PVF IS BACK WITH A VENGEANCE

PVF is back!

After an absence of five years, Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) will set the country on the comeback trail in Asian volleyball. As the confirmed true national federation for Philippine volleyball  ( see http://www.fivb.com/en/thefivb/directory), PVF hopes to assemble and send teams to a number of AVC tournaments in 2020.

The acknowledged Philippine national federation for volleyball targets tournaments in the youth, junior and senior levels in the tough AVC circuit. Teams will be sent to the U17, U18, U19 and U20 tournaments while the seniors will play in the Club Championships and AVC Cup. The 30th SEA Games silver medalist Philippine Men's National Volleyball Team will participate in two events in 2020 to expose the team to tougher tournaments. PVF also intends to subject the men's team to a long-term program to ride on the historic win of the team at the recent SEA Games. The women's team, with a few changes, will embark on a similar program according to a reliable source.

Indeed, PVF is back. And with a vengeance at that!

TIME FOR PVF AND THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL VOLLEYBALL TEAMS

courtesy of sports.inquirer.net

FIVB and AVC name and list PVF as the national federation for the Philippines in their respective websites. The listings confirm that PVFis the federation that has the right to assemble and send teams to international tournaments and function as the governing body for Philippine volleyball.

But the possibility of PVF not being able to send teams to international tournaments remain high as POC has yet to officially reinstate PVF as a member. The deadline to submit entires to AVC events is January 15, 2020. Failure of POC to reinstate PVF before the deadline may disqualify the entries of PVF. Thus, we may very well see the 30th SEA Games silver medalist Philippine Men's Volleyball Team blocked from participating in any AVC tournament for 2020.

The problem now really lies with POC. POC conveniently ignores the fact that the decision of the FIVB General Assembly is not merely a vote of acceptance. The vote is a repudiation of the corruption that POC shamelessly displayed before FIVB. It is a vote to correct an injustice. It is a vote that effectively lifts the suspension of PVF in FIVB. It is a vote to give back to PVF all the rights of an FIVB and AVC member. 

It took POC, under Peping Cojuangco, merely seven days to remove PVF as a member. It is only fair then for POC, under Bambol Tolentino, to reinstate PVF with the same amount of time. Not only for the sake of PVF but the Philippine volleyball teams which badly need to improve and become world-class through international exposure.

IT IS PVF OVER LVPI WITH FINALITY

coirtesy of dugout.ph

FIVB listed and named Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) as the national federation for the Philippines in its website last December 11, 2019. With that. Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) is effectively removed from FIVB and PVF is publicly declared as the official member of the world-governing body for volleyball.

While LVPI still shamelessly pretends to be the national federation for volleyball, the fact remains that all of its actions and undertakings remain unsanctioned by FIVB. At this point in time, LVPI will be unable to prove its affiliation, in any way, to FIVB. LVPI merely has its Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) membership to give its existence a semblance of legitimacy. But only national federations recognized by their respective international federations can be considered as national federations according to the POC, IOC OCA FIVB, AVC and PSC Constitutions making LVPI's claim of legitimacy seriously flawed. PVF. on the other hand, has the 36th FIVB World Congress Minutes and Appendices to prove its legitimacy as a national federation. The FIVB website listing further adds validity to PVF's claim of legitimacy. Thus, the controversy between LVPI and PVF regarding their respective claims to legitimacy is resolved with certainty and finality. It is definitely PVF over LVPI for Philippine volleyball.

The POC Membership Committee started work to finally remove LVPI and reinstate PVF in POC. The work is expected to be finished before the year ends to give POC and for that matter, PVF, a fresh start in 2020.

The journey for reinstatement for PVF was extremely difficult. But with the help of FIVB member-nations and a few independent POC members, the journey has come to a victorious end.

Mabuhay and PVF.

LOSING FAITH IN POC OFFICIALS

courtesy of en.wikipedia.org

What is currently happening in Philippine volleyball is truly an eye-opener for me as far as the nature of POC officials is concerned. While I do know that POC officials are mostly corrupt, the latest episode in Philippine volleyball shows just how corrupt to the bone some POC officials truly are.

Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) remains suspended from FIVB because POC refuses to recognize PVF as the one and only FIVB member. To this day, POC has not given any reason why it refuses to recognize PVF. Despite the emergence of the 36th FIVB Congress Minutes and Appendices where it says that PVF remains the true member of FIVB and Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc.(LVPI) is not affiliated to FIVB in any manner, POC remains stubborn in its stand of disenfranchising PVF and upholding LVPI.

