Jaja Santiago remains doubtful with her SEA Games stint. ROMAN PROSPERO

National team mainstay Jaja Santiago is doubtful to play in the coming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, which the country will be hosting from 30 November to 11 December.

The former National University ace left for Japan last 28 August for her second tour of duty with the Saitama Ageo Medix as a reinforcement in Japan.

In Daily Tribune’s previous interview, Santiago said she’s happy to represent the country again in the biennial meet but the decision is no longer in her hands.

“I really want to play in both tournaments. But it all depends now on the agreement of LVPI (Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas) and the Ageo Medics,” Santiago said.

“I expect that I would get allowed to play in both because those are two important teams for me,” she added.

Ageo Medix is willing to lend Santiago to the national team for just one week but LVPI said it will be unfair for those who are trying out for slots in the national team.

The schedule of the Japan tournament runs smack with the SEA Games that puts her in limbo.

Before leaving for Japan, Santiago hopes that she will be allowed to suit up for the national.

“I hope that I won’t get to choose between SEA Games and Japan V-League,” she said.

Santiago’s second stint with the Japan V-League showed that she’s a world-class talent. She was the national team’s best scorer in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia.