The MVP Sports Foundation (MVPSF) reiterates that its involvement with the Ateneo de Manila University men’s basketball team is limited to financial support. In a statement issued Tuesday, MVPSF president Alfredo “Al” Panlilio says the foundation does not own or manage the Blue Eagles program and does not run the team’s operations or programs. The clarification comes amid reports and discussion linking MVPSF to the team’s internal management. MVPSF also responds to claims that former team manager Epok Quimpo previously worked for Smart Communications, which has connections to the MVP group of companies. Panlilio says MVPSF has long provided funding to Ateneo and also supports other collegiate and national sports programs, but that its role is consistent with “providing funding” rather than oversight or ownership. Across the outlets, MVPSF’s position is that any operational control belongs to Ateneo rather than the foundation. The foundation’s statement addresses perceptions that it may have a broader role than sponsorship.