The participation of LVPI in the 30th SEA Games shows just how shameless POC as it desperately stands by its decision not to recognize PVF and instead uphold LVPI. POC knows that LVPI is not allowed to participate in the biennial meet since LVPI is not a member of FIVB and AVC. All the eleven countries participating in the volleyball events know that LVPI is not a member of AVC. LVPI itself knows that it is not a member of AVC as well and has no business participating in the SEA Games.

Being the host country, it is imperative for the Philippines to be the first to observe rules and regulations for the Games. Sadly, the Philippines fails in this regard as POC chooses to turn a blind eye on justice and truth.

Shame on POC. Shame on the Philippines.

GOODBYE LVPI ?

Mahigit apat na taon nang namamayagpag ang Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Incorporated (LVPI) bilang National Sports Association (NSA) sa volleyball sa bansa. Bumuo at nagpadala ito ng mga pambansang koponan sa iba't-ibang mahahalagang torneo. Sa tulong ng Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), nanatiling NSA ang LVPI mula 2015 hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Subalit sa paglabas ng 36th FIVB World Congress Minutes and Appendices, maliwanag na tapos na ang mga araw ng pamamayagpag ng LVPI. Batay sa nasabing dokumento, mismong ang FIVB ang nagsasabi at nagdedeklara na Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) ang miyembro at wala nang kaugnayan pa ang LVPI sa FIVB. Sa deklarasyon ito, nangangahulugan na wala ng karapatan ang LVPI na bumuo at magpadala ng pambansang koponan sa ano mang torneo.

Sakaling magmatigas ang POC at patuloy pa rin nitong kilalanin ang LVPI at mismong LVPI ang manindigan na ito ang NSA sa volleyball, nanganganib na di makapaglaro ang mga koponan ng LVPI sa mahaba-habang panahon. Ang maari lamang lumahok na koponan ng bansa ay yung binuo ng PVF dahil ito ang miyembro ng FIVB. Sa ganitong sitwasyon, ang mga atleta at coaches ang higit na apektado.

Marahil, panahon na para tanggapin ng LVPI na tapos na ang mga araw ng panunungkulan nito bilang isang NSA. Alang-alang sa mga atleta, coaches at bansa, magparaya na sana ang LVPI. Sa ganitong paraan, makikita ng lahat na ang lubusang kapakanan ng mga atleta, coaches at bansa ang tunay na pinahahalagahan nito.

THE 36TH FIVB WORLD CONGRESS MINUTES AND ITS IMPACT TO PHILIPPINE VOLLEYBALL

For almost a year, the 36th FIVB World Congress Minutes was kept a secret and away from public scrutiny, particularly the Filipino volleyball community. And for understandable reasons. The minutes reveal  several important facts that adversely affect FIVB, AVC, POC and LVPI.

1. The minutes categorically state that PVF is not excluded from FIVB and that LVPI is not affiliated to the world-governing body for volleyball. These clearly confirm that it is PVF that is recognized by FIVB and must be the National Federation for volleyball in the Philippines. Not LVPI.

2. LVPI cannot remain provisionally recognized anymore by FIVB as the FIVB General Assembly voted to keep PVF as the one and only true member of FIVB for the Philippines. There can only be one member to FIVB per country as per FIVB Constitution. LVPI likewise cannot form and send teams to AVC and FIVB events as it is not affiliated to FIVB.

3. By virtue of what the minutes declare, POC  does not have a choice but to recognize and reinstate PVF. POC, according to its own Constitution, must recognize and affirm the institution that is recognized by its International Federation. It cannot recognize an institution that is not affiliated to its International Federation. Thus, POC must recognize PVF and not LVPI.

4. The FIVB decision to keep PVF and exclude LVPI took effect November 2018. But FIVB BA cleverly prevented any FIVB official document from leaking out to reveal this very important fact. Thus, FIVB BA, POC and LVPI were able to do what they please without the public knowing the real deal. Only now that the minutes came out that people realize the injustice perpetrated by the very institutions tasked to protect and serve the sport well.

