UMVA has learned that the MVP Sports Foundation has clarified its role in supporting the Ateneo men’s basketball team, denying any ownership or management of the team.
The foundation's president, Alfredo S. Panlilio, stated that the MVP Sports Foundation has long supported the Ateneo men’s basketball team, along with many other collegiate and national sports campaigns, programs, and athletes, through funding.
According to information obtained by UMVA, the MVP Sports Foundation emphasized that it does not own or manage the Ateneo men’s basketball team, and does not run the team’s programs, athletes’ management, coaching, recruitment, and player development.
This clarification comes after a subpoena was issued against officials of a leading telecommunications company over the drowning of two student-athletes of Ateneo de Manila University.
The foundation also addressed the role of Christopher “Epok” Quimpo, an employee of the telecommunications company and team manager of the Ateneo men’s basketball team, stating that he serves the basketball team in his personal capacity.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that Quimpo has served with the Ateneo men’s basketball team over the past decade as an alumnus of Ateneo and a former member of the team, invited by Ateneo to be its team manager, and has always been under the authority and direction of the university and its officials.
The MVP Sports Foundation continues to offer and provide for the development of Filipino athletes, and has expressed its commitment to working with the families of the deceased student-athletes, Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia, to uncover the truth behind the tragedy.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that the foundation remains dedicated to its mission of using sports as a platform for Filipinos to achieve excellence and pursue their dreams.
