MANILA — Special Assistant to the President Christopher Lawrence“Bong” Go admitted that the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) is at a totally different level of basketball from the UNTV Cup.
“Noong nakita ko ang mga kalaban, sina Marlou Aquino, medyo tama nga. Saling pusa lang ako (When I saw my enemies, like Marlou Aquino, they were right. I’m just a little kid here),“ he said. “Mga higante yung kalaban ko. Di kakayanin (They are giants. I can’t beat them).”
While the Muntinlupa guard who was suited up for the team’s Datu Cup debut against newcomer Mandaluyong did not play during the season opener, he participated in a special three-point shootout that took place during the opening ceremonies and even graced the ceremonial toss that signalled the start of the new tournament.
Go has been visible in nationally-televised hoop action these days, also taking part in the recently-concluded PBA All-Star Week while continuing his 3-Pointer ng Bayan tour.
The presidential aide, however, dismissed criticisms branding his involvement in the event as electioneering.
“Di po ito matatawag na pamumulitika. Alam niyo po bata pa lang ako, naglalaro na ako ng basketball. (This is not politicking. You know what, since I was young, I have been playing basketball),” he said.
“Maglaro na lang tayo ng basketball. One-on-one tayo (Let’s just play basketball, one on one),” Go told his critics.
Duterte’s closest aide said he has suit up for Muntinlupa in the MPBL in a bid to promote the game of basketball in the countryside. (Ivan Stewart Saldajeno/PNA)
