SENATOR Christopher ‘Bong’ Go has urged authorities to uncover the full truth behind the deaths of student-athletes Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, saying their families deserve a complete account of what transpired during the team-building activity on June 8 that ended in tragedy.

“We want to know the truth about what really happened, and this should never happen again. That is why we will craft legislation to prevent incidents like this. Let us all work together to ensure these tragedies are not repeated,” Go said.

Go, who chairs the Senate Committees on Sports and on Youth, called on investigators to keep the victims’ families informed of the progress of the case while pursuing accountability.

“A life lost is a life lost forever. We can never bring back those who have died. No one can replace the dreams, opportunities, and future that were taken away,” the senator said.

He also lamented the loss of two promising student-athletes whose aspirations were cut short.

“Many young people from the provinces dream of playing in Manila because it represents a golden opportunity. It is heartbreaking. Not only basketball fans are mourning, but the entire Filipino nation and our youth as well,” Go added.

To strengthen protections for student-athletes, Go is pushing for the passage of Senate Bill No. 2261, which seeks to establish a comprehensive student-athlete safety and welfare policy.

Under the proposed measure, the Philippine Sports Commission, in coordination with the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Health, and other concerned agencies, would formulate and implement a national student-athlete safety code.

The bill would require schools and sports organizations to conduct risk assessments, prepare written safety and emergency action plans, and ensure the presence of qualified emergency personnel during sports-related activities.

It also seeks to guarantee that student-athletes and their parents are informed of potential risks before activities take place, while mandating pre-activity safety clearances, adequate insurance coverage, and safeguards against hazing, abuse, coercion, and other dangerous practices.

Go said the tragedy underscores the need to review existing laws and institutional policies governing athlete safety.