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Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Tonyboy Liao and members of the board during a press conference on February 24, 2026. PNVF photo
MANILA -- The Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) is expected to suspend the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) when it convenes its General Assembly in June, the agency announced on Saturday.
This comes after the PNVF was suspended by the international governing body of volleyball, the FIVB, on Friday night due to "serious governance concerns and multiple purported violations of the FIVB Code of Ethics."
READ: FIVB suspends PNVF for 'serious governance concerns,' alleged violations of Code of Ethics
POC President Abraham "Bambol" Tolentino confirmed on Saturday that they have received official communication from the FIVB regarding the PNVF's suspension.
"The POC will abide by the decision of the IF," Tolentino said. "It's their internal rules, but the POC will always be for the welfare of the athletes, their developmental program and the Olympic movement."
The PNVF's suspension is effective immediately, according to a statement by the FIVB on Friday night. They appointed an ad hoc committee to oversee the PNVF's affairs in the meantime.
"Its immediate priorities will be to support the participation of Philippine national team athletes in upcoming international competitions, alongside guaranteeing the successful delivery of the upcoming Women's VNL stop in the Philippines, in close coordination with local organisers and relevant stakeholders," the FIVB said.
Tolentino however said they will seek clarification from the FIVB on the context of the Ad Hoc Committee's takeover of the PNVF's responsibilities.
"We will clarify who will take over the PNVF's domestic affairs," Tolentino said, while also expressing concern for the Alas Pilipinas national team that is expected to represent the country in the AVC Women's Volleyball Cup in Candon starting next Saturday, June 6.
Once the PNVF is officially suspended, the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) is also expected to strike its support for the federation. It was reported on Friday that the agency had withheld its funding for the PNVF, though a source from the PSC noted that they were "closely monitoring" the events surrounding the volleyball federation.
The POC's move is the latest blow to the embattled federation headed by Tonyboy Liao, which has been under heavy criticism since they announced plans to select players for the national team through a supposed "Alas Draft."
The federation ultimately walked back on the plan, but revelations by Alas players -- led by erstwhile national team captain Jia de Guzman -- painted a picture of shaky coordination between the federation and the squad, leading to serious concerns over athlete welfare.
De Guzman had also called for alignment between the FIVB calendar and the local club season, an issue that has long plagued Philippine volleyball.
The issue reached an apparent tipping point when the core of the Alas team that represented the Philippines in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games opted to sit out the upcoming AVC Women's Cup.
The PNVF has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.