SENATOR Bam Aquino on Wednesday honored the memory of two Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball players who died during an off-campus activity in Aurora, while calling for a Senate inquiry to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy and strengthen student safety measures.

In a privilege speech, Aquino paid tribute to Rene Clert Baterbonia and Divine Adili, describing them as young athletes with bright futures whose lives were tragically cut short on June 8.

Aquino said he recently met with the parents of Baterbonia, who, despite their grief and pain, have only one request: to know the truth about what happened to their son.

“Their only wish is the truth. What really happened to their child?” Aquino said, adding that any parent confronted with a similar loss would seek the same answers.

The senator stressed that the deaths of Baterbonia and Adili warrant clarity and accountability, noting that the Senate can provide a venue where the facts surrounding the incident may be thoroughly examined for the benefit of the victims’ families, friends, and communities.

Aquino also urged lawmakers to review existing policies and regulations governing student welfare and athletics programs, including those implemented by the Department of Education (DepEd), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and relevant sports authorities.

According to Aquino, the findings of a Senate investigation could help shape legislative reforms, including measures under the proposed Safer Schools Act, which seeks to strengthen safety standards in educational institutions.

“To achieve justice, ensure safety, and protect the future of our youth, we must seek the truth,” Aquino said.

He formally requested the Senate Committee on Basic Education to conduct a hearing and investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the two student-athletes.

Aquino said the proposed inquiry is intended not only to pursue accountability but also to help prevent similar tragedies from befalling other young Filipinos in the future.