
Team photo of the UST Growling Tigers’ UAAP Season 82 lineup (Photo from Minajoy Ayo, dated Nov. 9, 2019)
The inter-agency probe into the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers’ alleged violation of quarantine protocols will have a verdict on Sept. 1, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) said in a statement.
The investigations are being conducted by the PSC, the Games and Amusements Board, the Department of Health, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases and the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd).
In the PSC statement, CHEd Chairman Prospero de Vera III reminded colleges and universities to follow government-set guidelines on the conduct of training and practices and prioritize student-athletes’ health and safety amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Safety of our students is the topmost concern,” de Vera was quoted as saying.
UST reportedly formed a “bubble” where its men’s basketball team had participated in contact drills and basketball practice in Sorsogon the past months.
Only professional teams, and not collegiate teams, have been given the green light to resume training and practice under IATF guidelines.
The university’s athletics director stepped down from his post earlier today amid the ongoing investigations, UST’s The Varsitarian reported.
According to PSC, UST is finalizing their internal investigation and the UAAP expects to receive the final report on Friday, Aug. 28. John Ezekiel J. Hirro