Report: Ayo request for Sorsogon bubble initially denied by UST

Former UST head coach Aldin Ayo. INQUIRER PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — University of Santo Tomas’ then-athletic director Fr. Jannel Abogado reportedly denied Aldin Ayo permission to hold a training camp in Capuy, Sorsogon.

According to UST’s findings during its investigation on the controversial bubble submitted to the Commission of Higher Education (CHEd), Ayo came back after a week claiming “the players wanted it since they had nothing to do in their hometowns,” as per a report by the Varsitarian.

It was unclear, however, if Abogado, who has since stepped down from his post, eventually gave Ayo the green light to push through with the bubble, as per the school’s official publication.

Ayo found himself in hot water over the Growling Tigers’ training camp, which was reportedly held as early as June.

During that time, most parts of Luzon were still under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) which makes UST liable to a possible breach of quarantine protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The UAAP on Wednesday handed down an indefinite ban on Ayo, who resigned as UST head coach just last week.

While the league put the hammer down on Ayo, there is still no verdict on the fate of UST, which is facing possible suspension.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) has reached out to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) involving its probe on the bubble.

CHEd commissioner Prospero De Vera on Monday said a show-cause order will be issued to UST and National University, which is facing the same allegations, to air their side of the story and why those found liable should not be penalized.