UP Pep Squad pulls out of UAAP Cheerdance Competition

The University of the Philippines Varsity Pep Squad (UP Pep Squad) formally announced on Wednesday that they will not be a part of this season's UAAP Cheerdance Competition.

The announcement was made via a Facebook post and the UP Pep Squad cited the unresolved protest they filed in October 2015 as the reason for their withdrawal from the competition.

"Finally, we can share the news to those who have been wondering that, regretfully, we will not be part of this season's UAAP Cheerdance Competition," the Pep Squad said in a post on its Facebook page.

"From our first request for an informal meeting, to the letter of protest advised by the organizers themselves, we have exhausted all our efforts to reach a resolution. We have repeatedly sought out the delegated individuals to no avail," their statement read.

"Though you may not all agree with us, we hope that our supporters will understand our decision and remain behind us in harnessing our freedom to prioritize our principles and the welfare of our student athletes," the letter continued.

UP Pep Squad coach Lalaine Juarez-Pereña filed an official letter of complaint last year questioning the results of the 2015 UAAP Cheerdance Competition, where UP Pep Squad placed 2nd runner up, behind UST Salinggawi Dance Troupe and the winner NU Pep Squad.

The organizers, however, in its reply, did not answer any of the points raised in the protest letter.

"After careful review of your points raised in your protest letter, we have concluded that the results of the 2015 UAAP CDC are valid," read the reply signed by CDC commissioner Eduardo David Jr., CDC chairperson Gigi Kamus, CDC Head Judge Paula Isabel Nunag, and Philippine Cheerleading Association Head Carlos G. Valdes III.

In its statement on Wednesday, the UP Pep Squad noted that it has still not received any clarifications from the league.

"We have repeatedly sought out the delegated individuals to no avail. And after many weeks, months, and now a year of waiting, our issues and questions remain unresolved. Reared in the institution we represent, we abide with our principles of honor and integrity, and stay true to our word of foregoing with the competition, should the same organizers be hired to handle the event again," it said.

The University of the Philippines was the host school of last year's UAAP Season 78. —Aya Tantiangco and Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/JST, GMA News