lady Firefighters look primed for a dominant run toward the title.

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