Embattled Philippine National Volleyball Federation president Anthony “Tony Boy” Liao has appealed for due process and a full review of the issues surrounding the federation’s suspension, expressing disappointment over a public declaration by several board members withdrawing their support while the organization prepares its response to international governing bodies.
In a statement released on Monday morning following the June 6 withdrawal of support by a majority of the PNVF executive board, Liao maintained that the federation’s leadership deserves the opportunity to present its side before conclusions are drawn regarding the controversy that has engulfed Philippine volleyball.
“We take serious exception to the public statement issued by several members of the PNVF Board withdrawing support from President Anthony ‘Tonyboy’ Liao,” the statement read.
“At a time when the Philippine National Volleyball Federation is preparing to pursue the proper appeal process and submit its formal response to the appropriate international bodies, this public declaration is premature, damaging, and risks prejudicing proceedings that have yet to be fully heard, reviewed, and decided.”
The latest development marks another chapter in a turbulent period for the federation that began after Liao won the PNVF presidential election on November 21, 2025 and formally assumed office on January 1, 2026.
The situation escalated on May 29 when the International Volleyball Federation suspended the PNVF. On the same day, the Philippine Sports Commission announced that it was withdrawing funding support for the federation, while the Asian Volleyball Confederation reaffirmed its commitment to AVC president Tats Suzara.
A day later, Philippine Olympic Committee president Bambol Tolentino said the POC would abide by the FIVB’s decision during its next general assembly meeting in June.
The pressure intensified on June 6 when PNVF chairman Arnel Hajan, vice president Yul Benosa, secretary-general Otie Camangian, auditor Roger Banzuela, and board members Sherwin Maganda, Fr. Vic Calvo, OP., Danilo Cong-o, Marico Calleja-Uy, and Edward Lee publicly withdrew their support for Liao, citing a loss of trust and confidence in his leadership.
Liao argued that the issues cited against his administration remain unresolved and should undergo proper review before any final judgment is rendered.
“Most concerning is that the statement itself admits that the merits of the allegations remain subject to investigation and proper determination,” the statement said.
“Despite this admission, its signatories chose to publicly pre-judge the matter, undermine the federation’s appeal, and create the impression that a conclusion has already been reached before the full facts, records, and circumstances have been examined.”
(C) PNVF
Liao stressed that the federation’s forthcoming response will challenge what he described as several factual and legal assumptions underlying the allegations against the PNVF.
According to the statement, the current administration inherited numerous operational, financial, administrative, contractual, and governance concerns when it took over late last year without what it described as a comprehensive transition process.
The federation also defended its handling of national team affairs, saying athlete selection decisions should remain under the authority of coaches and not be interpreted as governance violations.
“National team coaches must be afforded the independence to evaluate talent and make decisions based on performance, preparation, and the best interests of the national team, free from political pressure, commercial considerations, external influence, or demands from any individual stakeholder group,” the statement added.
Liao also clarified a point that has circulated in recent discussions involving professional volleyball, emphasizing that he is not the chairman of the Premier Volleyball League.
While acknowledging the board members’ decision to withdraw support, Liao insisted that such a declaration does not constitute a legal removal from office.
The statement emphasized that he and the current administration were elected through a democratic process recognized by the FIVB, PSC, POC, and Philippine volleyball stakeholders.
“Therefore, while we respect the public statement, this does not qualify as a legal and proper reversal of that election,” the statement said.
“A change of the administration and President of PNVF must be done through the proper process and not left to the whimsies and passions of its officers and members.”
Liao vowed to continue serving as federation president until a successor is legally elected or appointed through the appropriate mechanisms, saying that stepping aside outside established procedures would leave the federation without leadership during a critical period.
“Accountability must proceed,” the statement concluded.
“But it must proceed properly.”
