MANILA – A governance crisis in Philippine volleyball is escalating, with the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) preparing to suspend the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) following a similar move by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB).
The FIVB on Friday imposed an immediate suspension on the PNVF, citing serious governance concerns and alleged breaches of its Code of Ethics. The global body said the matter remains under investigation by its independent Ethics Panel.
POC president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino confirmed receipt of the FIVB’s directive, indicating that the national Olympic body is expected to follow suit during its upcoming General Assembly.
Tolentino said the POC generally aligns its recognition of national sports associations with their standing in international federations, effectively making the suspension a procedural consequence of the FIVB’s action.
He stressed, however, that the POC remains focused on safeguarding athletes and maintaining program continuity despite administrative disputes.
“The POC will abide by the decision of the International Federation. It’s their internal rules, but the POC will always be for the welfare of the athletes, their developmental program, and the Olympic movement,” Tolentino said.
To maintain operational stability, the FIVB has formed an Ad Hoc Committee that will temporarily oversee the PNVF’s affairs. The committee is tasked with ensuring governance continuity while the suspension is in effect.
Tolentino said the POC will seek clarification on how the FIVB-appointed body will manage domestic responsibilities within Philippine volleyball.
“We will clarify who will take over the PNVF’s domestic affairs,” he said.
The POC has previously assumed caretaker roles in other sports federations experiencing international governance conflicts, including tennis and billiards, reflecting a pattern of intervention when disputes arise between local bodies and their global counterparts.
Concerns are also mounting over the impact on athletes, particularly the women’s national team preparing for the AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup in Candon City, Ilocos Sur, set to begin on June 6.
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