PH Olympians meeting with Duterte set

President Rodrigo Duterte. MALACAÑANG POOL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte will receive the 12 Filipino athletes bound for the Olympics in Malacañang prior to their departure to Rio De Janeiro.

Commissioner Charles Maxey of the Philippine Sports Commission said the courtesy call on July 18 has been confirmed by Secretary Christopher Lawrence “Bong’’ Go, head of the Presidential Management Staff.

The athletes will rub elbows with the President of the country for the first time since the term of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

During the time of former President Benigno Aquino III, they were never received in Malacañang before participating in a big tournament such as the Olympic Games.

Swimmers Jasmine Alkhaldi and Jessie Khing Lacuna completed the Philippine roster to the Aug. 5-21 Summer Games.

Philippine Swimming Inc. secretary general Lani Velasco confirmed their inclusion after both satisfied the cutoff set by the International Swimming Federation or Fina.

Alkhaldi and Lacuna, who also donned the national colors in the 2012 London Games, will join hurdler Eric Cray, boxers Rogen Ladon and Charly Suarez, and weightlifters Nestor Colonia and Hidilyn Diaz.

Long-jumper Marestella Torres, marathoner Mary Joy Tabal, Ian Lariba of table tennis, taekwondo’s Kirstie Elaine Alora and golfer Miguel Tabuena were also confirmed by their respective international federations.

Torres and Diaz, the country’s flag-bearer in 2012 London, will be playing in their third straight Olympics.

“To receive some words of encouragement from the President will definitely boost their confidence,’’ said Philippine Olympic chef de mission Joey Romasanta.

Apart from the courtesy call with Duterte, a grand send-off is also in the works for the athletes before the delegation leaves for Rio on July 22.