UP tanker gets TRO on residency rule

MANILA, Philippines - Quezon City RTC Branch 226 Judge Manuel Sta. Cruz yesterday granted the petition of UP swimmer Mikee Bartolome’s camp for a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the UAAP’s controversial two-year residency rule.

The TRO covers a period of 20 days, clearing the way for Bartolome’s inclusion in the swim team of the five-peat-seeking Lady Maroons in Season 76. Bartolome graduated from University of Santo Tomas high school but could not secure clearance to shift to another UAAP school for college, a requirement for transferees.

“Wherefore all persons acting for or in behalf of the defendant UAAP are hereby ordered to cease and desist from imposing the two-year residency rule and allow...Bartolome to be eligible in the UP swimming lineup so that she can participate in the UAAP swimming competition swimming division this coming Sept. 19,” Sta. Cruz ordered.

The hearing on Bartolome’s prayer for the Issuance of Preliminary Injunction has been set Sept. 11.