Rio Olympians to call on Duterte

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino athletes bound for the Rio Olympics are scheduled to call on President Duterte in Malacañang on Monday or five days before they  leave for Rio De Janaeiro.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman Butch Ramirez said he has formally written the President’s executive assistant, Bong Go, about the courtesy call.

Ramirez said he has spoken to the Palace official about the fact that in the previous administration, Filipino athletes to the SEA Games, Asian Games or Olympics never had the chance to see the President in Malacañang.

“The President has to respect the delegation whether it’s made up of three, five or six athletes. President Duterte loves the athletes,” Ramirez said.

Twelve Pinoy athletes have qualified to the Rio Olympics scheduled Aug. 5 to 21.

They are boxers Rogen Ladon and Charly Suarez, track and field’s Marie Joy Tabal, Marestella Torres and Eric Cray, weightlifters Nestor Colonia and Hidilyn Diaz, golfer Miguel Tabuena, table tennis’ Ian Lariba, taekwondo’s Kirstine Elaine Alora and two swimmers who are waiting to be named by their international federation.

Since some of the athletes are training overseas, only a number of them may get to see President Duterte together with top officials of the Philippine Olympic Committee and the PSC.

“No problem,” said Ramirez.

The PSC chairman, who knows the President from way back, said the latter has a heart for the Filipino athlete.

During the recent Olympic Qualifying Tournament at the Mall of Asia Arena, President Duterte came to watch the Philippines’ game against France.

“Normally, when he comes to watch games, he doesn’t stay until the end. But this time he watched the entire game. It’s a good indication,” said Ramirez, who sat two seats away from the President during the game watched by a crowd of more than 15,000.