UNTV Cup under way; Senate eyes title repeat

MANILA, Philippines — The UNTV Cup kicks off its seventh edition on Monday with the Senate Defenders seeking to become the first back-to-back champions at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Backstopped by Jeff Sanders, Marlon Legaspi, Harley Ng and Senators Joel Villanueva and Sonny Angara, the Defenders swept the Malacañang Kamao in their best-of-three series to raise the championship trophy for the first time last March.

Armed Forces of the Philippines and Judiciary have won the annual event twice but not in back-to-back fashion, prompting coach Mike Fermin to prepare the Defenders early.

“We want to make a little history in the league so we prepared early for the tournament. Hopefully, nobody gets hurt as we go for back-to-back,” said Fermin.

Senate’s bid for a “double” was ruined by various injuries suffered by key players in the Executive Face-Off which was won by the Philippine National Police Responders last July.

“We prepared hard because we know everybody is after us,” said Fermin, noting that newcomers Philhealth and Philippine International Trading Corporation have also formed formidable crews.

Also taking part in the P10 million tournament event organized by UNTV president and CEO Dr. Daniel Razon are National Housing Authority, Ombudsman, GSIS, Department of Justice and Department of Agriculture.

Like last year, the champion will get P4 million, with the runner-up getting P2 million – all will go to their chosen charities.

“We want to instill to our public servants the essence of physical fitness that’s why we are holding this tournament. This event will also give them the opportunity to interact with their fellow public servants,” said Razon, who is being supported by Gerry Panghulan, vice president for administration of BMPI-UNTV.

Among the notable players of the league are Special Assistant to the President Bong Go of Malacañang, DTI Undersecretary Dave Almarinez of PITC, Supreme Court Administrator Midas Marquez, former Letran star Boyet Bautista of AFP and ex-University of the East player Ollan Omiping of PNP.