The unexpected emergence of the 36th FIVB World Congress Minutes truly clarify several important points that FIVB BA, AVC, POC and LVPI obviously want to remain unclear. The minutes and its clarifications hopefully will serve the bigger purpose of truth and justice not only to PVF but to the Filipino athletes as well as people in general.

TEDDY TEO ZI HAO: THE BEST STUDENT - ATHLETE THAT SINGAPORE HAS TO OFFER

courtesy of VAS

Teddy Theo Zi Hao, at 21 years old, is the current team captain of the Singapore Men's National Volleyball Team. The Mechanical Engineering student of National University of Singapore (NUS) is in Manila with the entire team for a series of games in preparation to the 30th SEA Games which will be held in December.

In an exclusive interview, Teddy expresses his sentiments as a top student-athlete from Singapore. Here are his revelations.

1. When did you start playing volleyball?
I started playing in primary school at eight years old. In Singapore, students are required to have a co-curricular activity. I got into volleyball because I could receive the ball well.

2. How did you become a part of the national team?
A coach saw me playing at a local tournament.

3. What do you find difficult in being a student-athlete?
In Singapore, studies come first. We spend 8-10 hours in school. After that, we train for 3 hours. It is hard to do well in school and training.

4. How do you find Coach Dennis Janzen who is a highly successful American volleyball coach?
He is amazing. He was able to get the young players to join the team. To see volleyball from an American coach is an eye-opener for the team.

5. What are your expectations for the 30th SEA Games in Manila?
As of now, our goal is to get exposure and experience as much as possible. Our team is very young. I am the oldest at 21. As much as we want a podium finish in this year's SEA Games, our goal is to do well 2-3 years from now.

6. What does the team need right now for it to do well in all its tournaments?
We definitely need exposure overseas. We must compete with foreign teams to improve our game. Even if we lose, we learn. And that is what is important for us right now.

7. Do you have plans of becoming a professional volleyball player?
If the opportunity is there, I will definitely take it. But as of now, it is all about studies and playing for Singapore.

8. What advice can you give young kids who dream of becoming a volleyball player like you and represent their country?
I think it is important to be committed, focused and humble. Listen to the advice of people who know the sport so you can improve your game.

NA-TAP NG TATAP ANG ISANG TRO

Nagtala ng unang panalo ang Table Tennis Association of the Philippines (TATAP) sa kampanya nitong makabalik bilang isang National Sports Association (NSA).

Naglabas ng Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) ang Gensan Regional Trial Court Branch 37 nitong September 2, 2019 na nagpapatigil sa Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) sa pagkilala sa Philippine Table Tennis Federation (PTTF) bilang NSA para sa table tennis. Ang TRO ay nagbabawal rin sa PTTF na kumilos bilang isang NSA.

Matatandaan na ang gulo sa pagitan ng TATAP at PTTF ay nagsimula pa noong 2012 kung saan itinalaga ni dating POC President Jose Cojuangco Jr. si Ledesma bilang TATAP president. Noong 2016, tinatag ni Ledesma ang PTTF na siyang kinilala ni Cojuangco bilang bagong NSA sa table tennis. Biglang natanggal ang TATAP bilang NSA noong 2016 at patuloy na di kinikila ng pamunuan ng POC hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Ayon kay POC President Bambol Tolentino. susunod ang POC sa desisyon ng korte. Isasangguni rin ni Tolentino sa POC Executive Board kung ano ang magiging hakbang ng POC kaugnay sa TRO. 

Nakatakda ang hearing para sa injunction sa September 9, 2019.

THE BIGGEST VICTORY OF PDBF

The Philippines, through Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF), came home victorious after winning four gold, two silver and four bronze medals at the 14th IDBF World Dragon Boat Racing Championship in Pattaya, Thailand. The Philippines finished 8th out of thirty countries to proudly qualify for the 2020 Dragon  Boat World Cup

The PDBF teams overcame the lack of resources to really bring pride and honor to the country. It came to a point that the paddlers did not have anything to eat for dinner and slept on empty stomachs. For breakfast, the teams shared left-over rice and sardines. It was the Filipino community in Thailand that provided lunch that sustained the paddlers in the afternoon.

But the biggest victory of PDBF was over the injustice it was suffering back home. Despite the absence of recognition and support from POC and PSC, PDBF was able to perform well and win several medals in the highly competitive tournament. PDBF showed that dreams cannot be crushed even by the harshest conditions and injustice. The resiliency of PDBF is what made its campaign in the world championships truly exceptional and worthy of praise and recognition.

