Nothing to hide as Perasol clarifies alleged UP ‘training’

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines—University of the Philippines head coach Bo Perasol is open for an investigation after the UAAP Board of Managing Directors received photos and clips featuring center Bright Akhuetie practicing his shooting in an open-air gym.

Perasol said that they have nothing to hide and that Akhuetie was in Cavite during the time the province was under general community quarantine.

“In fact, I invited Bright because he was by himself in his unit in Quezon City so I invited him to practice his shooting so he can have a different scenery,” said Perasol in Filipino in a conversation with Inquirer Thursday.

“We’re open for an investigation because that will be better actually. The only thing is they’d use up precious time and resources for this. I understand why an investigation is necessary. The only thing we did was simple exercises, shooting, so that Bright can experience a different atmosphere.”

Although Cavite at that time was under GCQ, individual training inside a private property is still allowed under the stricter enhanced community quarantine.

Perasol said that the most he did were rebound and pass the ball to Akhuetie.

The Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases allowed only professional basketball and football teams to resume practices, but individual workouts inside private properties are permitted.

“I really don’t know where this is coming from because everything’s alleged that’s why, in fact, I am open for an investigation,” said Perasol.

Meanwhile, the UAAP Board is expected to release its verdict soon on University of Santo Tomas’ training bubble in Sorsogon. UST on Tuesday presented the findings of its own probe to the league and various government agencies that have since been involved in the issue.