Since May, University of Perpetual Help System DALTA has shut down its athletics department due to the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. But what about the coaches who still have a live contract with the school?
For Altas head coach Frankie Lim, he would rather decide his own fate than wait.
The decorated tactician has opted to leave Perpetual, since his contract with the school has been suspended without pay for the last three cut-offs.
“For me, since they suspended my contract and they are not paying me, I have the option to leave ‘di ba? I have been silent for the last two months,” shared Lim, who was tapped by Perpetual back in Season 94.
“I think that since they are not paying me, I have an option to look for another job.”
Lim understands that Perpetual has been struggling with finances and that “sports is not a priority” right now for the school.
All of Lim’s assistant coaches were not renewed by the school last May.
But as a contract worker, Lim — whose contract expires in November — shared that he should still be paid the amount due since unlike Saint Benilde’s case, he was not furloughed. Moreover, the coaches of Benilde were explicitly told that they will be returning to the school several months before NCAA Season 96 begins.
According to Lim, the last time Perpetual’s brass contacted with him was back in August 19, when the school was asking him to enroll his recruits.
“It’s pretty normal (what’s happening with some schools right now) kaya lang I don’t think that sports is in priority list right now. I heard that enrollment in Perpetual is less than fifty-percent from last year. Hirap sila. They are trying to manage their finances,” bared Lim, 60.
“They are not even sure if they can pay my salary, but it’s a contractual obligation. And I am not an employee but an independent worker.”
After a seven-year absence from the Grand Old League, Lim, a four-time NCAA champion coach, guided the Altas to a Final Four finish in Season 94. There, they eventually bowed to San Beda. He also helped Prince Eze win the regular-season MVP award.
His second season with the team was then filled with controversy, to say the least.
Seven games into the season, Lim was asked by the school’s executive committee to go on a “leave”.
Lim eventually returned, but the Altas could not replicate the magic of Season 94, finishing in seventh place with a 5-13 slate.
