FORMER Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Jorge Souza de Brito has formally taken legal action against the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), escalating a dispute that has simmered in recent weeks.
The Brazilian mentor has initiated proceedings before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), with his camp seeking money claims tied to his tenure.
READ: De Brito, PNVF finally discuss unpaid bonuses, other issues
“We filed na [for] money claims for unpaid bonuses and salary [and] refund of illegal deductions,” his legal counsel Atty. Rex Enrico Cruz III told SPIN.ph.
In a document obtained by SPIN.ph, a notice of conference has been issued and addressed to the PNVF office in Taguig.
The notice calls for a conciliation-mediation conference between de Brito and the PNVF, scheduled for next week.
When asked why the filing was done at the NLRC instead of a regular court, Atty. Cruz pointed to the nature of the dispute.
“The contract kasi is an employment contract, so it is a labor case,” he said, explaining that the matter centers on the pre-termination of de Brito’s contract of employment as Alas Women head coach.
'Intention to delay any resolution'
The filing was followed by de Brito’s strongly-worded statement, where he bared his decision to pursue legal remedies after what he described as failed attempts to resolve issues amicably.
He claimed that efforts to reach a consensus on contractual obligations went nowhere, even as a proposal from the federation was eventually withdrawn.
"Despite numerous efforts to reach a consensus regarding the obligations outlined in the contract and inviting them to engage in amicable discussions, we held a meeting on last March 24th I suspect that this meeting occurred solely due to media attention," de Brito said in a statement forwarded to SPIN.ph.
"Following our meeting, PNVF sent a proposal via email, which was subsequently withdrawn through a text message last week, clearly indicating an intention to delay any resolution."
De Brito, who steered Alas Women for four and a half years, pointed to what he called a disappointing end to a stretch marked by steady progress, including multiple podium finishes and a significant rise in the FIVB rankings.
Framing his stance as a broader call for reform, he also underscored the need for professionalism, transparency and accountability moving forward.
"Simultaneously, shifts in strategies and personnel are inherent to the sport, part of the journey, and indeed part of life. These changes should be approached with calmness, respect for others' perspectives, and professionalism throughout the process. Anything that deviates from this can, and will, be rectified by justice," he added.
"This situation, which should never have arisen, could have been averted through common sense, transparency, and dialogue, ultimately placing Philippine sports in an undeserved position. Years of hard work and commitment have yielded results far greater than what is currently visible."
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