Duterte hails PH athletes

BRONZE- Reyland Capellan bags the Bronze medal for Men’s Vault in Gymnastics at the 2017 Seagames in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

President Duterte commended the country’s national athletes in the Southeast Asian Games, even as the country looks to finish a dismal sixth in the medal standings.

“The President is expressing his congratulations on the 15 gold, 21 silver and 36 bronze medalists for a total of 72 medals,” said Philippine Sports Commission Chair Butch Ramirez on Friday.

“He also commended even those who failed to win medals and gave their best for the country,” added Ramirez.

The Philippines was hoping to win 50 golds in the biennial meet, which would have put the country in contention for the fifth slot.

“Our ranking will most likely stay at sixth. With five days to go, it’s going to be really difficult to get 50 golds,” said Ramirez.