Panel seeks extension of DLSU probe

The five-man fact-finding committee tasked by the University Athletic Association of the Philippines to investigate the La Salle eligibility scandal yesterday sought for an extension in a bid to come up with a more comprehensive probe of the scam that has rocked not only La Salle but the league as well.

"There are people they haven’t talked to, that’s one of the reasons they asked for an extension," said a source close to the UAAP board chaired by Fr. Max Rendon of Adamson.

It was Fr. Ermito de Sagon, O.P. of Santo Tomas, the group’s chair, who had asked for an extension in yesterday’s board meeting at the ABS-CBN’s ELJ Building in Quezon City where the board also held its Christmas Party.

The same source, however, refused to give specific details of what had transpired in the meeting although he hinted at the possibility of releasing the results of its investigation next month.

The panel had already invited several key personalities allegedly involved in the case three weeks ago.

Mark Benitez and Tim Gatchalian, who were found to have submitted false Philippine Educational Placement Test certificates to be able to enter La Salle in the absence of a high school diploma, headed the list of those invited.

Others who were reportedly summoned were assistant team manager Manny Salgado and statistician Raul Lacson, both tagged by La Salle on its probe as those who helped secure the spurious documents.

The two denied their involvement.

One possible sanction La Salle could face is suspension from the league, the same disciplinary action given Adamson in 1994 for fielding Marlou Aquino who had academic deficiencies.

Adamson’s Ric Matibag, Far Eastern’s Josie de Leon, National U’s Arlene Royo and league counsel Rene Villa are the other members of the UAAP fact-finding group. — Joey Villar