Several senators urged the Senate Committee on Sports to conduct an inquiry on ways to support the Gilas Pilipinas program for its future tournaments, including the country's buildup for the 2023 FIBA World Cup hosting.
Senate Resolution No. 83, filed by senator Bong Go, Mark Villar, Joel Villanueva, Francis Tolentino, and Alan Peter Cayetano on Monday, August 1, sought to review "relevant laws and policies to ensure optimal performance in future international sports competitions and to protect the welfare of Filipino athletes."
The resolution came weeks after the dismal performance of Gilas Pilipinas in the 2022 FIBA Asia Cup and ahead of its buildup to the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
The Filipino cagers failed to reach the FIBA Asia Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 15 years following a heartbreaking 102-81 loss to Japan.
This was Gilas Pilipinas' worst showing since its ninth place finish in 2007.
The nationals also settled for silver in the 31st Southeast Asian Games after yielding to Indonesia, ending their long-time reign in the regional biennial meet since 1989.
Such defeats were cited in the resolution as the Senate also addressed that avid fans of Gilas "have clamored that the team receive more support in order to improve the team's performance in international competitions."
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The resolution also stated that "there is a pressing need to revisit spots relevant laws and policies" to help national teams and "ensure the competitiveness and welfare of Filipino athletes."
Current head coach Chot Reyes, who has been under hot water for the recent Gilas losses, earlier pleaded for patience and said the entire program is still "in transition."
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