The biggest victory of PDBF goes beyond the medals won. It is more about the triumph of the human spirit over injustice and great difficulty. PDBF is a true winner indeed.

AN IOC SUSPENSION IS THE ONLY SOLUTION LEFT FOR POC

courtesy of Wikipedia

Through the years, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) committed grave abuse of power and cases of corruption to the detriment of Philippine sports. And POC gets away with it in connivance with the POC General Assembly (GA) that continues to be a rubber stamp of the POC leadership. POC has failed to serve its true purpose through the years that an IOC suspension through government intervention now becomes the best and only solution left to save Philippine sports.

An IOC suspension can be positive according to former POC President Cristy Ramos in a recent interview. An IOC suspension, in fact, will allow a complete overhaul of the dysfunctional POC, which is badly needed at this time. It will give government the opportunity to clean up the different NSA's through an election where only the true stakeholders can vote and decide the fate of a particular sport. This will prevent the likes of Romasanta, Tamayo and Jonne Go from occupying the presidency in any NSA as they do not belong to any club or association affiliated with any NSA. As things stand now, majority of the NSA presidents are not legitimate stakeholders of their NSA's. Thus, an IOC suspension will address this problem.

An IOC suspension likewise will not prevent Filipino athletes from participating in the SEA Games, Asian Games and Olympic Games. Our athletes can still participate in the Games but not under the Philippine flag. They will just have to play under a different flag.

Lastly, an IOC suspension can easily be lifted. The country merely has to comply with the requirements set by IOC for reinstatement.  An IOC suspension is temporary and not permanent.

POC has come to a point where it is beyond repair via its members. Drastic times call for drastic action. An IOC suspension will create a death that will usher in a new life. Government must truly consider stepping in to solicit an IOC suspension to save Philippine sports and the athletes that it is duty-bound to protect and serve.

WHO WILL BE THE NEXT POC PRESIDENT PART 2 ?

In yet another strange turn of events, Romasanta and majority of the POC board resigned yesterday. Romasanta, Camacho, Jonne Go, Cynthia Carrion, Clint Aranas and Peping Cojuangco resigned to pave the way for a general election. A general election is set on July 5 to fill up the vacant position in POC.

With the general election set, there is hope for a better POC in the days ahead. For the longest time, POC has been the home of too much politics to the point that it has affected the athletes and NSA's negatively. The person who will become the next POC president will undoubtedly set the direction of POC. Thus, the position of POC president is most crucial.

PVF Managing Director Dr. Otie Camangian enumerates the qualities he looks for in the next POC president. He says that the next POC president must have unquestionable integrity and is a good family man. The NSA of the next POC president must have support from government and private sectors that are vital in sustaining various projects and undertakings. Lastly, he or she must also have a five year program that will greatly improve mass and elite sports.

This early, several personalities appear to be front-runners for the POC presidency. Gen. Lucas Managuelod appears to be a solid candidate His muay thai federation continue to produce world champions. Bambol Tolentino was instrumental in the sudden call for new leaders in POC. He can figure prominently in the race as well.

Of course, the Peping bloc can field in its own presidential candidate.But after recent events, it will be hard for the candidates of Peping to pick up the pieces and make one final go for the POC leadership. People have simply had enough of Cojuangco and his allies.The time really has come for new leadership in POC.

TIME TO REMOVE THE "MAJORITY OF THE BOARD" IN POC

courtesy of interaksyon.com

The unexpected resignation of Ricky Vargas as POC president underscores the hopelessness that Vargas felt as he tried to effect significant changes in POC. The "majority of the board" were more interested in protecting their selfish interests prompting Vargas to simply give up and walk away.

courtesy of tempo.com.ph

As the "majority of the board" continue to hold the Filipino sports community in hostage, their long list of offenses remain unresolved and unanswered. From the illegal disenfranchisement of NSA's, unliquidated funding and procurement of millions of pesos as allowances using taxpayers' money, the "majority of the board" have not been made to answer for their various offenses.

courtesy of spin.ph

What makes the :majority of the board" so bold despite their offenses against Philippine sports is that they do have the numbers in POC. Every action in POC has become a numbers game. A wrong can be made right through the numbers game. And more often than not, this is what happens in POC.

courtesy of filipino.cn.cn

But the "majority of the board" have pushed their luck way too much this time. They have put the interest of the nation secondary to their desire to completely control the SEA Games hosting and the 6B peso budget that goes with it. They have dared to go against the wishes of government at this point.

courtesy of spin.ph

Thus, the need to remove the "majority of the board" becomes imperative and urgent. Philippine sports with all its athletes have suffered long enough under the hands of the "majority of the board". The Filipino people, with the help of government, must work hard to save whatever is left of Philippine sports. It is time for the Filipino people to unite and stand against the tyranny of the "majority of the board" in POC.

