The Philippine National Volleyball Federation apologized to its national athletes and acknowledged the difficulties they have faced, following recent remarks from Alas Pilipinas team captain Bryan Bagunas.
In a statement released Sunday, the federation said it recognized the sacrifices made by its athletes, including instances where players had to shoulder their own expenses and even borrow money to fulfill their national team commitments.
“We acknowledge the concerns raised by Mr. Bagunas in his recent interview,” the PNVF said in a statement by executive director Atty. Miguel Carlos Suarez. “We recognize the sacrifices our athletes have made, including having to shoulder their own expenses and, in some instances, borrow money.
“This is a situation that no National Athlete should ever have to endure.”
The PNVF’s latest admission also brings back an issue that confronted former president Tonyboy Liao during his brief tenure at the helm of the federation.
Liao, who took over from Tats Suzara in November 2025, had also said his administration inherited significant financial, operational, administrative, contractual, and governance problems from the previous leadership.
In March, PNVF executive director Iby Bautista said the Liao administration was dealing with unpaid obligations and financial discrepancies inherited from the previous administration, including incomplete financial statements, missing receipts, unaccounted transactions, and unliquidated funds. These issues, according to Bautista, contributed to delays in payments to coaches and players during the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.
When Frank Lao assumed leadership of the PNVF in August 2026, the federation said he likewise inherited a body burdened with “substantial financial liabilities and outstanding obligations.”
The current leadership said it is conducting a comprehensive inventory and accounting of the federation’s financial records, including reconciling funds previously received and determining their corresponding disbursements.
While the process is ongoing, the PNVF said it remains focused on addressing the immediate needs of its national teams.
According to the federation, Lao has personally advanced funds to address several urgent concerns raised by the athletes.
Before the men’s national team departed for the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Lao personally provided allowances for the players, while also facilitating ticketing and visa requirements to ensure certain members of the squad could participate in the continental meet.
The federation added that it also accommodated a request from the national team for an additional round-trip ticket for one of its members.
The PNVF, however, admitted that these measures are not enough to address the broader issues confronting the national teams.
“Nevertheless, we agree with Mr. Bagunas. These efforts are not enough,” the federation said.
Under Lao’s leadership, the PNVF said it intends to rebuild the organization, strengthen its financial accountability, and establish a system that can provide national athletes with the support they need while representing the Philippines.
The federation also said it understands that restoring the athletes’ trust will require more than assurances.
“We recognize that rebuilding trust requires more than words. It requires concrete action, accountability, and a genuine commitment to putting our athletes first,” the PNVF said.
“Our National Athletes deserve a Federation that works just as hard for them as they battle for our country. Our athletes deserve better. Philippine volleyball deserves better. And we will work tirelessly to deliver better.”
