President, lawmakers rally behind Gilas
A stellar cast bannered by the President as well as a handful of lawmakers were in the stands to rally behind Gilas Pilipinas in the fourth window of the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
No less than President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. led the elite list of personalities who showed up to boost Gilas Pilipinas against Saudi Arabia late Monday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The Chief Executive showed up in the third quarter and sat just behind the Gilas bench, giving Chot Reyes and his boys a good reason to launch a searing rally that ripped the game wide open.
At one point, President Marcos was spotted standing up, applauding the impressive plays made by Jordan Clarkson, Kai Sotto and Dwight Ramos in their 38-point rout of the Saudis.
"I congratulate Gilas Pilipinas in its victory over Saudi Arabia in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers last night," Marcos tweeted the following day.
"We are confident that they will do everything to bring pride and honor to the country."
Senator Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go was also there together with a handful of lawmakers supporting Gilas.
This is Go's first time to witness Gilas Pilipinas live in action since he joined former President Rodrigo Duterte in Foshan, China to grace its game against Italy in the FIBA World Cup in 2019.
He also watched the duel between Gilas Pilipinas and France during the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament in 2016.
But Gilas' game against Saudi Arabia was truly special as it marked the first time that President Marcos took the time to support the country's national basketball squad.
Go said they did their best to catch the Gilas-Saudi Arabia match as a show of support to the national squad that is under fire following a string of miscues in the international arena.
"As chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, it is with great pride and honor that I express my sincerest gratitude and congratulations to each and every member of Team Gilas Pilipinas for their unwavering devotion to our country through their commendable performance in front of the Filipino crowd," Go said in a statement.
