FRANK Lao has no regrets about his brief stint as acting president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), even after the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) effectively nullified the leadership change that installed him in the post earlier this month.
Speaking exclusively to SPIN.ph on Wednesday, Lao said he never viewed the role as a position of power but rather as an opportunity to help Philippine volleyball navigate one of the most challenging periods in its history.
READ: POC suspends PNVF, rules Frank Lao takeover of presidency 'invalid'
"It wasn't about the presidency from the start. Wala naman sa'kin 'yun. It's not about the position, basta nakakatulong tayo sa mga tao. It's really for the people," Lao said.
The Strong Group Athletics founder was thrust into the spotlight after taking on a surprise leadership role amid mounting issues hounding the federation, only for the arrangement to be overtaken by events when the POC formally suspended the PNVF following the FIVB sanction.
The move effectively invalidated the leadership transition per se, including Lao's assumption of the acting presidency.
Yet Lao remains at ease with how the past weeks played out.
"Okay na 'yun. Ang akin naman ay whether as president or acting president, nakatulong tayo, whether. Hindi ko naman hinangad 'yung posisyon eh. Para ito sa mga tao," he said.
For Lao, the more important measure of his two-week tenure lies in what was accomplished behind the scenes.
During his roughly 15 days at the federation's helm, Lao exclusively revealed how he helped address several long-standing financial obligations involving the country's national volleyball programs, including both the indoor and beach volleyball teams.
READ: PNVF finally working on settling financial dues owed to de Brito
The national beach volleyball squads, the men's national team, and the women's team that recently represented the country in Candon City all reportedly had outstanding obligations that needed immediate attention.
Lao said efforts were also made to finally settle the financial dispute involving former Alas Women head coach Jorge Souza de Brito, whose claims for unpaid salaries, bonuses, and incentives eventually reached the National Labor Relations Commission.
"I've done my part in the 15 days na makatulong. 'Yung sa beach, na-cover na, 'yung sa men's team din, sa Candon sa women's team and now, 'yung kay de Brito," Lao said.
Earlier on Wednesday, de Brito's lawyer, Atty. Rex Enrico Cruz III, confirmed to SPIN.ph that all obligations owed to the Brazilian coach had already been settled after discussions between both parties.
The development marked another item checked off Lao's list as he sought to stabilize operations within a federation reeling from governance concerns and the repercussions of the FIVB suspension.
Whether he carries the title of president or not, Lao said his focus remains unchanged.
As far as he is concerned, the mission was never about occupying an office but ensuring athletes, coaches and volleyball stakeholders received the support they needed when the sport needed it most.
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