Senator Christopher “Bong” Go rallied support for the country’s upcoming Fédération Internationale de Basketball (FIBA) qualifiers and welcomed the Supreme Court’s ruling directing the release of mandated funds for sports development as he spoke during an ambush interview at the opening game of the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) 50th Season on January 21.

Against the backdrop of the highly anticipated TNT Tropang 5G–San Miguel Beermen rematch, Go linked the excitement of professional basketball to the need for sustained backing of Gilas Pilipinas and other national teams, while stressing the importance of ensuring that newly affirmed sports funding is used properly to strengthen grassroots and elite athletic programs nationwide.

Speaking on the sidelines of the opening game between Tropang 5G and Beermen, Go said, “Unang-una, congratulations po sa 50th Season ng PBA. Napakaganda po ng Game 1 ngayon ‘no, championship between TNT and San Miguel, rematch na naman. So bakbakan po ito.”

He added that the occasion reinforced his anticipation for upcoming international engagements, particularly the next round of FIBA qualifiers.

"And looking forward rin po ako bilang chairperson ng Senate Committee on Sports and on Youth para sa FIBA qualifiers sa next month. Excited po tayo, sana mag-qualify po muli tayo. Suportahan natin ang ating Gilas Pilipinas at not only sa basketball, suportahan rin natin ang lahat ng sports,” Go said.

The senator also took the opportunity to comment on the Supreme Court’s decision involving sports funding, welcoming the ruling and calling on implementing bodies to act responsibly.

“At wini-welcome ko po yung desisyon ng Supreme Court na ibibigay na po yung nararapat na share sa PSC. Kaya I’m urging the PSC gamitin po yung pondo sa tama at magtrabaho kayo along with the POC and mga NSAs and private sectors,” he said, referring to coordination with the Philippine Olympic Committee and National Sports Associations.

Go emphasized that sustained cooperation among government agencies, sports organizations, and private partners could yield long-term benefits for Philippine athletics. “Malayo ang mararating ng sports at isang paraan po na ilayo natin ang mga kabataan sa masasamang bisyo through sports,” he noted, underscoring the social dimension of athletic programs.

He concluded his remarks with a direct appeal to the youth, highlighting the health and lifestyle benefits of physical activity. “Get into sports, stay away from drugs to keep us healthy and fit,” Go said, before once again congratulating the league and the teams involved. “Once again, congratulations sa series na ito. Bakbakan po ito. Congratulations sa PBA.”

Asked about his personal connection to the league, Go shared that his support for professional basketball spans decades. “Ako naman PBA fan po ako since 1983. Kahit sinong manalo, ang importante masaya po ang Pilipino,” he said, framing the competition as a source of collective enjoyment regardless of the outcome.