San Sebastian president denies Golden Stags head coach's claim of unpaid salaries

Metro Manila, Philippines - San Sebastian College-Recoletos President Fr. Rafael Pecson, OAR, has denied on Wednesday, Oct. 29, the allegations made by Golden Stags head coach Rob Labagala that members of the basketball team have not received their salaries and allowances from their sponsor.

“Out of respect for the truth, I wish to clarify that all our coaches and staff have been receiving their monthly salaries faithfully and on time,” Pecson said in a statement.

“As a Catholic educational institution, we are guided by truth spoken with charity and charity lived in truth,” he added. “We understand that emotions can sometimes lead to statements made in haste or frustration, but these moments call us not to anger, but to understanding and dialogue.”

Labagala revealed the Golden Stags have been competing in the NCAA Season 101 men's basketball tournament in a difficult position.

“We are four months without salary and without allowance but we played and kept on fighting. That's what everyone doesn't know. Having this win is a sigh of relief for us, all of the struggles that we went through yet we're still here,” he said in an interview following the Golden Stags' upset victory over Letran on Wednesday at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan City.

The Golden Stags now hold a 2-7 win-loss record for fourth place in Group A of the tournament.

The Starhorse Group, the main sponsor of the Golden Stags, has yet to issue a response as of posting time.