After Duterte says ‘better to bet on China’, Robredo roots for underdog Gilas Pilipinas

Vice President Leni Robredo has expressed support for the underdog Gilas Pilipinas squad that will represent the country in the FIBA World Cup in China later in August.

Robredo rooted for the Filipino cagers after President Rodrigo Duterte last week indicated that the team didn't stand a chance in the tournament and that he would rather put his money on the Chinese.

“Tayong mga Pilipino, talagang parati naman tayong dehado sa lahat, pero pinapakita natin na kahit tayo dehado, lumalaban talaga tayo nang tunay," Robredo said in her radio program.

"Kaya sa mga Gilas players, maraming salamat po sa pag-represent ninyo sa ating bansa. Proud kami sa inyo,” she added.

“Alam namin na ibubuhos ninyo lahat ng kaya ninyong gawin. Matalo man o manalo, nagpapasalamat na tayo,” Robredo said.

Gilas Pilipinas is currently in Spain for a training camp in preparation of the World Cup.

The Gilas Pilipinas roster thus far include: naturalized player Andray Blatche, Japeth Aguilar, Kiefer Ravena, Mark Barroca, Robert Bolick, Poy Erram, Beau Belga, Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, CJ Perez and Matthew Wright.

“Talagang tayo, nagchi-cheer tayo, hanggang sa katapusan. Habang may buhay, may pag-asa,” Robredo said.

“Alam natin kung gaano ka-grabe magtrabaho iyong ating mga players sa Gilas. Ang kailangan [nila] ngayon, dahil [sila ay] haharap sa  mga matitinding laban, ang  suporta natin. Pampalakas ng loob,” she added.

Duterte earlier said that Gilas will only end up losing in the tournament hosted by China, saying “Ang problema ang unang kalaban natin Italy. Wala. Walang laban. Wala tayo diyan."

"China na lang tayo magpusta. Wala. Ay sus. Pa-corny ka pa. Wala talaga tayo," Duterte said.

Duterte, howeve r, said that Gilas can defeat Angola. —NB, GMA News