Sen. Christopher “Bong” Go on Thursday, July 9, pressed all investigating bodies to establish the full truth behind the deaths of student-athletes Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia and Divine Adili, stressing that the families deserve a clear account of what happened during the team-building activity that led to the tragedy on June 8.
“Gusto nating malaman ang katotohanan, kung ano talaga yung totoong nangyari, at hindi na dapat maulit ito. Kaya tayo gagawa ng batas, para maiwasan po itong mga pangyayaring ito. Magtulungan po tayo na maiwasan na itong mga pangyayaring ito,” Go said during the public hearing of the Senate Committee on Basic Education on recent tragedies involving the youth.
The hearing was chaired by Senator Bam Aquino, with Senate President Win Gatchalian and other resource persons also in attendance.
In the public forum, the Philippine National Police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) confirmed that three criminal complaints had already been referred to the National Prosecution Office for evaluation and case buildup.
Senator Go, Chairman of the Senate Committees on Sports and on Youth, urged the CIDG to make sure the student-athletes’ families are updated on the findings and developments in the investigation, lamenting on the abrupt end to the aspirations of the young cagers.
“A life lost is a life lost forever. Hindi na po natin maibabalik ang nawalang buhay. Walang makakapalit sa mga pangarap, sa mga pagkakataon, at kinabukasang nawala,” he said.
“‘Yung mga nasa probinsiya, talagang nangangarap makapaglaro dito sa Maynila. Nandito ‘yung golden opportunity…Nakakalungkot po. Nagluluksa po, hindi lang iyong mga basketball fans, kundi iyong sambayanang Pilipino at iyong mga kabataang Pilipino,” added Go.
Go is pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2261, which seeks to establish a comprehensive student-athlete safety and welfare policy. The bill intends to mandate the Philippine Sports Commission, in coordination with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Health, and other relevant agencies, to formulate and implement a national student-athlete safety code.
The proposed measure requires educational institutions and sports organizations to conduct risk assessments, prepare written safety and emergency action plans, and ensure the presence of qualified emergency personnel during sports-related activities involving student-athletes.
It also seeks to guarantee the right of student-athletes and their parents to be informed of possible risks and safety measures before activities take place. The measure further mandates pre-activity safety clearances, adequate insurance coverage, and safeguards against hazing, abuse, coercion, and other dangerous practices.
“Aside from calling for accountability, there is a compelling need for the government to examine existing laws, regulations, and institutional practices relating to athlete safety and welfare, to identify policy gaps and formulate legislation that will strengthen safeguards and establish minimum safety standards,” he said.
Go also recalled personally visiting the wake of Baterbonia in Davao and extending assistance to his family. He noted that Baterbonia, a Mindanaoan athlete from Agusan who had played in Davao during his high school years, carried the hopes of his family and dreamed of helping his siblings continue their studies.
“Nakakalungkot lang po bilang isang Mindanaoan at isang basketball fan, yung isang pangarap ng isang estudyante na gustong makatulong, pwedeng pagsasabayin ang kanyang pangarap at the same time mag-aral,” Go said.
“Hindi po masama mangarap; huwag lang po maputol ng maagang kamatayan,” added the senator.
In response to the incident, Go filed Senate Resolution No. 449, expressing the Senate’s profound sympathy and deepest condolences to the families of Baterbonia and Adili. He also filed Senate Resolution No. 450, calling for an inquiry in aid of legislation to determine policy gaps and strengthen safeguards for student-athletes.
