Rain or Shine holds off Kia, locks top spot

PJ Ramos of KIA (light) vs Paul Lee and JR Quinahan of Rain or Shine (dark). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine survived Kia, 119-99, to clinch the top spot in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Import Wayne Chism had it going from the outside going 6-of-12 from long range to finish with 28 points that went with 12 rebounds to lead the Elasto Painters, whose 27-point lead was cut to eight before regrouping.

“We had problems all night long with the size and the strength and the power of PJ Ramos,” said ROS head coach Yeng Guiao. “But I guess we were able to limit the contributions of their locals that’s why we were able to put up a good lead and protect that lead.”

“The objective really is if he (Ramos) is going to make the points, let’s control the output of their locals and we were able to do that,” added Guiao.

PJ Ramos nearly scored half of the Carnival’s output with 45 points while shooting 59% from the field on top of 21 rebounds in another dominating performance but his teammates combined to shoot for only 23-of-59.

Raymond Almazan came up big for the Painters with 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting and nine rebounds in less than 20 minutes of action. Paul Lee added 14 points, five rebounds and six assists.

The last time Rain or Shine, which locked up the No.1 spot at 8-3 due to superior quotient, finished atop the standings at the end of the elimination round it won the 2012 Governors’ Cup.

“If it’s a good sign for us, we’ll take motivation from that and treat it exactly what it is – a positive sign. That’s also going to give us encouragement going into our preparations,” Guiao said.

Kia came to within eight, 96-88, on a tough turn around by Reil Cervantes with still 8:33 left after trailing by 27, 71-44, late in the second quarter.

But Ryan Araña hit a corner three and after a jumper by Ramos, Almazan scored eight straight points in one minute to restore order, 104-90, with 6:16 remaining. - Inquirer

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Aquino blames "political enemies" for spreading rumours about his health

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III - image source: getrealphilippines.com

Says anyone can see if he has stitches on his head

Manila: President Benigno Aquino blamed “political enemies” for spreading false rumours that he fainted and was unconscious until doctors gave him oxygen at the presidential palace last Friday, adding that he was out of town last Friday and remained active on Saturday.

“I am not new in politics. I’m torn between responding (or not) to people who started it. I admit I could not stop those who wish me ill. They have already prepared permutations of the false stories that they have started to spin against me,” said Aquino, but did not give more details.

“I started looking for the basis of these rumours, which I might have missed, but I never saw one,” said Aquino, adding, “I don’t think I was faltering in raising the flag and doing other things during the commemoration of the opening of Emilio Aguinaldo Museum in Kawit, Cavite last Friday.”

“Because of my short hair, anyone can see if I have stitches (on my head or nape after I allegedly collapsed last Friday). Touch my head, it has no hematoma,” Aquino said.

Noting what he would do next to defend himself, Aquino said, “My mother once said we should pray for people who think that way [against other people].” He added, “In contrast, those who trust me have open eyes, ears, and mind (and would not malign me with rumours).”

After he cancelled a short-notice press conference with beat reports after lunch of Saturday, Aquino said he was at the firing range in Malacañang on the same day.

Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alacal were with him at the firing range, he said, adding they all had dinner at Gloria Maris, a restaurant at the Gateway Mall of Araneta Centre in Cubao, suburban Quezon City on Saturday evening.

Palace spokesperson Edwin Lacierda also sent text messages asking about these allegations, Aquino admitted. Reporters quoted Lacierda and deputy spokesperson Abigail Valte’s who were asked about the president’s state of health.

Aquino allegedly passed out and was nearly unconscious after a bout of heavy cough. Doctors gave him oxygen at the House of Dreams, his official residence in Malacanang, the presidential palace.

Since he was elected in 2010, Aquino never gave up heavy smoking.

The Philippine Constitution calls for daily issuance of the president’s medical record once he gets seriously ill.

The vice-president takes over the post of an incapacitated president.- Gulf News

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