The organization issued the statement after its link with the team was mentioned by authorities in light of recent events.
In a statement issued on its official channels, the MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) clarified its role in the Ateneo De Manila University (ADMU) Men’s Basketball Team, which has been subjected to scrutiny following the tragic deaths of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili during a team-building activity in La Union.
In its statement, which was signed by the foundation’s President Al Panlilio, the group said that it has long supported the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team, along with many other collegiate and national sports campaigns, programs, and athletes.
“As with all of the sports programs we support, the MVPSF’s role is limited to providing funding. The foundation does not own or manage the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team,” it clarified.
The MVP Sports Foundation added, “[The foundation] does not run the team’s programs’ and athletes’ management, coaching, recruitment, and player development.”
It also confirmed that former team manager, Christopher “Epok” Quimpo, is an employee of Smart Communications, which is a sponsor of the squad.
“But we understand he has served with the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team in his own personal capacity over the past full decade — as an alumnus of Ateneo, and as a former member of the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team, who was invited by Ateneo to be its team manager,” the MVPSF added.
“In that engagement, he has always been under the authority and direction of the University and its officials.”
To end, tbe MVP Sports Foundation said that it “stands by” its side that all it has offered and provided for the development of Filipino athletes.
“And we stand with all Filipinos not only in mourning the deaths of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia, but in working to surface all truths behind this tragedy, reaching out to their families, and affirming our continuing Mission to use sports as a platform for Filipinos to achieve excellence and pursue their dreams,” the foundation ended.