Growling Tigers coach facing internal inquiry, UST official confirms

The University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers are left to practice without their head coach for now as Bong dela Cruz faces an investigation before the university's Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA).

According to a report by The Varsitarian, UST's official student publication, IPEA director Fr. Ermito de Sagon refused to disclose the details of the inquiry for fear of having Dela Cruz unreasonably judged on social media.

De Sagon, however, said Dela Cruz was not suspended by the university.

"I cannot call it a preventive suspension because we have not suspended him," he said.
"What I am saying is that he cannot handle the practices until we have made a decision."

De Sagon said the investigation is "about our basketball program in reference to the University's policies."

He added that the team has resumed practice even without their coach in order to keep themselves in shape.

Dela Cruz, who steered the Tigers to a runner-up finish in the UAAP, is under contract until April.

He took the coaching reins in 2014, but failed to send UST to the final four in UAAP Season 77. —Marisse Panaligan/APG, GMA News