De La Salle University's Kevin Quiambao during their UAAP Season 87 game against Adamson University, October 19, 2024. UAAP Media

MANILA -- The executive director of the UAAP sees no issue with Kevin Quiambao -- or any other student-athlete -- playing in games outside of the league as long as he and his school understand the risks involved.

De La Salle University superstar Quiambao last week admitted to playing in games not sanctioned by the UAAP -- -- the so-called "ligang labas" -- though he denied being paid six figures for his participation. 

Instead, Quiambao said he is fulfilling a debt of honor to those who have supported him and his basketball career even before he arrived at La Salle.

READ: Kevin Quiambao sets the record straight on playing in 'ligang labas'

"We do have a rule that for as long as you keep your amateur status, ever since I came in as executive director, parang aside from that rule -- keeping amateur status -- there is no prohibition right now for any student-athlete in any sport in the UAAP to be competing simultaneously in any other tournament," UAAP Executive Director Atty. Rebo Saguisag told ABS-CBN News.

This means that as long as a student-athlete does not join a professional league -- such as the PBA or the PVL -- then they are allowed to play in competitions outside of the UAAP.

However, Saguisag makes it clear that both the student-athlete and the member-school they belong to must understand the situation.

"The burden now, or the responsibility now rests on the individual student-athlete and the particular member-school concerned," he said. 

"Kung papayagan siya, eh 'di they take the risk," he added. "If it's a ligang labas na, 'for the love of the game,' if I may, we leave it to the individual member-schools."

"I guess, in a way, accurate naman 'yung sinabi ni Mr. Quiambao," the executive said.

Videos on social media showed Quiambao playing in a "ligang labas" game on November 2, which he followed up with one of his poorer games for the Green Archers -- an eight-point outing against Far Eastern University on November 6.

There were reports that the reigning Most Valuable Player received P150,000 to P200,000 to play in unsanctioned games, which he vehemently denied.

"Pero yung ganung kalaking halaga, hindi totoo yun — never, never. Kasi hindi naman ako tumatanggap na ganung kalaking halaga kasi utang na loob ko yun sa Vista Laiya," he said, referring to his backer. 

Quiambao also assured that his stints in "ligang labas" came with the blessing of La Salle management and head coach Topex Robinson. 

"Lahat ng galaw ko pinapaalam ko sa management, kay Coach Topex [Robinson]. May basbas naman nila yun, basta ingatan ko lang yung sarili ko," the versatile forward said.