With Philippine volleyball facing another period of institutional turmoil, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is choosing to redirect attention away from controversy and toward long-term national team development.
PSC Chairman Patrick Gregorio confirmed that issues surrounding the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) are now being handled at the international and Olympic governance level, effectively placing the matter under the jurisdiction of the FIVB and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).
The situation surrounding the PNVF has been placed under review by the FIVB and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), following reported governance concerns and internal issues within the federation. But for Gregorio, the priority is ensuring that the noise off the court does not disrupt the progress of the athletes representing the country.
At the center of that vision is Alas Pilipinas and the broader national team program, which Gregorio believes must already be shaped with a long-term lens toward the country’s hosting of the 2029 FIVB Volleyball Women’s World Championship.
“Ang sa akin po, programa. We are hosting the World Championship in 2029. Before you know it, it’s 2029. Kailangan i-focus natin ‘yung suporta natin sa development ng mga atleta,” Gregorio said.
His message reflects a broader attempt to stabilize focus amid ongoing controversy surrounding the PNVF, which has recently been suspended by the FIVB over reported “serious governance concerns and multiple purported violations of the FIVB Code of Ethics.”
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Philippine Sports Commission chairman Pato Gregorio leaves the PNVF suspension and other issues of the embattled federation to the wisdom of the FIVB and the POC. @tribunephl @TribuneSportsPh pic.twitter.com/VupN9UjMzT
— Mark Escarlote (@fromtheriles) June 8, 2026
Adding to the instability is internal friction, including the reported withdrawal of support from a majority of the federation’s executive board for its leadership under Tonyboy Liao—an issue that has intensified calls for resolution and reform.
Gregorio made it clear that the PSC will not be drawn into administrative disputes, emphasizing that governance decisions are already being addressed by the appropriate bodies.
“I don’t want to comment on that because nandoon na po ‘yan sa FIVB and assignment po ‘yan ng Philippine Olympic Committee. Basta sa amin lang po, kami sa Philippine Sports Commission, gusto lang namin na talagang ang focus is on the national team program,” Gregorio said.
He stressed that unity and focus are essential, especially given the scale of investment from government and private stakeholders.
“Pag ganitong mga hosting, gumagastos po ang pamahalaan, gumagastos ang probinsya, maraming gumagastos na sponsors. So ayaw namin ng hidwaan, lalo na kung ang hidwaan ay tungkol lang sa mga personalidad,” the PSC chairman said.
Even as national-level issues continue to unfold, Gregorio pointed to encouraging developments at the grassroots and regional level, particularly the ongoing 2026 AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City, which he described as an example of strong local hosting capability.
“Obviously, talaga namang expected ko na ‘to — it will be a very beautiful hosting. Candon City, sila Mayor Eric Singson, sanay na sanay mag-host ng international events,” said Gregorio.
The PSC chief also reaffirmed his intention to decentralize Philippine sports hosting, pushing more international and national competitions outside Metro Manila to strengthen provincial sports ecosystems and broaden public engagement.
“Kailangan maramdaman din ng taumbayan, ng mga probinsiya natin, na kaya naman talaga nila mag-host e. Kayang-kaya. Sa totoo lang, excited sila. So we have to do more sporting events outside of Metro Manila in the years to come. Pangako ko po ‘yan as PSC chairman,” he said.
In the middle of governance disputes and organizational uncertainty, the PSC’s message is increasingly centered on continuity over conflict, keeping the focus on athletes, and expanding the country’s hosting footprint.
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