ANGARA FILES SENATE RESOLUTION COMMENDING GILAS PILIPINAS

Senator Juan Edgardo "Sonny" Angara has filed a Senate resolution today commending and congratulating Gilas Pilipinas for bagging silver in the 27th FIBA Asia Championship and qualifying in the 2014 FIBA World Cup.

In the semifinals game against South Korea on Saturday, Gilas Pilipinas, before a capacity crowd at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, captured a breathtaking and historic 86-79 victory to secure not only a silver medal but more importantly, a ticket to the 24-team world cup in Spain.

The Philippines, however, was outmatched in the finals game and yielded the crown to Iran on Sunday.

Angara noted that the last time the Philippines qualified in the world championship was almost three decades ago, and that the Gilas Pilipinas' win puts the Philippines back in the world basketball map.

"It's difficult to put into words the pride and joy felt by the Filipinos with the victory of Gilas Pilipinas. The victory exorcises the demons of tournament's past where we came so close to basketball glory and still fell short despite our valiant efforts. We pay tribute to all the persons involved--players, coaches, MVP, the Gilas organization, and of course our countrymen who cheered them on," the neophyte senator said.

Under the resolution, Angara said Team Gilas' victory has brought honor to the country and, thus, merits the government's recognition.

"Sports can indeed galvanize a nation and enflame Filipino pride. In a basketball-loving country like ours, the victory can be considered a tribute to all Filipinos here and around the world who exemplify the same hard work, resilience, character and Filipino spirit," he concluded.