No ball toss for President Marcos at FIBA World Cup

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos watched the opening of the 2023 International Basketball Federation World Cup at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan last night.

Marcos, accompanied by sons, Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos and Vincent, arrived at the venue at 8 p.m. as the game between Gilas Pilipinas and the Dominican Republic started.

Marcos was expected to arrive at 7:30 p.m. to perform the ceremonial toss.

There was no immediate explanation from Malacañang on why the President was late.

This is the Philippines’ second hosting of the FIBA World Cup since 1978.

“I was there when my father first tossed the ball and I’m quite pleased to be able to – I didn’t realize that that was the first time that it happened here in the Philippines,” Marcos said in a speech April.

“So it would be an honor for me to reenact perhaps, reenact what my father did in 1978,” he said.

Given the popularity of basketball in the Philippines, the President expects the FIBA World Cup 2023 to be successful.

Marcos suspended classes in public schools at all levels and work in the government in Metro Manila and Bulacan on Aug. 25 to give way for the opening ceremonies of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023.

Memorandum Circular 27, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on Aug. 15, stated that the suspension of government work and classes in public schools on Aug. 25 was also part of the government’s commitment towards wider involvement and participation in sports promotion and development.

The President also emphasized the suspension of government work and classes in public schools is the government’s effort to provide full support and assistance to the Philippine Sports Commission in ensuring the safe, orderly and successful opening ceremonies of the event.

Government agencies involved in the delivery of basic and health services, preparedness/response to disasters and calamities, and/or the performance of other vital services, however, were not included in the wok suspension on Friday.

Founded in 1932, FIBA is an association of national organizations that governs competition in basketball with head office in Mies, Switzerland.