A number of student-athletes at University of Santo Tomas will be losing their scholarships in the next term, the school’s student publication reported on its website on Tuesday, citing unnamed sources.

The Varsitarian said “at least 30” athletes will see their scholarships rescinded, while others relegated to so-called “training pools” will still qualify for a 50-percent discount in tuition.

One athlete whom the Varsitarian interviewed said nothing official has reached them yet, but they were told they won’t be scholars anymore and that almost all of Team B has been wiped out.

According to UST’s Office for Admissions, students who meet the school’s high academic standards and those certified as hardship cases will still qualify for scholarships, but those who excel in arts, music and sports won’t.

The COVID-19 crisis has forced schools to cut costs and the athletic department has borne the brunt of belt-tightening measures.

Colegio de San Juan de Letran previously announced that it was withdrawing from nine NCAA events and its Team B athletes will also lose their scholarships.

Arellano University and Technological Institute of the Philippines are also downsizing their sports programs.

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