New board to tackle all DLSU issues

University of the East officially accepted yesterday the hosting of the 69th UAAP season from Adamson even as the new board vowed to answer all the questions raised by De La Salle on its suspension.

Luz Sta. Ana assumed the UAAP presidency left by Fr. Max Rendon, OP, of Adamson in a simple oathtaking ceremony at the Casino Espanol in Manila that officially jumpstarted preparations for the next season delayed by the ineligibility scandal involving De La Salle.

But Sta. Ana refused to comment on the case, saying that the Recto-based school’s focus right now is on their preparation for the upcoming season where La Salle is barred from participating in all sports.

"Our focus right now is to have a successful UAAP this season," said Sta. Ana, who was also president when UE last hosted the UAAP in 1998. "Hopefully, nothing as big as this (La Salle issue) will happen in our time."

"We’re finished here, you can ask them (UE) questions regarding the league from now on," said a relieved Ric Matibag, the secretary-treasurer of the UAAP last season.

Designated board spokesman Anton Montinola of Far Eastern U said they would answer all the questions raised by La Salle point by point.

"We appreciated what they (La Salle) are trying to explain and we’re willing to explain what needs to be explained regarding the negligence that occurred," said Montinola.

He also said that the possibility of a legal action or a pullout by the Taft-based school remains an option for the school "but I don’t think they’ll do that."

Last Thursday, La Salle sent the UAAP board a letter asking for clarification on its suspension, which the school described as "vague and arbitrary."

La Salle System president Bro. Armin Luistro, backed by the entire La Salle community, also questioned the wisdom of suspending the athletes from other sports who were not involved in the scandal.

Luistro also broached the idea of taking the case up to the Supreme Court, or, a possible pullout by La Salle from the UAAP.

"Those are our options," said Luistro.

Season 69 unfolds on July 8 at the Araneta Coliseum and ends Sept. 24. Majority of the games will be played at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.