PNVF takes full responsibility for Asian Games financial exposé

The Philippine National Volleyball Federation and its president, Frank Lao, took responsibility for the controversial financial struggles revealed by the Alas Pilipinas Men’s national volleyball team in the middle of its 20th Asian Games campaign in Japan.

In an interview with Alas Men team captain Bryan Bagunas following their loss to South Korea, the superstar outside hitter shared that the lack of financial support became a concern ahead of their preparations for the quadrennial meet.

The multi-awarded spiker disclosed that players had to borrow money from other people just to participate in the team’s training sessions.

To make things worse, Bagunas added that they sometimes held intensive practices with incomplete attendance because of the financial burden.

“Regarding sa allowance namin, kahit yung mga players, nangungutang lang from the other players or sa mga ibang tao para makapunta sa training,” Bagunas said.

“Sobrang tough para sa amin na mag ensayo araw-araw. Minsan, 7 or 8 lang kaming nag eensayo, ganon, sobrang hirap. Yung iba walang pamasahe kasi yun nga, wala kaming naging allowance from July.”

Aside from Bagunas, Josh Ybañez, Alas’ libero, took to social media to express his frustrations amid the ongoing financial crisis within the organization.

“Di ba naming deserve supportahan? Tanong lang,” Ybañez posted on his Instagram broadcast channel.

“Talo na nga, gutom pa, ano na Pinas! Jusko HAHAHAHAH. Kanya kanya na to!!”

Meanwhile, PNVF president Frank Lao issued a statement on Sept. 28, 2026, apologizing to Bagunas and the rest of the team following the revelations.

Lao, chairman of Strong Group Athletics, acknowledged Bagunas’ sentiments, admitting that his office inherited more than PHP 25 million in debt upon taking over the PNVF post last month.

Before Lao was elected as the new PNVF president, Ramon “Tats” Suzara and Anthony “Tonyboy” Liao took turns in the executive role from 2021-26.

It was under their leadership that the PNVF had a roller-coaster ride, experiencing a series of financial issues, including unpaid salaries to players and coaching staff.

In retrospect, the FIVB officially suspended the PNVF on May 29, 2026, under Article 13.1.1 of its Disciplinary Regulations.

At the time, Liao still led the PNVF and was under fire after the Philippine national team, the Alas Pilipinas Women’s squad, executed a mass withdrawal before the AVC Women’s Cup kicked off.

Led by team captain Jia Morado-De Guzman, the veteran setter spoke out on behalf of the team, revealing that the PNVF had failed to hand out allowances to the players, causing administrative turmoil.

The POC then stepped up to bring back the Alas core, committing to supervise and manage the national volleyball teams for the 20th Asian Games and other major international tournaments.

“As president of the PNVF, I take full accountability for what happened to the allowances of both Alas Pilipinas Men and Women squads as well as the beach volleyball teams,” Lao said.

“Ako na ang humihingi ng pasensya na nagkulang kami. Pero bigyan nyo kami ng pagkakataon na makabawi sa inyo. Just give me some time po. Sa akin ito bilang presidente ng PNVF. I take this responsibility. Sorry po.”