Palace: Aquino supports Azkals despite absence during match

While he cannot make it to the much-awaited game of the Philippine football team, nicknamed the "Azkals," against Mongolia on Wednesday, President Benigno Simeon Aquino supports the team, a Palace official said. At a press briefing, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino’s absence during the game does not mean that the administration does not support the team. “Him (Aquino) not being there does not, please don’t take it to mean that we do not support our team, because we do," she said. “Of course a lot of people would prefer that the President be there but of course having the matters of state as you have it now, hindi po talaga nag-permit ang schedule ni Pangulo," she added. The game between the Philippine Azkals and Mongolia’s Blue Wolves is set at 7:00 pm at the Panaad Sports Complex in Negros Occidental. The game is the first semifinals match in the biennial ASEAN championships. She said the President may not be physically present during the game but he will be updated on any development. “He (President) is in Palawan. He will be receiving updates from us on the game," said Valte. Valte added not only is the President excited over the game but the whole Office of the President, as well. “We wish the Azkals good luck later tonight at their game. We hope that you guys win and we are solidly behind you," Valte said. “A lot of our staff in the office are very excited about this game and we hope na magkaroon pa po ng second sa March 15 para our team can move on after hopefully defeating Mongolia," she said. Aquino on Wednesday visited the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan to help promote it to be one of the "Seven Wonders of the World."– VVP, GMANews.TV