Duterte to ‘personally cheer’ for Gilas in China – DFA

President Rodrigo Duterte will watch the first game of the Philippines men’s basketball team in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China to express his support for the squad, an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday.

DFA Assistant Secretary Meynardo Montealegre said in a news conference that Duterte would “personally cheer” for Gilas Pilipinas when they face Italy on August 31 in Foshan, a city in China’s Guangdong province.

Duterte would be accompanied by Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan during the game.

Montealegre’s assurance came after Duterte dismissed Gilas' chances against the taller players from Italy.

Duterte, however, said the national team might be able to defeat Angola.

Chief of Presidential Protocol Robert Eric Borje meanwhile revealed that a meeting between Duterte and the Gilas players was being arranged.

“That’s something that we’re working on. But what’s definite is the President, of course, wants to support Team Philippines,” Borje told reporters.

For the opening round, Gilas will take on Italy on August 31, Serbia on September 2 and Angola on September 4.

The Philippines, which is currently 31st in the world rankings, would need to end the group phase in the top two of the pack to advance to the second round of the World Cup.

Duterte would be in China from August 28 to September 1 for separate meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Vice President Wang, to witness the signing of bilateral agreements, attend a business forum, and watch the FIBA World Cup game. — DVM, GMA News