Authorities from the University of Santo Tomas will be given the chance to shed light on the situation surrounding their men’s basketball team when it conducted practices in an alleged “training bubble” in Sorsogon recently.
Philippine Sports Commission chairman William Ramirez said this after UST began its internal investigation this week.
“The Philippine Sports Commission recognizes the authority of the University Athletic Associations of the Philippines on this member-team and we are giving them the chance to clarify matters internally,” said Ramirez.
At the same time, Ramirez stressed that virtues and values “be given equal weight as winning in sports programs. In this vision I see partners in local government units, sports officials and schools—where discipline and character are nurtured outside the home.”
“It is for this reason that the issue, for me, is much bigger than sports. It touches on a sensitive facet of our society that questions our priorities. The PSC, being the government arm in sports, and part of tripartite group (PSC, Games and Amusement Board and Department of Health) tasked to oversee physical activities in this time of pandemic, is bound to uphold whatever government dictates. We are bound by duty to ensure that government-imposed safety protocols are observed, for the safety of our athletes, and the community they move and live in,” said the PSC chief.
“We cannot over-emphasize how important it is to be good followers at this time of our nation’s journey. Just as our strict demand and high standards for good leaders are very much valid, we do our share in ensuring our victory against this health crisis when we decide to be good followers observing guidelines and moving as one team, community and country,” Ramirez said. “We made every effort to send home every one of our more than 1,600 national athletes home. Their safety weighs more than any color of honor that continued training may produce. As one famous movie line goes, we live to fight another day.”
It was agreed that appropriate actions will be expected to be taken by UST, with the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics seen to lead the way in launching an internal investigation Growling Tigers.
IPEA officials, led by Fr. Jannel Novino Abogado, O.P., are now on the case, following a meeting between University Athletic Association of the Philippines commissioner Rebo Saguisag and members of the tripartite group.
UST basketball team coach Aldin Ayo remained tight-lipped on the training camp when he broke his silence on Sunday evening in a written statement. Ayo, however said, he will cooperate in the probe.
The UAAP will hand over their findings to the league, which is now under Season 83 host De La Salle University.
The group will meet with UAAP officials on Wednesday and make decisions afterwards.
Under a Joint Administrative Order created by the PSC, GAB and the DOH, only professional leagues in basketball, football and boxing are allowed to resume training under a General Community Quarantine.
