The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) now finds itself increasingly isolated after the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) formally enforced the consequences of an international suspension imposed by the sport’s global governing body.
The move marks another significant setback for the federation, which is already dealing with a funding freeze from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and an ongoing investigation by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) into alleged governance violations.
POC President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino announced on Wednesday that the PNVF’s suspension automatically took effect following the FIVB’s decision to sanction the federation on May 29.
According to Tolentino, the international body’s action was imposed under Article 13.1.1 of the FIVB Disciplinary Regulations and remains linked to an ongoing investigation being conducted by the independent FIVB Ethics Panel.
“The suspension comes automatically from the international federation’s suspension of its national federation,” said Tolentino.
The suspension effectively strips the PNVF of its standing within the POC, preventing the federation from participating in official Olympic committee functions, including attendance at the General Assembly.
Beyond the suspension itself, the POC also questioned the legitimacy of the federation’s recent leadership transition, where Frank Lao assumed the presidency from Tonyboy Liao.
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Tolentino made it clear that the election would not be recognized by the Olympic body, citing procedural shortcomings in the conduct of the vote.
“Their latest election, for the POC, is invalid. There was no notice to the POC and no observer from the POC,” he said.
The development further complicates the leadership situation within Philippine volleyball, with both the federation’s international standing and internal governance now under heightened examination.
Earlier, the PSC had already halted funding support to the PNVF amid concerns similar to those now being investigated at the international level.
While the suspension remains in place, the POC is awaiting recommendations and decisions from the Ad Hoc Committee established by the FIVB to oversee volleyball affairs in the Philippines during the federation’s suspension period.
The matter was discussed during the POC board meeting attended by secretary-general Atty. Wharton R. Chan, second vice president Rep. Richard Gomez, treasurer Dr. Jose Raul Canlas, auditor Jose Donaldo Caringal, Athletes Commission representative Jessie Khing Lacuna, and board members Ferdinand Agustin, Leonora Escollante, Alexander Sulit, and Alvin Aguilar.
With sanctions now coming from both domestic and international sports authorities, the future direction of Philippine volleyball remains uncertain as stakeholders await the outcome of the FIVB’s ongoing governance review.
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