“As far as I know, no sworn complaint in a proper form as required for preliminary investigation has been received by the DOJ,” Atty. Guevarra told the Manila Bulletin.

He further shared that the DOJ has already received from CHED the report in relation to the investigation conducted on the incident and returned it to the latter so that people interested in pressing charges may bring it to the former, yet no formal complaint has come to their attention.

Looking back in the events, UAAP cuffed Ayo with an indefinite suspension allegedly endangering the health and well-being of his players despite the scare of COVID-19.

The 82-old league admitted that the basis of their decision was on the report submitted by UST and not from any official investigation by government authorities. 

To which was solidified by ex-Growling Tiger skipper CJ Cansino’s side of story that they were in Sorsogon to prepare for the upcoming UAAP Season 83—not for a personal development farming seminar.

“It was clear that training was held there,” said Philippine Sports Commission’s (PSC) Marc Velasco in a statement. 

“Based on the letter response of UST, it is clear that there was really a training done in Sorsogon involving UST basketball players,” CHED chairman Prosper de Vera concluded.

However, Sorsogon Governor Francis Escudero’s statement differs with such claims as in accordance with the certification dated 28 September “Mr. Ayo is not liable for violation of any health protocol pursuant the IATF guidelines and local executive orders in the Province of Sorsogon.”

Moreover, local government’s finding contradicts the outcome of the investigation conducted by the Joint Administrative Order (JAO) group composed of PSC, Games and Amusement Board (GAB), and Department of Health (DOH) with CHED in the panel.

And yet, JAO professed that it doesn’t have investigative and police powers, resulting in the need for the interference of the DOJ in the case.

“With contradicting findings, it’s going to be interesting how the DOJ will handle the case…we have already forwarded our probe and findings to them. Our work is done. It’s now up to them to find out whether Aldin Ayo is guilty or not,” said a source, a member of the JAO group.