THE Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) has followed world volleyball body FIVB's lead in suspending the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) amid the latter's ongoing governance troubles.
"The suspension comes automatically from the international federation's suspension of its national federation," POC president Abraham 'Bambol' Tolentino said Wednesday, saying the move was unanimously approved by the Executive Board on Monday.
READ: World volleyball body FIVB suspends PNVF with 'immediate effect'
The FIVB suspended the PNVF effective May 29 under Article 13.1.1 of its Disciplinary Regulations as its independent Ethics Panel investigates the federation for alleged governance lapses and multiple violations.
The latest blow comes after the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) earlier froze funding support for the federation over similar concerns.
Lao leadership 'dismissed'
Tolentino also dismissed the validity of the PNVF's recent leadership change that saw Frank Lao take over from Tonyboy Liao as president.
According to the POC chief, the election failed to meet the requirements recognized by the Olympic body.
"Their latest election, for the POC, is invalid. There was no notice to the POC and no observer from the POC," he said.
With the suspension in effect, the PNVF loses its standing within the POC and will not be allowed to participate in any official functions, including the General Assembly.
When asked by SPIN.ph, Lao said his current post stands as 'acting president' of the national federation.
Lao was formally notified by the POC through a letter from secretary-general Wharton Chan, citing that the FIVB suspension invalidates any electoral process undertaken by the national federation without any prior instruction from the world volleyball body.
Tolentino added the POC is now waiting for the next steps from the FIVB, which has already established an Ad Hoc Committee to oversee volleyball affairs in the country while the federation remains suspended.
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