PHILIPPINE Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Patrick 'Pato' Gregorio did not hold back in addressing a legal dispute between the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) and former Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Jorge Souza de Brito.
The Brazilian mentor has elevated his complaints to the National Labor Relations Commission, citing claims on unpaid bonuses and salary, along with a refund of what he described as illegal deductions during his stint with the national team.
READ: Former Alas coach Jorge de Brito takes legal action vs PNVF
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2026 Asian Beach Games in China, Gregorio stressed the urgency of resolving the issue before it snowballs into a larger distraction.
“Dapat ayusin nila ‘yan,” Gregorio told SPIN.ph. “Kasi alam mo, ang focus natin is ‘yung 2029 World [Championship] hosting natin. Ang focus natin, ‘yung mga marami nating hosting. You cannot afford any internal conflict.”
The PSC chief pointed out that while de Brito was hired during the presidency of Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara, the responsibility now falls on current federation leadership under Tony Boy Liao to address the situation swiftly and decisively.
“I encourage President Tony Boy [Liao], he’s the head of the federation, to really just fix this kasi mahirap ‘yung ma-negative publicity pa tayo sa ibang bayan,” he said.
Beyond the immediate dispute, Gregorio raised concerns about the long-term implications of the controversy, particularly on attracting foreign coaches to the country.
“Otherwise, how can we welcome foreign coaches in the future? Naniniwala ako, maaayos ni President Tony Boy, at sana sa lalong madaling [panahon] pa rin,” he said.
“Ang dami nating foreign coaches na magagaling ngayon. Kung ano ‘yung pinagkasunduan, dapat lang masunod, and I will make sure na matulungan rin natin ‘yung PNVF in solving this.”
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