SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada has filed a resolution commending and congratulating the Gilas Pilipinas men’s and women’s basketball teams for their back-to-back gold medal victories in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games, after defeating host country Thailand in the hard-fought finals to reclaim regional supremacy in the sport Filipinos love most.
“Both teams’ stellar achievements firmly cement the country’s reputation as a basketball powerhouse in the region and are therefore deserving of the highest commendation from the Senate,” Estrada said in his filed Senate Resolution No. 248.
“Ang panalong ito ay hindi lamang medalya — ito ay simbolo ng sipag, disiplina, at puso ng atletang Pilipino. Sa kabila ng matitinding hamon, pinatunayan ng Gilas na walang makapipigil sa determinasyon ng Pilipino,” the senator also said.
The men’s national team, led by head coach Norman Black, swept the tournament with dominant wins over Malaysia and Vietnam in the preliminaries, edged Indonesia in the semifinals, and sealed the gold with a thrilling 70–64 victory over Thailand. The win marked the country’s 20th men’s basketball championship in the SEA Games since 1977.
Meanwhile, the women’s team, under head coach Patrick Henry Aquino, delivered an equally impressive campaign — defeating perennial powerhouse Malaysia, overwhelming Singapore, dethroning defending champion Indonesia, and clinching the gold with a dramatic 73–70 victory against Thailand. The triumph secured the Philippines’ third women’s basketball title in the last four SEA Games editions.
Estrada underscored that both teams overcame significant challenges, including home-court pressure, taller opponents, restrictive eligibility rules, and limited preparation time, yet prevailed through teamwork, grit, and discipline — values that reflect the best of the Filipino spirit.
“Their victories inspired the nation and significantly boosted Team Philippines’ medal haul in the SEA Games. These achievements deserve the highest recognition from the Senate and the gratitude of a proud nation,” he said.
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