ATHLETE representation and a possible overhaul of the PVL calendar are among the most significant changes facing Philippine volleyball, as the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) works toward regaining its standing with the FIVB.
Among the eight key measures outlined by the FIVB following its suspension of the PNVF is the formation an Athletes' Commission composed of current and recently retired athletes.
This would also entail the national federation amending its by-laws within six months to create a dedicated athlete seat on the Board of Administration.
READ: Lao says he's done his part as POC rules his presidency invalid
The reform would formally give players a voice in federation affairs, aligning Philippine volleyball with governance standards adopted by international sports bodies.
The changes, however, extend beyond boardrooms.
The roadmap also requires Philippine volleyball to align with the FIVB calendar, which reserves May to September for national team competitions.
Such a move could compel the PVL to avoid staging major tournaments during that stretch to ensure player availability for Alas Pilipinas, potentially leading to a compressed schedule or a major restructuring of its conference format.
The issue takes on added significance with the Philippines preparing for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya this September.
Following the FIVB suspension, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham 'Bambol' Tolentino said the POC would take charge of the Alas program to ensure the country's participation in international competitions remains uninterrupted.
Tolentino stressed that the sanction was imposed on the federation and not the athletes, with the POC expected to coordinate directly with the FIVB and the Asian Volleyball Confederation while overseeing the national teams' preparations for the Asian Games.
Sweeping reforms for PNVF
Beyond athlete representation and calendar alignment, the FIVB roadmap calls for sweeping reforms within the PNVF.
The federation must hold a Special Congress within three months to elect a new Board of Administration under an independent electoral committee and amend its statutes to ensure board members are elected rather than appointed.
The roadmap also requires the creation of an independent Ethics Commission and Ethics Prosecutor, as well as an independent Judicial Commission to handle disciplinary and governance cases.
The PNVF must likewise appoint an external auditor for annual financial reviews, adopt governance and compliance policies that meet international standards, submit regular progress reports to the FIVB, and fully cooperate with the international body's monitoring process.
Here is the complete eight-point agenda
-
An immediate signed written commitment that PNVF will cooperate with the seven (7)-year PSC Agreement related to both event organisation and Volleyball Empowerment and comply with FIVB decisions;
-
Immediate payment of outstanding salaries to all coaches under the Volleyball Empowerment programme with a commitment to ensure that future payment(s) are made on-time;
-
An immediate signed written commitment to exercise its regulatory and governance authority to move the PVL into the National League season starting in 2027 for the growth of volleyball in the Philippines, comply with the obligation to release players for national team duty as defined in the FIVB Sports Regulations and to govern the domestic calendar according the FIVB Volleyball Calendar framework;
-
The creation of a conflict-of-interest policy within PNVF in line with good governance principles within three (3) months;
-
The development of a long-term development road map for the national team, including proper infrastructure and budgeting covering the period of PNVF President’s term and a longer term projected budget, approved by the FIVB;
ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓ -
Completion of a training program on good governance defined by the FIVB within six (6) months of communication by the FIVB;
-
Establishment of an Athletes’ Commission composed of current and recently retired athletes and subsequently approve an amendment to the by-laws foreseeing an athlete position on the PNVF Board within six (6) months; and
-
The creation of a regional league in the Philippines within six (6) months, designed to strengthen grassroots and regional athlete development, expand competitive opportunities outside Metro Manila, and create a sustainable pathway into the national team and its programs.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
