UST Growling Tigers with former coach Aldin Ayo during last year’s UAAP Finals. INQUIRER PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero absolved Aldin Ayo, former head coach of University of Santo Tomas, of any violations regarding the Tigers’ bubble training in his home province amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an official document posted by The Varsitarian, Escudero certified that Ayo and the Growling Tigers did not commit prohibited basketball activities during the Sorsogon bubble which ultimately led to the departure of some of their players.
Escudero said that Ayo and his team’s actions were still in accordance with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases’ rulings.
“The actions performed by former coach Aldin Ayo is in accordance with the health protocols and guidelines as per existing IATF-EID and that there was no UST-sanctioned team basketball training conducted in the domicile of Mr. Ayo or was there any prohibited basketball activities conducted by his guests outside of his residence within the jurisdiction of the Province of Sorsogon,” wrote Escudero on the certification that was dated September 28.
“Mr. Aldin Ayo is not liable for violation of any health protocol pursuant EID-IATF guidelines and local executive orders in the Province of Sorsogon.”
According to Escudero, Ayo’s actions were “of legitimate activities.”
Escudero also made the ruling in accordance with the Philippine National Police’s findings in Sorsogon.
The fallout of the Sorsogon Bubble, however, was severe with Ayo resigning from his post and Rev. Fr. Jannel Abogado, O.P. also stepping down as the director of the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics, the UST office that presides over its student-athletes.
Ayo was banned from the UAAP and all league-related activities. He has said he will be appealing the ban.
Players such as CJ Cansino, Mark Nonoy, Rhenz Abando, and Brent Paraiso also transferred schools.