Despite its disastrous performance during the FIBA World Cup 2023, it seems that the players who represented the Philippines were still expected to receive a fat paycheck.
According to several reports, NBA Player Jordan Clarkson, who also plays for Gilas was earning around P9.5-M a day.
“Sabi sa akin ng aking ‘bubwit’, pumapatak na nasa close to P9 million a day, baka ‘yung per day na iyon ay ‘yung pagdating niya sa Pilipinas,” basketball coach Gerry Esplana said.
Another report posted by Full Court disclosed that Clarkson received a total of P56,781,000 to represent the country, while the 7′ 2″ player Kai Sotto was paid P11,356,200.
However, even the highest amount of money didn’t change the outcome of Gilas’ games and they’re now currently suffering from a 0-4 result.
They’re also considered one of the poorest performers during the FIBA World Cup even if they hosted the tournament.
Even Nesthy Petecio, one of the medalists last Olympics couldn’t hide his envy after reading the paycheck received by Clarkson and Sotto.
“Sana all,” said Petecio.
It can be recalled that Petecio was one of the athletes who pushed the government to increase its funding for its national athletes.