GAMES and Amusements Board (GAB) chairman Baham Mitra urged the UAAP to step in following the controversial move by the University of Santo Tomas men’s basketball team to conduct training in Sorsogon during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking in his capacity as member of the GAB-Philippine Sports Commission-Department of Health technical working group that has been tasked to oversee the return of sports during the pandemic, Mitra said the committee believes it is the UAAP which should carry out any sanctions, if necessary, to the erring party.
“Hintayin muna natin ‘yung internal investigation [ng UST]. Gusto sana namin, ‘yung UAAP ang mag-sanction sa kanila pero ang sinasabi ng UAAP, hindi lang naman UAAP ang tournament na nilalaro ng UST team,” said Mitra.
Mitra and PSC national training director Marc Velasco had a virtual meeting with UAAP officials Nongnong Calanog of La Salle and executive director Rebo Saguisag on Wednesday. No UST representative was present in the online session.
“We would want them to self-regulate but according to them, these teams are not just participating in their own league. There may be practices in another league but it’s very clear that the JAO only allows the professional leagues and players to play. Let’s see what’s going to happen,” said Mitra.
Mitra said the possible sanction should be similar to what the PBA did to Blackwater in which it fined the team for conducting team practices in violation of the government’s safety standards against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PBA fined Blackwater P100,000 for the act, with GAB giving the Elite a stern warning after also meeting with team owner Dioceldo Sy.
“Gusto sana namin ‘yung maging parang Blackwater na inimbestiga ng PBA tapos tutulong na lang kami pero parang ayaw ng UAAP dahil hindi lang daw ‘yun ang tournament. We cannot do conclusions until they hear their side,” said Mitra.
Mitra said the Commission on Higher Education was also present in the meeting where chairman Popoy de Vera reiterated that college athletes should stay at home.
“I-remind natin sa kanila what are the do’s and don’ts and for others thinking about practicing, magre-reiterate na nga ng memo na bawal. Konting paalala lang,” said Mitra.
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