PNVF slams board members' withdrawal of support vs Liao

PNVF president Tonyboy Liao during the AVC Women’s Cup in Candon City, Ilocos Sur.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur — The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) called out the majority of its executive board following its withdrawal of support for president Anthony “Tonyboy” Liao on the heels of the suspension slapped by the FIVB.

The PNVF on Monday released a statement taking “serious exception” to the public statement issued by the executive board, saying their declaration was “premature, damaging, and risks prejudicing proceedings that have yet to be fully heard, reviewed, and decided.”

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“Most concerning is that the statement itself admits that the merits of the allegations remain subject to investigation and proper determination. 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,” the PNVF wrote.

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READ: Majority of PNVF executive board withdraws support for Liao

“This is not due process. This is public pressure. The federation’s response to the suspension notice will dispute several factual and legal premises relied upon in the allegations. The record will show that there are material facts, documents, timelines, and governance issues that must be reviewed before any responsible conclusion can be made. The issues now being publicly used to justify a withdrawal of support are not simple, settled, or one-sided. They involve questions of formal notice, documentary substantiation, inherited financial and contractual obligations, transition issues from prior administrations, governance concerns surrounding international development programs, and the continuing operation of national team and grassroots volleyball programs.”

The new PNVF administration, led by Liao, who was elected in November last year, said they “inherited significant operational, financial, administrative, contractual, and governance matters without a comprehensive transition process.”

“Despite these constraints, the federation has continued to maintain national team activities, support coaching and technical structures, deliver international hosting obligations, and implement grassroots development initiatives,” read the statement.

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“It must also be emphasized that national team selection matters should not be mischaracterized as governance misconduct. Selection to the national team is competitive by nature and may understandably generate strong reactions among athletes, clubs, and stakeholders. However, decisions on athlete selection, roster composition, player pools, and competitive lineups must remain within the professional discretion of the coaching staff. 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 PNVF lamented the board’s public declaration as irresponsible and prejudicial.

READ: PNVF puts focus on national team programs after FIVB suspension

“If the objective is truly accountability, then all parties should welcome a full, independent, and complete review. No shortcuts. No selective scrutiny. No public pre-judgment. No attempt to bury the appeal before the facts are heard,” said the federation.

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“We can only hope that those who have signed and supported this public statement do so without any intention to prejudice the federation’s appeal, undermine due process, or influence the ongoing review into the matter by FIVB, AVC, PSC, POC, and other appropriate bodies.”

“However, we feel compelled to point out that the current administration of the federation, including President Anthony “Tonyboy” Liao, was duly elected by the members of the Federation in a democratic and legal process recognized by the FIVB, the PSC, POC and stakeholders of Philippine volleyball, among others. The mandate given at that election was clear.”

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 (PVL).

READ: PNVF suspended by FIVB over governance issues, alleged violations

The federation said that the change of administration and president must be done through the proper process, as Liao remains “committed to carry out his important duties until his replacement or successor is duly elected or appointed at the proper assembly or other legally binding process.”

Liao is also committed to cooperating with the ongoing investigation of the FIVB Ad hoc committee and with the Philippine Olympic Committee, which is set to suspend the PNVF in the general assembly, and the Philippine Sports Commission, which recently paused its financial support to the federation.

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“At that point, he will readily and eagerly step down, hoping to pass on to his successor the reins to an organization that is better than when he was elected to lead it,” read the statement. “President Tonyboy Liao is further committed to cooperate fully with the appropriate institutions and to allow the full records, documents and circumstances to be reviewed through the proper process, and thereafter, to help these institutions arrive at a resolution holding those responsible to account.  Accountability must proceed. But it must proceed properly.”