University of Santo Tomas is set to appeal the sanction meted on Growling Tigers head coach Aldin Ayo by the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.
The school is now making the necessary steps for a formal appeal to the league’s Board of Trustees, the highest officials in the league.
According to multiple sources closely monitoring the situation, the indefinite ban — the stiffest sanction the league can give an individual — is “inhumane”.
“Not having a definite end to a sanction is like sentencing someone to death,” one of the sources told Tiebreaker Times.
“It is just too harsh, especially for a reason that was deemed legal by the PNP.”
Back on September 9, the league sanctioned Ayo with an indefinite ban for violating two IATF protocols by holding a “training camp” in Capuy, Sorsogon. He had earlier resigned from his post on September 4.
“The ban is based on the UST report that showed Ayo 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,” the league’s statement read.
Last week, however, the Sorsogon City PNP concluded that the camp broke no laws. The Growling Tigers traveled to the province as working-students and participated in farming activities.
This was later endorsed by Sorsogon Governor Chiz Escudero.
Ayo had said that the conclusion would have bearing on his UAAP appeal. But all he needed was an endorsement from any of the eight universities, which he now has.
In league history, there have been only two cases of indefinite banishment. The only other case was that of La Salle’s then-assistant team manager Manny Salgado back in 2005.
