When University of the Philippines and De La Salle University meet in the UAAP Season 87 Finals, it’s more than a clash of the top men’s basketball programs in the country.
It’s a broader political rivalry, a proxy war where every basket symbolizes the power struggles playing out on a national scale.
This year’s finals carry unique weight, with both teams backed by political heavyweights entrenched in the evolving cold war between the Duterte and Marcos camps.
Mans Carpio, husband of Vice President Sara Duterte, supports defending champion La Salle.
Green Archers head coach Topex Robinson shares the deep sense of gratitude for the unwavering support Carpio has shown.
“When I came in and started recruiting players, he was the one who really supported me. Sabi nga niya, he will always be there for me, and he delivered. He took in the guys that I really wanted to build the program,” said Robinson.
“Sabi nga niya, he’s gonna move mountains just to get the players that I want, and that’s what he delivered on.”
Meanwhile, Jonvic Remulla, Secretary of the Interior and Local Government under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., leads UP’s quest to reclaim its title.
Fighting Maroons head coach Goldwin Monteverde is also deeply appreciative of Remulla’s role in shaping the Fighting Maroons.
“Si Governor Jonvic has been supporting UP ever since nung pagstart namin dito. Hindi naman in terms of kung ano ang pwede niya macontribute, pero nandoon yung life lessons with the team. ‘Yon ang mahalaga ‘eh. He sees to it na every game or kung may break, he would talk to the team,” Monteverde shared.
“Whatever these young men could learn from him, beside of course yung winning, winning in life is his priority.”
A Battle Beyond the Hardwood
The rivalry between La Salle and UP extends beyond school pride; it mirrors the underlying tension between the Duterte and Marcos families.
While their alliance during the 2022 national elections secured a landslide victory, cracks have since emerged, sparking political maneuvering with the 2025 midterm elections in sight.
Before the political battles unfold, the first confrontation will take place on the basketball court during the UAAP Finals.
The Defending Champions
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Under the guidance of Mans Carpio and the program’s four managers, La Salle has thrived.
Last year, the Green Archers ended a championship drought, bringing the title back to Taft Avenue.
Now, they aim to defend their crown.
Robinson also emphasizes the hunger to win the title for Carpio, saying, “Sobra. He sacrificed a lot for us. Everybody knows what he’s going through but you’re still going to see him at the games, showing his support.
“I’m just fortunate that we have him and we always want to make him happy and uplift his spirit. Bringing this team to the finals is a gift from us to Atty. Mans.”
The Challenger
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
On the other side, UP enters the finals as a program reborn.
After claiming its historic championship in UAAP Season 84, the Fighting Maroons are eager to reclaim the title they narrowly lost to La Salle last season.
Backed by Jonvic Remulla, UP’s team is marked by fearless ambition and raw talent.
Monteverge reflects on his team’s determination to claim the finals, saying, “We’re very hungry. It’s always naman to get to No. 1 ‘eh, ‘yon naman ang goal mo. We fell short for two seasons, but this is our chance again.
“Sa isip naman namin, not every day we’ll be given a chance like this, so definitely, we’ll give it our best fight.”
More Than Just a Game
(C) Nicole Hernandez/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
This series represents more than a clash of basketball titans.
It’s a microcosm of the political rivalry simmering beneath the surface.
The Marcos and Duterte camps, once united in 2022, have since drifted apart.
This rivalry sets the stage for the 2025 midterm elections.
As both political camps prepare for maneuvering, the UAAP Finals serves as an early battle.
The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
As La Salle seeks back-to-back championships and UP pursues its second title in four years, this isn’t just a game.
It’s the convergence of politics and sports—a showcase of power, ambition, and strategy.
When the final buzzer sounds, one team will emerge victorious, but the real battle—of influence, legacy, and dominance—will have only just begun.
