The recent changes to the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) eligibility rules for student-athletes should be halted, according to Senator Pia Cayetano. The senator expressed concerns over the UAAP board’s decision to penalize student-athletes who transfer from one member school to another at the collegiate level.
Cayetano urged the UAAP’s board of managing directors to reconsider its stance, arguing that the new rules could violate Republic Act No. 10676, also known as the “Student-Athletes Protection Act.” This law ensures the amateur status of student-athletes and regulates residency requirements while prohibiting their commercialization.
“From their perspective, they don’t see this as a violation of the law, but it’s quite clear to me,” said Cayetano, a former varsity volleyball player at the University of the Philippines, as she quoted portions of the law during her statement.
Under the new UAAP regulation, which will take effect in the 2024-2025 academic year, student-athletes who transfer between UAAP member schools will still be required to sit out one year, as was the previous rule. However, the revised rule introduces an additional penalty—deducting two years from the athletes’ eligibility period.
Cayetano pointed out that such a rule unfairly punishes student-athletes, suggesting that there are better ways to address concerns over athlete poaching between schools. “I understand you have issues with poaching, but solve it in a more mature, responsible way,” she added.
The senator also highlighted that the changes may significantly impact the remaining playing years of student-athletes. For example, an incoming sophomore who transfers will only have two years of eligibility left at their new school, while an incoming junior would only have one year to play.
“Don’t punish the kids. Don’t punish the athletes,” Cayetano emphasized, noting that other countries, like the U.S., are already adjusting their rules on student-athlete transfers in ways that do not harm the players.
