Aldin Ayo ‘vindicated’ after Sorsogon govt findings on UST bubble

Former UST head coach Aldin Ayo. INQUIRER PHOTO/TRISTAN TAMAYO

MANILA, Philippines—Aldin Ayo said he felt vindicated after Sorsogon Governor Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Sorsogon police absolved him of any liability regarding the University of Santo Tomas’ training camp in the province.

In a statement, Ayo said that Sorsogon government’s findings would help him in his appeal to be reinstated into the UAAP after the league banned him indefinitely in the wake of the Tigers’ “bubble” camp in Sorsogon amid the community quarantine.

“I feel vindicated by the result of the Sorsogon PNP Investigation on the alleged IATF [Inter-Agency Task Force for Emerging Infectious Diseases] violations in our activity in Capuy, Sorgoson; which result, was duly confirmed by the Office of the Governor of the Province of Sorsogon,” wrote Ayo on a statement that he released Friday.

“It is a big boost to my appeal for a reconsideration of the UAAP indefinite ban imposed upon me.”

In a letter posted by The Varstiarian on Thursday, Escudero said Ayo’s actions with the team were in accordance with the government health protocols.

“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.”

Ayo has since resigned from his post from the Growling Tigers following the fallout of the Sorsogon bubble wherein former captain CJ Cansino said that the team had basketball practices amid the community quarantine, which back then were prohibited for collegiate clubs.

Cansino, Brent Paraiso, Rhenz Abando, Mark Nonoy, and several others have since transferred to other schools following the mess that the Sorsogon Bubble created.

Ayo said that the UAAP only looked at the findings of the UST fact-finding committee and that his statements were overlooked leading to the sporting league to slap him with the indefinite ban.

“The result of the investigation conducted by the proper government authorities, the PNP on the ground, at my house and farm, will certainly complement my position on the matter: that I have not in any way violated any national and local government health protocol or IATF regulations,” said Ayo.

According to Sorsogon government’s findings, Ayo did not train the team and instead taught them farming.  Basketball activities were only done after their agricultural exercises and were done in limited capacity.

“This is no ordinary time. Times are hard. Many athletes coming from the provinces have in fact gone to farming due to the pandemic and community quarantines imposed by the government,” said Ayo.

“It is understandable that many people will find it hard to believe that basketball players can also be engaged in farm work and training, and planting trees. But if it is the the truth, then it is. For truth is stranger than fiction.”