PSC reminds college sports: Safety is priority

MANILA, Philippines — In this time of pandemic, safety is No. 1 priority.

Philippine Sports Commission chairman William “Butch” Ramirez yesterday aired this sentiment amid reported cases of protocol violations by collegiate teams.

“Does winning always mean everything else should take second place?” asked Ramirez, whose agency is looking into the Santo Tomas Tigers’ possible violations of the COVID-19 safety protocols.

Ramirez said the PSC is bound by its duty to ensure that guidelines in preventing the spread of the deadly virus are followed.

“Your life, dear athletes, is more important than any medal could ever equal,” said Ramirez amid reports that the Tigers stayed in a training bubble in Sorsogon for two months until last week in violation of protocols.

UST coach Aldin Ayo has broken his silence on the controversy that led to team captain CJ Cansino being tossed out and moving to the UP Maroons camp.

Ayo pointed to irreconcilable differences as the main reason why Cansino was given the pink slip.

At the same time, the fiery coach said he is “fully cooperating” with any investigation, and hoped that the issue is “properly addressed.”

The UAAP is expecting a report from UST soon.