MANILA, Philippines – The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) have invited president-elect Rodrigo Duterte to attend the upcoming FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Manila in July and is hopeful that the incoming president’s schedule will allow him to be at the Mall of Asia Arena for the tournament.
SBP executive director Sonny Barrios told the media during a press conference on Sunday, June 26, that they paid a courtesy call to Duterte and personally delivered the invitation. According to Barrios, the president-elect was excited at the idea of watching Gilas Pilipinas live against other nations.
“We also paid a courtesy call on the incoming President, and I hand-carried an invitation letter from Mr. [Manny V.] Pangilinan (SBP’s first president),” Barrios said.
“He (Duterte) enthusiastically autographed a ball for Mr. MVP, and he said, ‘Yeah, my schedule permitting, I’d like to watch the game.’”
It was not specified if Duterte was invited to watch just one day of the schedule, or attend multiple days.
Barrios also mentioned that aside from the president-elect, other members of his administration are also fans of the game.
“We’re looking forward to his being able to watch. The top officials of his administration, from Secretary Bong Go, to Executive Secretary [Salvador] Medialdea, including his son-in-law, the husband of Inday Sara, are all basketball fanatics,” Barrios said.
“They have voiced their interest to watch, so we’re looking forward to the incoming president being able to watch, given his time allowing it.”
The FIBA Manila OQT takes place from July 5-10, with the winner of the 6-nation tourney getting a ticket to the 2016 Rio Olympics’ men’s basketball competition.
The Philippine team, which just announced its final 12-man roster, face tough competition against France, New Zealand, Senegal, Canada, and Turkey.– Rappler.com