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Manila Bulletin devider devider Leni cheers on Gilas to put up a good fight in the 2019 FIBA World Cup

Leni cheers on Gilas to put up a good fight in the 2019 FIBA World Cup

Published Aug 11, 2019 05:02 pm
By Raymund Antonio Although the Gilas Pilipinas’ chances of winning may be slim, by all means, they would still put up a good fight in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Vice President Leni Robredo said on Sunday. Vice President Leni Robredo (Photo courtesy of Office of the Vice President of the Philippines via Facebook / MANILA BULLETIN) Vice President Leni Robredo (Photo courtesy of Office of the Vice President of the Philippines via Facebook / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) In contrast to President Duterte who doubted Gilas on winning its first game versus Italy, Robredo thinks otherwise. “Tayong mga Pilipino talagang parati naman tayong dehado sa lahat pero pinapakita natin na kahit tayo dehado lumalaban talaga tayo ng tunay,” Robredo said on her “BISErbisyong Leni” radio show. (We, Filipinos, have been always at a disadvantage, but despite this, we put up a good fight.) The Vice President even quoted the tritest Filipino saying in times of adversity to drive her message: “Habang may buhay, may-pagasa (As long as there is life, don’t lose hope.)” Robredo, who is the leader of the opposition, didn’t seem to share the same sentiment with Duterte who claimed the Philippines men’s national team doesn't stand a chance and it was better to place a bet on the Chinese team instead. Gilas Pilipinas’ World Cup bid begins on August 31 versus Italy, followed by Serbia on September 2, and Angola on September 4. The basketball tournament will be held in China. Duterte is set to fly to China later this month to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and watch Gilas games. The Philippines will only advance to the second phase of the World Cup if it’s one of the top two teams in Group D. While the international tournament has yet to start, Robredo said she was proud of Gilas Pilipinas players and thanked them for representing the country. The Vice President then rallied support from all Filipinos for the Philippines men's basketball team. “Tinitingnan natin na mga bayani na nagrerepresent sa atin ng maayos. Ang kailangan ngayon, dahil nahaharap sa matitinding laban, ang kailangan suporta natin, ang kailangan magpalakas ng loob,” Robredo said. (We look at them as heroes who represent us well. They need our support to motivate them because of the tough fight they will be facing.) “Alam namin naibubuhos ninyo lahat ng kaya ninyong gawin. Matalo man or matalo, nagpapasalamat na tayo. Talaga tayo mag-cheer hanggang katapusan,” she added. (We know you’ll all give your best. Win or lose, we thank them. We will really cheer until the end.)
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