Pinoy Workers Party-list Representative Karl Fernandez Legazpi has filed a house resolution seeking a congressional investigation into the recent deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes in Dipaculao, Aurora.
The legislative inquiry aims to determine accountability within collegiate sports programs and strengthen safety protocols for student-athletes across the country.
In a radio interview, Legazpi explained that House Resolution No. 1110 targets current athletic training policies. The probe intends to hold educational institutions, coaching staff, and sports administrators to stricter standards regarding the welfare of their athletes.
“We wanted to set a clear line of accountability lalo na po sa usapin ng training ng mga student-athletes,” Legazpi stated. “They must always ensure na… kailangan nilang gampanan kung hindi man higitan ang responsibilidad para pangalagaan at protection ng kanilang mga atleta.”
Legazpi asserted that competitive success must never take precedence over the health and safety of students.
He added that the recent tragedy should serve as an urgent warning for schools and athletic organizations to reassess their risk management protocols.
“Alam niyo po, ang sports para sa ating mga Pilipino ay napaka-importante… at kailangan po mapangalagaan natin ang careers nila,” he added.
The lawmaker welcomed the initial actions taken by government agencies. The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is currently working alongside the Philippine National Police (PNP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) on a fact-finding mission.
Meanwhile, CHED has ordered Ateneo de Manila University to submit an official report on the matter.
The calls for legislative action follow the tragic deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, incidents that have triggered nationwide demands for accountability and better safety standards in school sports.