In accepting Ayo resignation, UST also allays athletes’ fears

It’s official: Aldin Ayo and University of Santo Tomas have ended their fruitful partnership. —SHERWIN VARDELEON

The University of Santo Tomas (UST) on Saturday accepted the resignations of Aldin Ayo, the Growling Tigers’ embattled coach, and two of his deputies and allayed fears of the athletes of its mammoth sports program as they await a verdict on the basketball team’s supposed violations of quarantine protocols.

“It is with a heavy heart that (UST) accepts the resignation of Mr. Aldin Ayo … together with the resignations of Mr. Mcjour Luib and Mr. Jinino Manansala,” UST said in a a statement penned by Fr. Jesus Miranda Jr., one that was cleared by the school rector, Fr. Richard Ang.

The statement also addressed concerns of several coaches and athletes who fear that the resignations of Ayo and Fr. Jannel Abogado, the former head of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, would leave the entire sporting program shouldering the penalties of the Tigers’ alleged violations.

“Rest assured that the university will remain committed to the welfare of the student-athletes and that the process of rebuilding athletic programs, particularly that of the Men’s Basketball Team, through compassion and competence, will commence,” the statement read.

But the issue is far from over.

The UAAP Board of Trustees (BOT) still has to decide on sanctions recommended by its Board of Managing Directors (BMD) on Ayo and likewise figure out if a 2006 precedent, where La Salle’s entire program was suspended over its basketball team’s fielding of ineligible athletes, would be applied to UST—an option that surfaced anxieties of UST athletes who feared the loss of their scholarships in the event of a suspension.

Ayo is being probed for holding a training camp at a facility he reportedly owns in his hometown of Capuy, Sorsogon City, in defiance of government-imposed health lockdowns.

The BMD on Thursday submitted to the BOT its recommendations for the training in question, which it kept under wraps “out of respect for the member-school concerned.” Reports, however, indicate that Ayo could face a suspension or a ban.

An unimpeachable Inquirer source said at least one school is putting the decision of sanctions in the hands of government probers investigating the issue. That government committee, composed of the Games and Amusements Board, the Department of Health and the Philippine Sports Commission with help from the Commission on Higher Education, has already forwarded its own findings to the Department of Justice. The group said it has no legal personality to impose any sanctions.

Ayo’s resignation also leaves him beyond the reach of the UAAP, unless he transfers to another member school. Earlier reports said Ayo could be headed to Letran, but Inquirer sources have described this as “improbable at the moment.”

Lawyer Rebo Saguisag, the UAAP’s executive director tagged by the board as its spokesperson, has not responded to the Inquirer’s queries.

Arellano’s Peter Cayco, who chairs the management committee of the NCAA, where Letran plays, said Ayo’s transfer to any of its member schools merits a thorough examination.

“We will have to discuss the issue if it ever presents itself,” he told the Inquirer.

Ayo’s statement made it clear that he won’t hide from any culpability.

“I take responsibility for all my actions and shall face the appropriate sanctions,” said Ayo, whose statement confirmed an Inquirer report on Friday that he had tendered his resignation.