In recent weeks, Jonnel Policarpio has found himself once again in the midst of controversy – but this time, the allegations are not of his own making.
Serious accusations have emerged, suggesting that his academic documents leading up to NCAA Season 94 may have been falsified.
That would potentially have rendered him ineligible to play for Mapua High School during their victorious campaign.
Mapua High School’s Red Robins clinched the championship in Season 94, overcoming La Salle Green Hills in a memorable showdown.
However, information obtained by Tiebreaker Times indicates that Policarpio’s academic history is under scrutiny.
According to the uncovered documents, Policarpio completed his Grade 10 studies at Kid’z Study Hall Learning Center.
The twist, however, is that this learning center had ceased operations during the 2017-18 school year.
The controversy deepened as Policarpio continued to play for Mapua as a Grade 11 student, contributing significantly to the Red Robins’ success on the court.
This discrepancy came to light in 2020, when he committed to De La Salle University.
At that time, incomplete documents raised concerns, prompting La Salle to wait until Policarpio finished his high school studies at Sto. Tomas National High School before being eligible to compete in UAAP Season 86 (2023-24).
Further complicating matters, it was revealed that as early as 2020, La Salle Green Hills had brought the matter to the attention of the NCAA, seeking clarification on Policarpio’s eligibility.
On August 25, 2022, just days before the commencement of NCAA Season 98, the school – represented by Dax Castellano in the Management Committee – once again urged the NCAA to investigate the situation.
Former players from La Salle Green Hills are also joining the call for a definitive resolution.
JD Cagulangan, now with UP, expressed concern about the injury sustained during the season allegedly caused by a foul committed by a Red Robin.
“I was hit by a former Mapua player during that season, and I was injured for that season. I was not able to recover. Until now, nararamdaman ko pa rin yung injury na ‘yan. Nasan yung hustisya?” he wondered.
Inand Fornillos, now a professional player with Converge, echoed the sentiment, stating, “Dapat ibalik sa amin. Because during my time, I was suspended for one game due to a foul on (Will) Gozum, which I did not commit. If ginawa nila ‘yun, dapat gawin din nila sa amin para fair naman.”
As the clamor for justice grows louder, it is evident that a conclusive resolution to this chapter is necessary for all parties involved to move forward.
