The MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) clarified that its involvement with the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team is limited to financial support and does not extend to managing the team, following recent developments tied to the deaths of two student-athletes.

In an official statement, MVPSF President Al Panlilio said the foundation does not oversee the team’s operations, including coaching, recruitment, and player development, stressing that these remain under the authority of Ateneo de Manila University.

“As with all of the sports programs we support, the MVPSF’s role is limited to providing funding. The foundation does not own or manage the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team,” Panlilio said in a statement.

The clarification comes amid scrutiny surrounding the team’s management after the deaths of student-athletes Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia.

Panlilio also addressed the role of former team manager Epok Quimpo, noting that while Quimpo is an employee of Smart Communications, his involvement with the Ateneo team was in a personal capacity.

“He has served with the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team in his own personal capacity over the past full decade — as an alumnus of Ateneo and as a former member of the team,” Panlilio said. “In that engagement, he has always been under the authority and direction of the University and its officials.”

The foundation reiterated its commitment to supporting Filipino athletes and expressed solidarity with those affected by the incident.

“We stand with all Filipinos not only in mourning the deaths of Divine Adili and Rene Baterbonia, but in working to surface all truths behind this tragedy, reaching out to their families, and affirming our continuing mission to use sports as a platform for Filipinos to achieve excellence and pursue their dreams,” Panlilio said.

The MVPSF has long supported collegiate and national sports programs, including the Ateneo Men’s Basketball Team, as part of its broader efforts to promote sports development in the Philippines.