NCAA Management Committee member Henry Atayde of College of
St. Benilde yesterday revealed that four schools have signified their intention
to join the league in the wake of a controversy hounding one of its members.
Atayde related the four schools have called the ManCom a day
after reports came out that Philippine Christian University is facing year-long
suspension anew after a continuing probe by league officials uncovered more
Dolphins culpable of identity switching violations.
"Yes, we received calls from other schools saying they want
to join. But I told them we are not really looking for a replacement (for PCU),"
Atayde told Malaya in a phone interview.
"I also told them we’re still awaiting the result of the
meeting between the Policy Board and (PCU president) Dr. Oscar Suarez. Pero ang
sabi nila, they are ‘just here’ if we need them."
Atayde did not name the schools but said that they are
participants in the Fr. Martin’s Cup.
Rumors also circulated yesterday that PCU is mulling to bolt
out the league although Atayde said it is highly improbable.
"I don’t think they will do that. But if they do we can’t do
anything about it, it’s their decision. Basta kami we just wait, we don’t want
to jump to conclusions," said Atayde who added the Board and representatives
from PCU will meet anytime next week.
In a statement sent to media offices Wednesday, ManCom
chairman Paul Supan said a consensus has been reached by the ManCom but refused
to make formal announcements until the Policy Board has met with PCU officials.
A source, however, revealed that the consensus is for the
Dolphins to sit out one more season while their status will be reduced to
probationary when they return next year.
The Dolphins were banned from joining the league last year
after Vincent King Importante was found to have falsified his documents to
assume the identity of his younger brother, Jaypee.
The investigation, however, did not stop there and more names
were discovered, including 2006 rookie MVP Elvin Pascual.
"The NCAA is transparent. PCU is aware that the league is still conducting
investigations and hindi naman namin sila binigla sa balita na ito," Atayde
added.
