PSC to probe ‘Sorsogon bubble’
University of Santo Tomas (UST) men’s basketball coach Aldin Ayo and the UST could be held accountable for violating quarantine rules by allegedly conducting practices in the so-called Sorsogon bubble since June, according to Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William Ramirez.
“Kung sandalan natin dito ay ang IATF[-EID] (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) rules, may tama ‘yan (If we’re going to base it on IATF rules, there’s an infraction),” Ramirez told The Manila Times in a phone interview on Saturday, noting that he already instructed the PSC acting executive director, lawyer Guillermo Iroy, and national training director, Marc Velasco, to start an investigation on the matter.
“We got some videos of the UST basketball varsity team practicing in Sorsogon. I requested my people, Atty. Guillermo Iroy and Marc Velasco, to hold a meeting with UAAP (University Athletic Association of the Philippines) officials to dig deeper; then we will make a report.”
Ramirez said they would ask for UST’s explanation on the matter.
“We will investigate as to why they went to Sorsogon — if there’s a permit issued by the UST administration — so is it really true that they were caught in a lockdown, why they were there, and what event?”
Games and Amusements Board (GAB) Chairman Baham Mitra said they are contacting the UAAP to hear its side.
The PSC, GAB and Department of Health were tasked by the IATF-EID to come up with the joint administrative order last July 27 that will provide guidelines and protocols for professional and nonprofessional sports.
Palace spokesman Harry Roque Jr. said they were aware of the issue and would look into it.
Meanwhile, UAAP Executive Director Rene Saguisag Jr. said the UAAP was in full compliance with the protocols laid down by the IATF-EID. He said he was unaware of the so-called Sorsogon bubble.
The Manila Times has been trying to contact Ayo and other UST sports officials since Friday, but no one has been available for comment.