PNVF president Ramon ‘Tats’ Suzara was quick to dismiss criticism on the country’s hosting of the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
A whirlwind of issues has hounded a global conclave that cost an estimated P2 billion to host, ranging from high ticket prices to low turnouts during games.
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Suzara, however, insisted that this World Championship was mounted not for anyone else’s personal interest but only for the country's gain.
"We can’t make everybody happy," Suzara said. “We are bringing this world championship [here] for the Filipino fans. We are bringing tourism here and we’re bringing the Philippines on the world map for volleyball.”
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Suzara accused some media outlets of 'one-sided' reporting that he said put the country in a bad light.
“We have to think positive kasi sometimes, may iba tayong reporter na ang gustong tingnan one side lang, gusto lang maka-nega,” Suzara said.
“Pare-pareho naman tayong Pilipino, ano ba gusto natin laging negative? Dapat positive, ‘di ba? Hindi puwede yung magpakita, sa dami-dami naman ng ipi-picture, one side, bakit ayaw mong kumanan o kumaliwa? Bakit ‘yun pa?
“Who benefits from getting negative? Sila rin, hindi ako. I just ignore it, this is for the Filipino fans, we’re doing this for everybody.”
The concurrent PNVF and AVC president claimed players from other countries have sung praises on the country’s hosting of the tournament.
“If you see the posting of the players on social media, [they’re saying] it’s the best world championship ever,” he said.
“There’s a lot sa social media ng players, even with the USA last night they’re so friendly so let’s just be positive.
“Pilipino tayong lahat, dapat we should always do what is positive for the country, not the negative side.”
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