Some House leaders have filed a resolution seeking a legislative inquiry into the deaths of two student-athletes of the Ateneo de Manila University.
Deputy Speaker Francisco Paolo Ortega V, Deputy Speaker Jefferson Khonghun, Deputy Majority Leader Ernest Dionisio Jr., and House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms Chairperson Zia Alonto Adiong filed House Resolution 1129.
The lawmakers are calling for a thorough investigation into the drowning deaths of Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles student-athletes Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, to strengthen safeguards for student-athletes nationwide.
The resolution directs the Committee on Basic Education and Culture and the Committee on Higher and Technical Education to look into the circumstances surrounding the June 8, 2026 incident during a university-sanctioned team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
It seeks to examine safety protocols, supervision, risk assessment, emergency response procedures, and broader safeguards in school athletic programs.
“Student-athletes are first and foremost students. Their pursuit of excellence in sports must never come at the cost of their lives. This tragedy compels us to ensure that every school, coach, and athletic program upholds the highest standards of safety. We owe it to these young athletes and their families to turn this loss into meaningful reform,” the lawmakers said.
The resolution cites constitutional mandates to protect youth welfare, promote quality education, and support sports development. It also references Republic Act No. 10676 or the Student-Athletes Protection Act, as well as the special parental authority of schools over students during authorized activities, including off-campus events.
The proposed inquiry will review mandatory risk assessments and safety protocols for training, team-building, and other off-campus activities. It will also assess requirements for qualified medical personnel, lifeguards, emergency transport, communication systems, and certification and training for coaches and staff in first aid, CPR, water safety, and emergency response.
In addition, the resolution calls for strengthened reporting systems for serious incidents across the Department of Education, the Commission on Higher Education, TESDA, and athletic associations, as well as a review of informed consent and liability waivers.
Ortega, a former student-athlete from the San Beda Red Lions, urged lawmakers with backgrounds in competitive sports to help distinguish legitimate athletic training from practices that may expose players to undue risk.
“These deaths must not be viewed in isolation. We must examine the entire framework governing student-athletes—from basic education to higher education—to prevent future tragedies,” the House leaders said.
“Safety should never be optional or left to the discretion of individual institutions. The resolution calls for an impartial, transparent inquiry in aid of legislation and urges concerned agencies—including Ateneo de Manila University, the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Philippine Sports Commission, University Athletic Association of the Philippines, and local government units—to cooperate fully,” they added.
The House Young Guns also expressed condolences over the deaths of the two student-athletes, describing them as promising young individuals whose lives were cut short during what should have been a safe and enriching activity.