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By now, a number of you have read my previous article and other forum regarding The Soc Rivera Rule. And last May 27, the mainstream media started to take notice of the situation, starting with the “Dean” himself, Quinito Henson writing a couple of paragraphs about this issue on his “Sporting Chance” column in the Philippine Star, and Rick Olivares’ interview with the players involved in his column in the Business Mirror. Well, Mr. Henson scored another “coup” by featuring Anton Montinola’s reply in his column in today’s Philippine Star issue. I’d like to qoute Mr. Montinola via the “Dean’s” column and say my piece on this.

“The new UAAP rule requiring a one-year residence for a graduated junior player to suit up for another school in the senior varsity was meant to diffuse friction and irritation caused by “piracy.â€? ”

I’m really bothered when Mr. Montinola and the UAAP Board used the word “piracy” to defened the rule. From what I understand about the word, it’s stealing, or robbery, or any unauthorized reproduction or use of a copywrited material, patents, etc. So by these definitions, there is ownership involved. So are these kids the property of FEU-FERN, now that they have finished and graduated their responsibilities and obligations under the scholarship given to them?

What hold or control does Mr. Montinola have over these kids? Do they own these them like commodities? When these kids graduated from high school, control and supervision over these kids ceased to exists.

“Let’s face it, there’s a lot of piracy going on and it’s more rampant in other UAAP sports than in basketball,â€? said Montinola. “Players get confused in the tug-of-war. Remember the case of B. J. Manalo when he went from Ateneo to La Salle . It led to a lot of useless foul talk in the bleachers and on the court. The transfer should have been discussed civilly and settled without fanfare.â€?

BJ Manalo’s case is unique since Mr. Montinola is now using it as an example to defend the rule, himself coming from Ateneo. I understood how they felt when BJ went to La Salle, after being touted to be the next “King Eagle”. For Ateneans, what Manalo did was “morally” wrong and even branded him as an ingrate and a traitor. But BJ and his family are convinced that nobody owns him, and has the right to go to any school of his choice. Thus on the part of La Salle, there was no piracy. And about foul talk in the bleachers and on the court, these will always be around especially in the heat of the moment. What I suggest for Mr. Montinola and all educators out there is to teach their students to respect the decisions of their peers and not to sow intrigue by letting loose words such as piracy then creating silly rules.

Mr. Montinola also used the phrase “to deffuse friction and irritation caused by ‘piracy’”. Except for Ateneans who were pissed by BJ Manalo’s flight to La Salle, I haven’t heard of any incident that fell in this definition. I haven’t heard bad things from Ateneans regarding Mike Gamboa joining the Maroons. I haven’t heard bad things from La Salle regarding Migs De Asis, Martin Reyes, Dan Salvador and Lauren Fiona Molina playing for the Maroons. In a civilized society, one can only wish the best for someone even if that someone decides against what society is expected of him. The case of Manalo did hurt a lot of Ateneans, but in the end, deep in their hearts, they wished him well. In the end, civility rules.

Mr. Montinola also acknowledeged that Soc Rivera has an obligation of P115,000 and has yet to pay for his release. What for? He did play for FEU-FERN as part of his scholarship agreement. The kid played his heart out for the school, nearly winning the championship for them. He did okay in his studies that he graduated and is eligible to go to any college of his choice. Unless he lost a library book, or damaged school property, Rivera has no more responsibilites and obligations to the school, and has every right to claim his hgih school papers and credentials. And how come fellow UAAP mythical team member Mark Lopez was assessed amuch lesser amount? His teammates Dexter Rosales and Jomar Paulino weren’t assessed at all. And does this mean Mike Gamboa will have to get his release from Ateneo HS even if they parted amicably? We now know how dumb the Soc Rivera Rule is, but applying it to Gamboa, well it leaves a bitter taste in the mouth.

This statement will suerely rock your boat!
“I didn’t want to get involved in a tug-of-war,â€? said Montinola. “FEU doesn’t keep players for the heck of it. We willingly release players who don’t want to play for us. We have enough players to choose from. But there are costs to building up players for the future.â€? Montinola said FEU’s high school players are not given scholarships per se. “They study and play for us,â€? he went on. “There are tuition fees and expenses like board and lodging that are carried in the books as receivables. In the end, we decide whether or not to absorb the expense.â€?

Is how they treat their scholars, student-athletes especially? A student-athlete has his/her hands full in fulfilling the conditions of the scholarship, and yet after he/she graduated and brought honor and the glory to the school, should put his/her alma mater on top of the list when planning for the future. As I see it, the honor and glory that Soc Rivera and company brought to FEU-FERN is not enough for Mr. Montinola, and by the way he let loose his words, then my earlier questions were answered.

*******************
Quotes came from Quinito Henson’s column “Sporting Chance”, Philippine Star, May 29 2007

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