MVP Sports Foundation says support to Ateneo men's basketball team is limited to funding
The MVP Sports Foundation clarified its role in the Ateneo de Manila University’s men’s basketball program, emphasizing that it only provides funding and does not manage the team.
In a statement on June 16, MVPSF president Al Panlilio outlined the extent of support the foundation offers to the Ateneo team.
"As with all of the sports programs we support, the MVPSF's role is limited to providing funding. The foundation does not own or manage the Ateneo Men's Basketball Team. It does not run the team's programs and athletes' management, coaching, recruitment, and player development," Panlilio said.
Panlilio also acknowledged that former team manager Christopher “Epok” Quimpo is an employee of Smart Communications. However, he said that Quimpo’s involvement with the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team over the past decade has “in his own personal capacity […]” In that engagement, Panlilio said, Quimpo “has always been under the authority and direction of the University and its officials."
This comes after the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said it would subpoena Smart Communications officials in the probe into the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili.
According to the agency's investigation, Smart Communications runs the Ateneo men's basketball team. However, authorities are still looking into whether the telco is liable for the tragedy.
The CIDG also said on Monday that it would look at Baterbonia and Adili's deaths as possible homicide or hazing cases.
Ateneo Blue Eagles former head coach Tab Baldwin and three other AdMU officials failed to appear during the agency's fact-finding session despite a subpoena. It will issue a second summons for another probe on Friday, June 19. Should they fail to appear again, this will warrant a contempt of court.
Meanwhile, Quimpo and Baldwin resigned a week after the drowning incident.
Panlilio ended his statement by saying the MVPSF stands by all it has offered and provided for the development of Pinoy athletes.
"And we stand with all Filipinos not only in mourning the deaths of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia, but in working to surface all truths behind this tragedy, reaching out to their families, and affirming our continuing mission to use sports as a platform for Filipinos to achieve excellence and pursue their dreams."
The MVPSF is under the MVP Group, wherein Smart Communications is a subsidiary.
