The MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) on Tuesday clarified that its involvement with the Ateneo de Manila University’s men’s basketball team is limited to providing financial support.
In a statement, MVPSF president Alfredo S. Panlilio said the foundation has long supported the team, along with other collegiate and national sports programs, but does not own or manage the Ateneo squad.
‘As with all of the sports programs we support, the MVPSF’s role is limited to providing funding,’ Panlilio said.
‘The foundation does not own or manage the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team. It does not run the team’s programs’ and athletes’ management, coaching, recruitment, and player development,’ he added.
Panlilio also addressed the role of Ateneo men’s basketball team manager Epok Quimpo, who is an employee of Smart Communications.
‘Mr. Epok Quimpo is an employee of Smart Communications. But we understand he has served with the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team in his own personal capacity over the past full decade – as an alumnus of Ateneo, and as a former member of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team, who was invited by Ateneo to be its team manager,’ he said.
‘In that engagement, he has always been under the authority and direction of the University and its officials,’ Panlilio clarified.
The statement was issued after the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP – CIDG) on Monday announced plans to subpoena Ateneo and Smart Communications officials as part of its investigation into the deaths due to drowning of basketball players Rene Baterbonia in Divine Adili in Dipaculao, Aurora earlier this month.
According to its corporate profile, the MVPSF is a non-stock, non-profit sports development organization that supports various sports programs through funding, as well as technical advice and feedback. /gsg