Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco has filed a resolution seeking a congressional investigation into the deaths of two Ateneo de Manila University student-athletes, focusing on accountability, safety protocols, and the protection of young athletes under school supervision.
Tiangco filed House Resolution 1112 on June 11, 2026, calling on the House Committee on Youth and Sports Development to conduct an inquiry into the deaths of Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili. The two Ateneo men’s basketball players died following a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8.
The resolution asks lawmakers to determine what happened and identify the possible liabilities of the school, concerned agencies, sports organizations, coaches, trainers, and other institutions responsible for student-athlete welfare.
“Whenever young lives are lost under circumstances that raise serious questions about safety and supervision, we owe it to their families and to the public to find out exactly what happened and who should be held accountable,” Tiangco said.
HR 1112 directs the inquiry to examine health and safety standards, emergency response procedures, the availability of medical personnel, and the supervision and conduct of coaches and trainers during athletic activities.
The resolution also seeks to clarify the responsibilities of the Philippine Sports Commission, Commission on Higher Education(CHED), DepEd, Department of Health, University Athletic Association of the Philippines, and the concerned educational institutions. It asks whether existing laws and regulations provide enough protection for student-athletes, including minimum safety standards, medical evaluations, emergency protocols, and clear lines of accountability.
Tiangco, an Ateneo alumnus, said the inquiry should establish facts and guide possible legislation without prejudging any person or institution.
“We cannot bring Rene and Divine back. But we can honor their memory by ensuring that the truth comes out and that every institution entrusted with the welfare of student-athletes is held to the highest standard of responsibility and care,” Tiangco said.
“The objective is simple: find out what happened, determine accountability, and make sure no other family has to endure the same loss,” he added.
