THE jury is still out on University of Santo Tomas.
Although the UAAP has cracked the whip on former Growling Tigers coach Aldin Ayo, banning him indefinitely in all events and activities last Sept. 9, the league has yet to decide whether to impose sanctions on UST.
One member of the UAAP Board of Managing Directors told Malaya-Business Insight the BMD recommended to the Board of Trustees, composed of university presidents, a deeper probe on the alleged bubble training held by the Tigers at the hometown of Ayo in Capuy, Sorsogon City from mid-June to August.
“Part of recommendation of the UAAP BMD to the Board of Trustees is to further investigate the matter. For context, what we based our recommendation on Ayo’s ban stemmed from the internal investigation conducted by UST,” the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
“Everything will depend on what the results of the investigation would be. Sanctions will only come in if indeed it’s established na may kamalian sila,” the source added.
In 2006, La Salle was suspended for one season and was banned from all sports after its men’s basketball squad fielded two ineligible players in Mark Benitez and Tim Gatchalian from 2003-2005.
The Green Archers forfeited all their games during that period and surrendered their basketball crown in 2004. The title was eventually given to Far Eastern University.
The source also added the league is closely monitoring the investigation being done by the other government agencies.
“(There’s) an investigation initiated by the UAAP,” said the source.
“Similarly, we are monitoring whatever outcome there would be from other government agencies looking at this matter.”
The Commission on Higher Education has issued show cause orders to UST and National University, also under the microscope after its athletes reportedly held workouts, for violating its advisories that “prohibited mass gatherings such as ceremonies and school activities, until the IATF prohibition is lifted,” last Sept. 7.
The Sports Joint Administrative Order group, made up of the Games and Amusements Board, Department of Health, and Philippine Sports Commission submitted to the Department of Justice and Department of Interior Local Government also last Sept. 7 a report for possible violations of Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ local ordinances rules.
