Malacañang on Fiba bid loss: We put our best foot forward

Yao Ming celebrates with Chinese participants after China was awarded the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup defeating the Philippines during a 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup host announcement ceremony in Tokyo, Friday, Aug. 7, 2015. AP

There’s nothing to be ashamed of, Malacañang said on Friday, after the Philippines lost its bid to host the 2019 Fiba Basketball World Cup to China.

“We put our best foot forward and we can hold our heads up high,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

He said the government would continue to promote the country “as an investment, tourism and events destination.”

“We commend our Philippine delegation headed by Secretaries (Albert) del Rosario and (Ramon) Jimenez and Mr. Manuel V. Pangilinan for their spirited endeavor,” he added.

The Philippine delegation banked on the country’s large and passionate basketball fanbase during the final pitch, which was televised live on Friday.

Both China and the Philippines made their pitch on why Fiba should pick them while showing a series of videos to boost their argument.

Filipinos also banked on the social media prowess of local netizens, making #PUSO2019 trend on Twitter, but it was not enough to win the bid.