PBA: Caelan Tiongson calls Game 5 officiating ‘super obvious’

Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ Caelan Tiongson during a game vs Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals Game 5. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

MANILA, Philippines—Rain or Shine forward Caelan Tiongson didn’t mince his words when asked about Game 5 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals against Barangay Ginebra.

Tiongson told the Inquirer that the officiating deliberately put him in early foul trouble during Rain or Shine’s 111-104 loss on Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“It’s just super obvious that the refs gave me calls early,” he said.

“I played the same way the entire game but each game, they give me two fouls in the first quarter. They’re trying to take me out of the game. I’m the primary defender on (Justin) Brownlee. Obviously, they want to give him an advantage.”

WATCH: Rain or Shine’s Caelan Tiongson wasn’t exactly happy after their loss to Barangay Ginebra in Game 5. #PBA50 | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/mme0HCk0GJ

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) May 29, 2026

Tiongson, despite being a starter, saw limited action after collecting two fouls early in the game. In the end, he finished with just five points, three rebounds and three assists.

Meanwhile, Justin Brownlee–whom Tiongson primarily guards–finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and a block.

“They call fouls on me early and that’s just their tactics,” said Tiongson.

Rain or Shine was whistled for 29 fouls compared to Ginebra’s 22, according to the official stat sheet.

Elasto Painters import Jaylen Johnson also hinted at his frustrations with the officiating when asked about Ginebra’s physicality.

“You tell me. I can’t say nothing, Let the refs tell you, I don’t know,” said Johnson after posting a double-double of 22 points and 14 rebounds in the loss.