MANILA, Philippines — A resolution at the House of Representatives has been filed by Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco seeking an investigation into the deaths of Ateneo men's basketball team members Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, stressing that the tragedy goes beyond school affiliation.
Baterbonia and Adili drowned on Monday during a team-building activity at a resort in Dipaculao, Aurora.
In a statement, Tiangco, an Ateneo alumnus, filed House Resolution 1112 entitled "A Resolution Directing the Committee on Youth and Sports Development to Conduct an Inquiry, in Aid of Legislation, into the Deaths of Two College Student-Athletes During Training, to Determine the Accountability and Possible Liabilities of the School, Appropriate Government Agency or Agencies, and to Recommend Measures to Prevent Similar Incidents in the Future."
Tiangco's resolution seeks a congressional hearing on the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili, stressign that the tragedy demands a thorough examination of the systems responsible for ensuring the safety of young athletes.
"Whenever young lives are lost under circumstances that raise serious questions about safety and supervision, we owe it to their families and to the public to find out exactly what happened and who should be held accountable," Tiangco said.
The resolution directs the Committee on Youth and Sports Development to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths and determine whether existing laws, policies, and safety protocols governing collegiate athletics are sufficient.
The planned inquiry aims to examine issues such as health and safety standards, emergency response procedures, the availability of medical personnel during training activities, and the responsibilities of coaches, trainers, schools, and governing bodies.
"We cannot bring Rene and Divine back. But we can honor their memory by ensuring that the truth comes out and that every institution entrusted with the welfare of student-athletes is held to the highest standard of responsibility and care," Tiangco said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte said that the response of the Ateneo over the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili were "lacking".
"I feel that the school has fallen short in providing support to the family. Especially since this is no ordinary occurrence. This is the death of a student." Duterte said.