A former coach who led UST’s high school swim team to back-to-back titles said he was denied due process when school officials opted not to renew his contract.
Ferdinand Frigillana lost his job last March 21 following an evaluation by the Institute of Physical Education and Athletics (IPEA).
The IPEA council wrote Frigillana citing “letters submitted by the players and parents for the past two years regarding how you coach, manage and handle the team.”
Frigillana, who was named Coach of the Year in 2014, said the IPEA could not explain to him the exact reason for his removal.
“Ang ganda ng performance ko eh. Wala silang maipakita sa akin. Ayaw nilang ipakita sa akin yung complaint,” he told the Varsitarian.
Frigillana denied he played favorites.
“Marami akong hindi nasabi para depensahan ang sarili ko. ‘Yung kahit hayaan lang nila ako na iprisenta ‘yung sa side ko sa mga [complainant]. Pero wala, hindi nila ako binigyan ng [pagkakataon magsalita],” he said.
UST athletics moderator Rodrigo Sambuang insisted Frigillana had been accorded due process.
“Alam niya ‘yun at ng mga coach ‘yun. Tyaka alam naman nilang hanggang one year ang [contract] depende sa performance. Hindi na-renew kasi tapos na nga ang contract,” Sambuang said.
Frigillana led the girls’ squad to back-to-back championships in Seasons 77 and 78. The team landed at second place behind De La Salle University the following season.
Sharon Mangrobang replaced Frigillana this season.
