UST probes own team for ‘Sorsogon bubble’ violation

THE University of Santo Tomas (UST) will investigate its own team and coach, Aldin Ayo, for allegedly conducting unauthorized practices in a bubble or contained and sanitized environment in Sorsogon since June, brazenly violating the quarantine protocols of the government’s Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID).

Ayo and his players have been the hot topic in the media since news of the so-called Sorsogon bubble burst last Friday, putting the Growling Tigers in hot water with officials of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) as well as of UST itself.

“Today, we heard the news about the alleged breach of quarantine protocols by the UST basketball team in Sorsogon. Accordingly, we created a committee to investigate and to inquire into the matter,” a statement from UST read.

“While we adhere to the belief that physical activity can have a profoundly positive impact on the students’ physical and mental health, we believe that the undertaking should be done in compliance with the guidelines issued by the government. We always endeavor to support the concerted government effort to ensure that proper social and physical environments are in place,” the statement carried on, concluding that it would not tolerate any violation of government regulations and would swiftly deal out appropriate sanctions.

Ayo broke silence late Sunday evening, however, speaking only about the release of his former player CJ Cansino from the team, smoothly sidestepping the issue about the Sorsogon bubble.

“Regarding the alleged bubble training in Sorsogon, I will not comment for now, as UST is already investigating the matter as well as the [IATF-EID],” he rationalized in a statement. “I am fully cooperating with the ongoing investigations and praying that, in due time, this will be properly addressed.”

“We fervently hope that our government, with our cooperation and active participation, [will] find ways to effectively address the debilitating pandemic in our country [in order] that we may be able to resume a certain normalcy, where we could return to the game we passionately love and give our utmost, drawing the best out of each one in pursuit of total human development,” he expounded.

Meanwhile, Palace spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the IATF-EID would also, rightfully, investigate and deal out sanctions to any violators.

At the same time, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) and the Department of Health (DoH) convened a meeting with UAAP officials last Saturday.

UST officials politely declined the official invitation to join but promised to furnish the three government departments and the athletics body with copies of its official findings.

Tasked by the IATF-EID to draft a joint administrative order for guidelines on the conduct of nonprofessional and professional sports, the PSC, the GAB and the DoH will reconvene on the matter this Wednesday.

PSC Chairman William Ramirez told The Manila Times last Saturday that Ayo and UST itself could be held accountable to the IATF-EID if they will be proven guilty of breaching quarantine protocols.

Regarding the viral videos circulating on social media about the Sorsogon bubble, The Manila Times has been attempting to get a statement from UST officials, who were all unavailable for comment.

Source: TheManila Times