MANILA — University of Santo Tomas (UST) star Kent Pastrana has spoken out against the reported pay disparity between referees officiating men’s and women’s basketball games in the UAAP, stressing that fairness should prevail across both divisions.
“Dapat fair lang siguro,” Pastrana told reporters on Saturday. “Hindi lang sa intensity yan eh. The way na maglaro yung men’s and women’s, ‘di nagkakalayo.”
Recent reports revealed that referees assigned to women’s basketball games receive lower compensation compared to those officiating men’s matches. The alleged rationale points to differences in game speed and difficulty level.
Pastrana, however, emphasized that both men’s and women’s games demand the same level of focus, discipline, and officiating standards. She noted that referees’ roles are equally vital in ensuring fairness and integrity on the court, regardless of the division.
The issue comes at a time when women’s basketball is gaining more recognition, with athletes calling for equal treatment and opportunities within the collegiate sports landscape.
As UAAP Season 88 progresses, Pastrana and other players hope the league will address the matter to ensure that respect and equality extend not only to the athletes, but also to the officials who play a crucial role in the games.
