President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. hailed the Gilas Pilipinas basketball team for winning over Saudi Arabia in the FIBA World Cup Asian qualifiers on Monday night, Aug. 29, which he personally witnessed.
"Binabati natin ang Gilas Pilipinas sa kanilang panalo laban sa koponan ng Saudi Arabia sa naganap na FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers Game kagabi (We are congratulating Gilas Pilipinas for their victory against the team of Saudi Arabia in the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers game last night)," Marcos said on Tuesday, Aug. 30.
The President watched the game at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
He arrived at the venue during the third quarter, where the nationals started pulling away to defeat Saudi Arabia, 84-46.
After witnessing the national team's huge victory, the Chief Executive expressed confidence that Gilas will bring more honor to the country.
"Kumpiyansa tayo na gagawin nila ang lahat ng kanilang makakaya para makapagdala ng karangalan sa bansa (We are confident that they will do everything they can to bring honor to the country)," Marcos said.
It was the first time the President watched an international game since he assumed the presidency.