SENATOR Pia Cayetano on Friday reminded the University Athletic Association of the Philippines amid reports that it has amended its eligibility rules on players moving from one member school to another.

Earlier, the UAAP board agreed to amend its rules compelling future transferees to sit out one year and lose another year of eligibility. This was caused by the continuing transfers of blue-chip players to powerhouse teams that may result in further imbalance in the league.

Cayetano, the author and primary sponsor of the Student Athletes Protection Act, expressed hope that the move by the UAAP will not ‘circumvent the intent’ of the law.

The lawmaker from Taguig said that she first learned of the news after reading it in a newspaper report which instantly resulted in her concern that it may have a dire effect on the players’ morale and future by opting to transfer to another school.

She reminded not only the UAAP but also other sports stakeholders of the intent of the Republic Act No. 10676 or the Student-Athletes Protection Act, which is to explicitly protect the playing years of student-athletes.

“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,” said Cayetano.

The issue of transfer rules floated after Rey Remogat, formerly of the University of the East Red Warriors, transferred to the University of the Philippines Maroons.

Another touted player, 6’7” power forward Luis Pablo turned his back on the Maroons and is set to join the De La Salle Green Archers after a tumultuous first year.