Filipinos react to failed FIBA Asia hosting bid

The FIBA Asia Executive Committee shocked the Philippines on Wednesday, awarding the 27th FIBA Asia Championship duties to Lebanon instead of the basketball crazy country. The committee proceeded to opt for Lebanon, even after a presentation made by SBP President Manuel V. Pangilinan, SBP Executive Director Sonny Barrios, PBA Commissioner Chito Salud, and former Asian Basketball Confederation Secretary General Moying Martelino. Third bidder Iran did not submit a presentation, while marquee player Fadi El Khatib was the only one who presented for Lebanon. The tournament was first held in the Philippines in 1960. The country has won five times, with the latest victory coming in 1985. Since then, the Philippines has had only fourth place finishes in 1987 and 2011. At stake at the FIBA Asia Championships are three spots at the FIBA World Cup to be held in Madrid, Spain in 2014. — ELR, GMA News