Defending Corpo Ball champion OP opens title-retention bid with win

Handout photo.MANILA — The Office of the President (OP) opened its title-retention campaign with a hard-fought 75-72 victory over Rise Energy Pop as the Corporate Basketball League kicked off its second season on Saturday at the Meralco Gym.

Francis Camacho led the defending champions with 16 points, knocking down three of his four attempts from beyond the arc to help OP secure the narrow win. Andrei Romero paced Rise Energy Pop with 14 points and four assists.

The league’s opening day featured four games, with Meralco surviving a late challenge from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for a 90-86 victory.

Mark Francisco led Meralco with 20 points, while Jhon Cañete added 12. Jerico Sevillano paced DAR with 22 points in the losing effort.

The Department of Finance (DOF) also opened its campaign on a high note, cruising to a 98-68 triumph over PLDT. John Magdaluyo led the Finance squad with 14 points and five rebounds, while Carl Carandang finished with 15 points and seven assists for PLDT.

Social Security System (SSS) capped the opening day’s action with an 84-73 victory over BDO, highlighted by a triple-double from former professional player Bon Bon Custodio, who finished with 17 points, 16 rebounds, and 12 assists. Joseph Navarro led BDO with 14 points.

Building on the success of its inaugural season, Corpo Ball returns with 10 participating teams from the government and private sectors. Joining defending champion OP are DOF, BDO, Rise Energy Pop-Tanduay, SSS, Meralco, DAR, Smart, the Senate of the Philippines, and PLDT.

Founded by Jude Roque, who also serves as league commissioner, the competition aims to promote teamwork, camaraderie, and healthy competition among corporate employees through basketball. Ronald Almeyda also serves as deputy commissioner.