Shaq Delos Santos backs deputies to deliver for Cignal, UST programs

Delos Santos stressed that even during his negotiations with UST, both sides were aware of his existing responsibilities with Cignal.

“Siguro, kung gaano ko lang kamahal yung volleyball sa totoo lang, never ako nagpabaya doon sa mga trabaho ko. And yung agreement namin ng mga bosses namin, alam nila lahat ‘yan,” said Delos Santos, who has been with Cignal since 2020.

“Kaya ako, never ako nagdo-doubt sa mga ginagawa ko and ang laki ng tiwala ko sa buong team — both Cignal and UST — and then siyempre, yung coaching staff ko.”

(C) UAAP Season 88 Media Team

A rapid transfer between venues also proved impractical, as the SM Mall of Asia complex was simultaneously hosting the 2026 Philippine International Pyromusical Competition at the Seaside Boulevard area, while the Manila International Auto Show 2026 was ongoing at the SMX Convention Center.

Unless he had access to a helicopter similar to what Aric Del Rosario once used on October 3, 1998 — flying from the Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center to the Araneta Coliseum to fulfill duties with Pampanga and UST — it would have been impossible.

Still, Delos Santos expressed full confidence that the staff led by Yani Fernandez could execute the game plan.

“Kaya I think yung word na critical, hindi siya yung word para sa amin. Siguro mas ini-embrace namin kung ano yung trabaho namin,” he said.

“Siguro mas ang goal namin ay kung, ako personally, paano kami maka-help sa team and siguro ma-feel nila na masarap maglaro ng volleyball kahit anong status namin for now.”