Duterte backs Foton PH: ‘I will watch your games if I have time’

Members of Foton Pilipinas pose for a photo in front of the Presidential seal during a courtesy call to President Duterte Tuesday night in Malacanang. The Tornadoes will be competing in the AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship from Sept. 3 to 11 at the Alonte Sports Center in Binan City

Duterte backs Foton PH: ‘I will watch your games if I have time’

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte threw his support to Foton Pilipinas, whose members paid him a courtesy call last Tuesday.

The Chief Executive gamely posed for selfies with the players, among them Jovelyn Gonzaga and Jaja Santiago and American imports Lindsay Stalzer and Ariel Usher.

Mr. Duterte chatted briefly with the team and joked that the players look like beauty pageant contestants as he posed for pictures and signed a team photo.

Mr. Duterte said he’s confident of the chances of the Tornadoes, who will compete in the Asian Volleyball Confederation Women’s Club Championships slated Sept. 3 to 11. Mr. Duterte said he might even watch the games at Alonte Arena in Biñan, Laguna.

President Duterte signs the official team photo of Foton Pilipinas during a courtesy call in Malacanang Tuesday night. The Tornadoes will be competing in the AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship from Sept. 3 to 11 at the Alonte Sports Center in Binan City

“Sports is my passion because it takes the youth away from drugs,” he said. “I will watch your games if I have time. All I can say now is good luck and mabuhay kayo.”

Mr. Duterte also joked with Italian coach Fabio Menta, asking him how long he’s been coaching. When Menta replied “more than 20 years,” the President replied: “Oh good, I know we will win.”

Foton on Sports IQ

The Philippine Superliga selection will face tough odds in the tourney where the country’s best finish has been seventh place. Now with a favorable bracket, the Tornadoes are targetting the semifinals.

Also in Malacañang were Maika Ortiz, Rhea Dimaculangan, Jen Reyes, Ivy Perez, Patty Orendain, Carol Cerveza, Angeli Araneta team owner Rommel Sytin and team manager Joma Angulo.

The team will grace Sports IQ, the Inquirer’s weekly live omni-platform sports talk show, Thursday at 8 p.m.