In fact, UP Chancellor Dr. Emerlinda Roman, the second highest official of the state university next to President Francisco Nemenzo, has sought an audience with the UAAP board in a bid to pursue their case against the 6-foot-6 cager.
The Maroons, through head coach Allan Gregorio, have earlier sought an inquiry by the UAAP board on reports that Santos recently saw action in a commercial league in Cebu, therefore making him ineligible for the 65th UAAP season.
The UAAP board held an emergency meeting last week but ruled in favor of Santos, saying the cager had passed the standard pre-season screening process, and that the UAAP does not recognize the Cebu Basketball League as a commercial league unlike the Philippine Basketball League.
Under UAAP rules, a player who has seen action in a commercial league must first establish a one-year residency with the school he would represent before he is allowed to play.
Tessa Jasminez, UP vice-chancellor for student affairs, recently said Roman has already sent UAAP president Sonny Paguia of host National University a letter questioning the board ruling on the issue, which is almost similar to the one involving La Salle’s Mark Cardona last year. — Joey Villar