The University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP) is enforcing a major change in the upcoming Season 87 that kicks off with the men’s basketball as its centerpiece in the first semester of action. 

The league announced that starting this academic year, student-athletes transferring from member-to-member schools will not only go through the mandatory one sit-out season but will have an additional playing year removed from their eligibility on top of it. 

This leaves the players with a maximum of only three playing years from their supposed rightful five years and would still depend on how many years they have already spent in their previous team. 

“[There was] the initial rule of the residency, now they will be charged more. This is internal, from a UAAP member school transferring to a UAAP member school,” said UAAP executive director Atty. Rebo Saguisag during a press conference on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at the Novotel Manila in Cubao. 

“Let’s just say na any transfer after the academic year 2023-24, so Season 86, after that one ang affected. Any transfers made prior to that, hindi pa siya maaapektuhan,” he added. 

While the league is no stranger to the arrival and exodus of talents, the league saw shock moves in the last couple of months between participating schools, with Luis Pablo, Kean Baclaan and recently Mason Amos all going to De La Salle to name a few. 

Though the proposal has long been in the works, the recent collegiate transfer has been too impactful and surely inspired the league to finally enforce the rule change which they initially decided on in February. 

Prior to Amos’ controversial move from Ateneo to rival school La Salle, though, the news caught the attention of Senator Pia Cayetano which prompted her to remind the league of Republic Act No. 10676 or the Student-Athletes Protection Act, which she principally authored and sponsored. 

The legislation primarily “protects the playing years of student-athletes.” 

“I have read news reports on the supposed plans of the UAAP to amend its league rules, which may have an effect on the playing years of transferring student-athletes," Cayetano said in a social media post on June 8. 

“I trust that the UAAP Board of Trustees shares my concerns for the welfare of our student-athletes and will not do anything to circumvent the intent of RA 10676." 

When reminded of Cayeteno's initial thoughts, Saguisag said the league is ready to defend the decision that seeks to balance the interest of not only the student athletes in the scenario but also the member schools and the UAAP as a collective. 

"[I wouldn't] necessarily call it a response naman. We’re ready to defend if called upon. Allow me to state, however, that that is the beauty and gift of democracy. Everybody has their own views and their own perspectives. We understand and respect where she is coming from. She views it as I believe the term is unconventional." said Saguisag. 

“So there are three participants here whose interests we need to balance. Because at the end of the day, a better member school will lead to a better UAAP which leads to a better environment for the student athletes,” he added. 

Despite the differing views on the rule change, Saguisag stressed that "the welfare and interest of each and every student-athlete is of paramount importance" and will continue to be protected and guaranteed. 

All players who made the jump at the conclusion of the Season 86 and even earlier than that will not be affected which includes Pablo, who debuted with University of the Philippines as a rookie, former University of the East rookie Gani Stevens now with the Fighting Maroons, Kyle Paranada, who is set to debut in University of Santo Tomas, Season 86 Mythical Five Member Rey Remogat and even former NU ace Baclaan. 

Those who will unfortunately see the rule change take effect includes Amos, Renzo Competente, Mur Alao and Kobe Demisana. 

UAAP kicks off on Sept. 7 with a battle between Season 85 finalists Ateneo and UP at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.