Aldin Ayo on UST players doing farming in Sorsogon: 'Truth is stranger than fiction'

As odd as it sounds, basketball players can also be engaged in farm work.

This is what resigned University of Santo Tomas head coach Aldin Ayo maintained in his statement on Friday, two days after the Philippine National Police cleared him of any liability

The incident report and certificates from the government said UST players were engaged in farming-related activities and not sanctioned team practice.

"It is understandable that many people will find it hard to believe that basketball players can also be engaged in farm work and training, and planting trees," Ayo said. "But if it is the truth, then it is. For truth is stranger than fiction."

His full statement was posted by UST student publication The Varsitarian on their Twitter account.

Ayo said that many athletes in the provinces have "gone back  to farming" in these trying times. He himself went back to his own farm and shared it with "individuals who desired to come to [his] place."

"We can continue to be productive amidst the pandemic and community quarantines; but, still respecting government regulations," he said. "In fact, our government encourages agricultural pursuit especially in these times of crisis and economic depression."

Ayo considers the PNP report "a big boost" to his appeal for reconsideration

The UAAP sanctioned him for "endangering the health and well-being of the student athletes under his charge when he conducted the training during a government-declared state of public emergency intended to arrest the COVID-19 outbreak."

He said he raised matters "overlooked by the UST fact-finding committee" whose report was used by the UAAP board as basis for their decision on Ayo's case.

"The result of the investigation conducted by the proper government authorities, the PNP, on the ground – at my house and farm, will certainly complement my position on the matter: that I have not in any way violated any national and local government health protocol or IATF regulations," he said.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) earlier said it will issue a show cause order to UST regarding the alleged breach of protocol.

Chairperson Popoy de Vera also confirmed that based on the school's report, a training outside Metro Manila occurred but added it does not necessarily mean the team has committed violations.

The bubble controversy led to the exit of several UST players, including marquee names such as CJ Cansino, Rhenz Abando, and Mark Nonoy. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA News