SPIN.ph's accreditation for the 2025 FIVB Men's Volleyball World Championship has been reinstated on Wednesday amid a wave of criticism over perceived media censorship.
Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick 'Pato' Gregorio said he requested the Philippine National Volleyall Federation to give back the media credentials that the PNVF revoked after SPIN.ph ran articles on the low attendance during games, the high ticket prices, and the massive cost of mounting the event.
READ Tulfo slams PNVF for 'censorship' after revoking SPIN.ph credentials
"We have requested PNVF, and they have acceded, to reinstate the accreditation of SPIN.ph — we abide by our shared commitment to protect and enable the best interests of Philippine sports," Gregorio in a statement sent to SPIN.ph.
"True sportsmanship is overcoming differences to restore our joy and pride in sport,” Gregorio added.
The PNVF, led by its president Ramon 'Tats' Suzara, remained silent on an action that was condemned as 'blatant censorshp' by Senator Erwin Tulfo in a privilege speech on Wednesday. Tulfo also assailed the high ticket prices and low turnout, among other issues, in the Senate plenary on Tuesay.
Two of the country's oldest media organizations, the National Press Club and the Philippine Sportswriters Association through its president, have also waded into the dispute with strongly worded statements released on Wednesday.
As the controversy lingers, Gregorio called for calm as the FIVB Worlds enters its final stretch beginning with the quarterfinal matches on Thursday.
"Let our best intentions not be caught in the crossfire of misunderstandings," he said.
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