SBP special assistant to the president Ryan Gregorio said the Philippines was one of only a few countries chosen for the Trophy Tour. The Philippines hosted the FIBA World Cup in 1978 and was a finalist in the bidding for the rights to stage the 2019 tournament. China outvoted the Philippines, 14-7, in a poll of the FIBA Central Board to win the hosting rights for 2019. The only other Asian country to host the World Cup was Japan in 2006. “We’re going by the slots for Asia/Oceania in 2019, eight including host China,” said Barrios.

Source: Philippine Star March 16, 2019 16:00 UTC