Senator Bam Aquino has called for a formal Senate investigation into the tragic deaths of Ateneo de Manila University basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili during an off-campus event in Aurora province.
In a manifestation before the Senate on Wednesday, Aquino formally requested a joint inquiry by the Senate Committees on Basic Education and Justice.
The senator emphasized that the probe aims to uncover the truth behind the incident, establish accountability, and evaluate the adequacy of safety rules governing student-athlete activities.
“Nung Hunyo, dalawang kabataan na puno ng pangarap, dalawang atleta ng Ateneo de Manila University Men’s Basketball Team, si Rene Clert Baterbonia at Divine Adili, ang binawian ng buhay sa isang off-campus activity sa Aurora,” Aquino said.
Aquino disclosed that he recently met with the family of Baterbonia, who are still searching for clear answers regarding the fatal incident.
“Sa gitna ng lungkot, dalamhati at galit, iisa lang po ang kanilang hiling, ang katotohanan. Ano ba talaga ang nangyari sa kanilang anak?” Aquino said.
The lawmaker stated that the Senate could serve as an important venue to uncover the facts of the case.
Furthermore, he noted that the inquiry should review existing protocols from the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to see if safety loopholes exist in athletic programs.
“Ang trahedyang sumapit kina Rene at Divine ay nangangailangan ng kalinawan at katotohanan,” he said. “Posible pong maging espasyo ang Senado upang lumabas ang katotohanan sa mga pangyayari sa araw na iyon.”
According to Aquino, findings from the investigation could help lawmakers craft the proposed Safer Schools Act, a pending piece of legislation designed to heighten safety and protection standards for students nationwide.
“Kaya’t hinihiling po namin na atasan ang Committee on Basic Education at Committee on Justice na isagawa ang isang pagdinig at pagsiyasat ukol sa trahedyang ito. Para po sa katarungan, para po sa kaligtasan, para po sa ating kabataan, at siyempre po para kay Rene at Divine,” he said.
The deaths of Baterbonia and Adili have sparked widespread public concern, with multiple sectors demanding a rigorous review of safety guidelines and supervision during off-campus school trips.