IS Frank Lao set to become the next president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF)?
It's starting to look like it.
The Strong Group Athletics (SGA) founder confirmed the development to SPIN.ph on Tuesday evening, saying he's set to take over the federation amid one of the most turbulent periods in Philippine volleyball history.
This comes after reports of a major leadership change in the PNVF following the recent withdrawal of support for Tony Boy Liao by a majority of the federation's executive board.
In an exclusive phone call, Lao explained how he was called upon by the PNVF Executive Board and asked whether he would consider assuming the role of acting president.
"I have many things in my hand, sabi ko, pero sige, para sa bayan, para sa bansa, para sa mga players, sige, tutulong ako but I won't promise anything. I'll do my best," Lao said.
SPIN.ph has reached out to the PNVF's executive board members for further comment but have yet to respond as of writing.
'Acting president'
Lao said he will assume the post of 'acting president' in the PNVF, with an election expected by next week to formalize the new executive board.
Should his leadership proceed beyond being an 'acting president,' Lao explained how his immediate priority upon assuming the post is to open lines of communication with the various bodies that have imposed sanctions or disciplinary measures on the federation, foremost among them the FIVB, the Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Philippine Sports Commission.
"Makikipag-usap tayo dito para maayos lang ito, lahat ang sigalot. Once kasi hindi maayos, maraming mga mga coaches, mga players ang maaapketuhan because many of them, mga nasa lugar na mahihirap," Lao said.
He stressed that resolving the PNVF's status is critical not only for the national teams but also for the broader volleyball community whose livelihoods depend on a stable governing body.
This, as Lao carries the belief that any prolonged uncertainty could adversely affect all those who work in the sport, making it imperative for the national federation to quickly address the concerns raised by the sport's governing institutions and work toward restoring normal operations as soon as possible.
"Once na maputol lahat ng fundings, kawawa ang mga tao eh, Sa akin kasi, ‘yung mga work, sa mga referees, sa mga coaches, sa development na mga players, it’s a waste if I don't help," Lao added.
"Tutulong ako. I will just do my best. At my own capacity, tutulong tayo."
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