SGA owner Frank Lao elected as new PNVF president
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Prominent Filipino businessman and sports patron Frank Lao is officially taking over the Philippine National Volleyball Federation after being elected its new president on Aug. 10, 2026.
In an election ceremony supervised by the Philippine Olympic Committee, the Strong Group Athletics owner was formally named the new PNVF president, replacing Anthony “Tonyboy” Liao.
As part of his long list of programs, Lao is set to lay the groundwork to help the PNVF regain its integrity, as it remains under suspension by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) due to contract breaches and unpaid salaries.
In retrospect, the FIVB officially suspended the PNVF on May 29, 2026, under Article 13.1.1 of the Disciplinary Regulations.
During that time, Liao still led the PNVF and was under fire after the PHL’s national team, the Alas Pilipinas Women’s squad, executed a mass withdrawal before the AVC Women’s Cup kicked off last month.
Led by team captain Jia Morado-De Guzman, the veteran setter spoke out on behalf of the team, revealing that the PNVF failed to hand out allowances to the players, causing administrative turmoil.
The POC then stepped up to bring back the Alas core for the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, committing to supervise and manage the national volleyball teams for all upcoming major international tournaments.
“No hurdle will compromise our commitment to flag and country,” the POC wrote.
“The mission to elevate Philippine volleyball on the world stage continues. Mabuhay ang Atletang Pilipino. Laban, Pilipinas!”
With Lao in command, the PHL volleyball scene is expected to flourish once again on the international stage.
Lao first made a name for himself when he brought in former NBA players to serve as imports for SGA in the William Jones Cup.
Under his leadership, former NBA All-Star Dwight Howard, former OKC Thunder defender Andre Roberson, and former San Antonio Spurs center Boban Marjanovic all got a taste of representing the PHL as imports for SGA.
Aside from funding basketball, Lao owns the Farm Fresh Foxies and ZUS Coffee, which compete in the Premier Volleyball League, while also supporting various grassroots programs at both the high school and tertiary levels.
Comments (0)
LEAVE A REPLY
No comments yet
Be the first to share your thoughts!
Related Articles
Alex Eala exits National Bank Open in Bencic loss
Alex Eala’s National Bank Open campaign ended in the Round of 16 with a 4-6, 0-6 loss to Belinda Bencic at the center court of Sobeys Stadium in Toronto, Ontario, on Aug. 10, 2026. It seemed like Eala just couldn’t figure out the tricky Bencic puzzle as the
Berce, Tablante win PH Junior International silver
MANILA — Seanna Berce and Psalm Tablante secured the silver medal in the girls’ under-15 doubles at the inaugural Philippine Junior International Series, which concluded Sunday at Gameville Central Park in Mandaluyong City. The University of Perpetual Help System DALTA-Laguna students lost to Malaysia’s Leanne Fong and Xin Lian Yiew, 21-19, 21-13, in the final.
Rojo breaks through, Reig stays hot at Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu
LAPU-LAPU CITY — Nicole Rojo emerged as the first Filipina finisher in Ironman 70.3 Lapu-Lapu, while Irienold Reig Jr. continued his impressive form with another age-group victory Sunday in Cebu. Rojo, who built her credentials through a string of victories in smaller endurance races, delivered her breakthrough on a major stage with an overall time