A resolution has been filed in the Senate seeking to congratulate and commend the Philippine Women’s National Tennis Team for its historic promotion to Elite Group I of the Billie Jean King Cup, marking the country’s return to the elite competition after a nine-year absence.
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan filed Proposed Senate Resolution No. 484 to recognize the national squad for its victory over Uzbekistan in the promotional playoff on June 20, 2026, which secured the Philippines’ advancement to the elite tier for the 2027 season.
Through the resolution, Pangilinan noted that “competing and succeeding in a global tournament of this scale—which features 150 nations battling across a multi-tiered global pyramid system—underscores the world-class caliber of Filipino athletes.”
The Philippine team sustained an undefeated run throughout the week-long tournament held from June 15 to 20, 2026.
Pangilinan said the squad “defied expectations by executing a stunning opening-day upset against top-seeded Hong Kong, and subsequently dismantled the defensive momentum of Pacific Oceania and Singapore to finish the round-robin stage undefeated.”
Team Captain Denise Dy and Coach Robert Angelo led the squad composed of teenage standout Tennielle Madis, former UAAP player Shaira Rivera, and collegiate stalwarts Alexa Joy Milliam and Stefi Marithe Aludo.
The team’s campaign included a straight-sets doubles victory, 7-6, 6-4, by Milliam and Rivera against Hong Kong, a 2-1 tie win over Pacific Oceania, and a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Singapore, highlighted by an opening singles masterclass from Madis.
Pangilinan lauded the achievement as a major milestone for the Philippines on the international stage and as a strong showcase of women’s success in sports.
The senator said the team’s historic triumph aligns with the “ongoing commitment to advancing initiatives that empower Filipino youth, promote grassroots sports development, and celebrate world-class Filipino talent on the global stage.”
He also noted that the country’s return to Group I for the first time since 2017 helps fuel growing interest in sports nationwide.
The Billie Jean King Cup, launched by the International Tennis Federation in 1963 and formerly known as the Federation Cup and Fed Cup, is the world’s largest annual international team competition in women’s sports, featuring 150 nations competing each year across a multi-tiered global pyramid system.
The tournament was renamed in late 2020 in honor of tennis legend and equality advocate Billie Jean King.