Duterte's harsh Gilas comments draw mixed reactions
MANILA, Philippines (Updated 10:07am) — One of the most unique things about Filipinos is our love for basketball.
This often translates to undying support for our men's national basketball team, Gilas Pilipinas.
But President Rodrigo Duterte didn't seem to share that sentiment yesterday when he stated that the Filipino cagers will surely lose to Italy in their opening game of the FIBA World Cup.
Commenting on height disadvantage, President Duterte said Gilas Pilipinas will not stand a chance against the much taller Italians.
The president also said to place bets on the Chinese team instead.
Duterte's statements drew mixed reactions online with some calling him out for lacking support for the Filipino ballers.
Former PBA Player Jason Webb was one of the most prominent figures who reacted to the president's statement, albeit indirectly.
I plan to cheer for our national athletes even if their chances of winning may be slim. I also have no plans of cheering for a country stealing our land from us. Mabuhay ang atletang pinoy!
— Jason Webb (@Jason_Webb_Phil) August 7, 2019
"I plan to cheer for our national athletes even if their chances of winning may be slim," Webb's tweet read.
The only president who does not believe in Filipino athletes.
— ThinkTalk (@hold_a_sec) August 6, 2019
Disappointed ako sa inyo @realPRRD kayo dapat ang unang mag-encourage sa mga manlalaro natin.
— Joy (@FreBukz) August 6, 2019
Twitter user @franzrh said that the team would prefer hearing words of motivation rather than the pessimistic nature of Duterte's statement.
Our athletes would prefer to hear words of motivation/ encouragement than negativity. More particularly from the head of state.
— Franz (@franzrh) August 6, 2019
Meanwhile, some said that the president may just be using this as a tactic to motivate the players come the World Cup.
I think our Pres. Duterte wants to challenge Gilas Pilipinas to do more in #fibawc #PilipinasGotGame???????? https://t.co/iIftCIhIiO
— Liezl Goto (@zhelley_16) August 6, 2019
It served as a fuel for Gilas Pilipinas to play a lot more better, I think the President just wanted to motivate them. ????????????#PilipinasGotGame https://t.co/y9oooRFGAx
— W A R R E N (@JenzWarren) August 6, 2019
Gilas Pilipinas is currently in Spain for their World Cup training and recently beat Congo, 102-80, in a closed-door friendly.
The 2019 FIBA World Cup is set to begin on August 31 in China.
The President will be in China during the tournament and will most likely attend the game with the Chinese Vice President.
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