UAAP ‘respects’ legal action taken by swimmer against residency rule

MANILA, Philippines — With a second temporary restraining order sought against the league this season, UAAP said on Friday that it would likewise be respecting the legal steps taken by swimmer Mikee Bartolome and his father Vic.

Earlier this August, UPIS’ player Joshua General secured a court injuction which allowed him to play for 20 days after the UAAP ruled him ineligible to suit up in the juniors’ basketball division.

“Just like Joshua General’s case (who also secured a TRO on his disqualification), the UAAP would be respecting the steps undertaken by the swimmer’s father and honor the orders of the court,” said league in a statement.

The 17-year-old Bartolome, represented by Vic, her father, filed a TRO and a permanent injunction against the UAAP’s controversial two-year residency rule on Thursday after she failed to get a release from her former school, University of Santo Tomas.

Under the rule, a highschool graduate enrolling in another UAAP member school in college will need to sit out two years unless issued a release.

Bartolome, who also sought the help of the court to order UST to release her, is now enrolled in University of the Philippines as a Sports Science student.

Hearing for Bartolome’s case is scheduled for Monday at 2 p.m. before the Quezon City regional trial court.

“And because a legal case has been filed, the UAAP legal counsel, Attorney Rene Ma. Villa, takes over the handling of the issue,” the statement also said.

“Atty. Villa would only be discussing the merits of the case after Monday’s hearing. Similarly, the UAAP Board, specifically Ms. Malou Isip, would abide by their legal counsel’s advice.”