MANILA, Philippines – The new UAAP residency rule was met with criticism and mockery on the social networking website Twitter, with the hashtag #NewUAAPRule being included in the top 10 trending topics in the Philippines for a while.
Athletes, coaches and media members alike gave their two cents and even made outrageous made-up rules to mock the new ruling instituted by the UAAP board last night mandating a two-year residency for high school athletes who want transfer to a rival school.
UAAP star Kiefer Ravena was among the most vocal personalities, stating the absurdity of the rule could lead to player poaching earlier than the high school level.
Many Twitter users said that the freedom of choice will overshadow the players’ decision and will leave almost all the responsibility to their parents.
The new rule was instigated by the supposed transfer of UAAP juniors MVP Jerie Pinggoy of Far Eastern University to five-peat champion Ateneo De Manila University.