CANDON, Ilocos Sur — The Philippine National Volleyball Federation, led by its president Tonyboy Liao, criticized the withdrawal of support of its board members, saying it is “premature, damaging, and risks prejudicing proceedings” as it was done before any appeal was completed.
In a statement released Monday, Liao and the PNVF said it “takes serious exception” on the withdrawal, and the federation chief remains committed to “cooperate fully with the appropriate institutions.”
The FIVB, world’s governing body for volleyball, is investigating the PNVF for alleged violations of the FIVB’s Code of Ethics and “serious governance concerns.”
READ: Majority of PNVF executive board 'withdraws support' for fed chief Tonyboy Liao
“At a time when the Philippine National Volleyball Federation is preparing to pursue the proper appeal process and submit its formal response to the appropriate international bodies, this public declaration is premature, damaging, and risks prejudicing proceedings that have yet to be fully heard, reviewed, and decided,” it said.
The PNVF added that Saturday's public declaration — signed by nine board members — is “irresponsible and prejudicial,” as the full documentary record is yet to to be examined.
Among those who signed are: Yul Benosa (Vice-President and Chairman of Refereeing and Rules of the Game Commission), Arnel Hajan (Chairman of the Executive Board and Chairman of the Development Commission), Rustico Camangian (Secretary-General), Roger Banzuela (Auditor and Chairman of Membership Commission), Sherwin Maganda (Board Member and Chairman of Coaches’ Commission), Fr. Victor Calvo (Board member), Danilo Cong-o (Board member), Maricor Socorro Calleja-Uy (Board member), and Edward Lee (Board member).
READ: FIVB suspends PNVF for 'serious governance concerns,' alleged violations of Code of Ethics
“For members of the Board to issue a public declaration before the appeal has been completed, before the full documentary record has been examined, and before the proper institutions have made final determinations is irresponsible and prejudicial,” it said.
“If the objective is truly accountability, then all parties should welcome a full, independent, and complete review,” it went on.
The PNVF said it is preparing to appeal and air its side to appropriate international bodies, amid the investigation.
“Accountability must proceed. But it must proceed properly,” the statement concluded.
Below is the full statement of the PNVF:
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