The House of Representatives is set to invite the coaching staff of the Ateneo men’s basketball team, along with players and other stakeholders, as part of its investigation into the deaths of two student-athletes during a team activity in Aurora province.
Deputy Speaker and La Union Rep. Paolo Ortega V said the inquiry will begin by looking into those directly involved in the activity, including coaches, players, school representatives, resort operators, and possibly local officials, as lawmakers seek to clarify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Manila Rep. Rolando Valeriano has initiated a motu proprio probe under his committee, although a hearing schedule has yet to be finalized. Ortega said updates are expected once Congress resumes discussions in the upcoming special session.
“Definitely po ‘yung coaching staff po ang number one na sigurado po kami na maiimbita,” Ortega said, noting that players who were present during the activity are also likely to be called.
The inquiry follows the deaths of Ateneo basketball players Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, who drowned during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. The incident has prompted questions on safety protocols, supervision, and possible liability linked to the conduct of the event.
Lawmakers said the probe will extend beyond the immediate participants to include the institution, venue operators, and local authorities overseeing the area where the activity took place. Reports indicated the incident occurred near a shoreline outside the resort’s designated safe zone.
Authorities are also looking into possible violations, including negligence and hazing-related concerns, as part of the broader fact-finding process.
Ortega said the House aims to first establish a clear sequence of events before drawing conclusions, stressing the importance of witness testimony and official records.
“Siguro po maganda pakinggan natin ‘yung mga susunod na araw kasi maiimbestigahan po lahat ‘yan,” he said.
He added that open-water conditions significantly changed the risk profile of the activity compared to standard training environments such as gyms or courts, noting that natural conditions cannot be controlled in the same way.
The lawmaker also raised the possibility that external groups, including foundations or alumni-backed “boosters,” may have been involved in supporting or organizing aspects of the team activity. He said the committee will examine how responsibilities were divided between the school and any outside partners.
While acknowledging that such support systems are common in collegiate sports programs, Ortega said the structure and decision-making process within Ateneo’s athletics program will be part of the review.
The House inquiry is expected to proceed once the committee finalizes its schedule, with lawmakers signaling a broader examination of safety standards in student-athlete activities conducted outside official sports facilities.