WHO WILL BE THE NEXT POC PRESIDENT?

With the sudden and unexpected resignation of Ricky Vargas, the position of POC president becomes up for grabs. Vie-Presidents Joey Romasanta and Jeff Tamayo are ineligible to occupy the top POC post according to POC Chairman Bambol Tolentino. Thus, the need to elect a new POC president.

Several personalities are being considered for the all-important position. From the Peping bloc, Clint Aranas of archery is a front-runner. From the Vargas group, Bambol Tolentino of cycling and Gen. Lucas Managuelod of muay thai are being seriously considered. Businessmen Jean Henri Lhuillier of tennis and Hans Sy of skating are dark horses.

With the current POC administration in turmoil, The new POC president will have his work cut out for him. The politics in POC are great and unbearable, prompting Vargas to quit. Thus, the incoming POC president must be made of sterner stuff to withstand the intense politics. At the same time, he must have the determination to really put the pests in POC in place to be able to serve the interest of the athletes and Filipino people in general. He must have the political will to do the right thing in the face of the possible corruption that may arise in POC. The attraction of the 6B peso budget of the SEA Games hosting is too hard to resist for some corrupt personalities in POC, after all.

Indeed, the new POC president must come in to save Philippine sports from corruption and too much politics.

POC MUST RECOGNIZE AND REINSTATE PVF NOW

At the 36th FIVB Congress, only 49% of the General Assembly voted to expel PVF. The percentage failed to reach the 75% mark which is what is needed to expel PVF from FIVB. Hence, PVF remains the full member of FIVB.

But FIVB BA refuses to honor the decision of the highest authority in FIVB and points to POC as the reason why PVF remains suspended. In a letter by FIVB Executive Director Fabio Azevedo to PVF, Azevedo cites PVF's non- membership to POC for the continued suspension. FIVB BA has cleverly passed the blame to POC regarding PVF's continued suspension.

But POC can now immediately recognize and reinstate PVF because the fact remains that it is still PVF that remains the one and only true member of FIVB for the Philippines. It is still PVF that is the member of FIVB and will remain so forever. Truth of the matter is, there are no legal impediments for the immediate reinstatement of PVF.

The issue in Philippine volleyball is more than just about an institution becoming a national federation once again. It is more about justice and good governance in sports. PVF has suffered for more than four years now all because of the shameless abuse of power of some individuals in POC. Great injustice was served to PVF to protect the selfish interests of some individuals in POC. And justice remains elusive for POC as POC refuses to exercise a strong political will to do the right thing.

But the injustice can now be stopped by the POC itself. All that POC has to do is to confirm with FIVB if PVF indeed remains the true full member of FIVB. And once FIVB confirms that it is still PVF that is the FIVB member, POC can immediately reinstate PVF. It is really that simple.

POC must therefore recognize and reinstate PVF now to show the entire world that is capable of serving justice and is an advocate of good governance in sports.

THE DAY PEPING AND HIS GANG MADE THEIR BIGGEST MISTAKE IN POC

courtesy of insidethegames.biz

When Peping Cojuangco, Jonne Go, Joey Romasanta, Jeff Tamayo, Julian Camacho Jesus Arana and Mikee Cojuangco Jaworski signed the letter dated April 30, 2019 demanding POC President Ricky Vargas to explain his side on various isues pertaining to POC, the group virtually declared war on Vargas. After all, Peping and his gang could have simply raised their concerns in an executive meeting. But as the letter suggests, their intention was really to put Vargas and his people on the spot. The highly confrontational tone of the letter says it all.

What Peping and his gang fail to realize is that they no longer enjoy the same power as before in POC. That they cannot get away with anything and everything that they want now that Vargas and his people occupy important positions in POC. That Vargas and his people are now a formidable force in POC and could be a stumbling block to whatever plan they may have.

The letter of Peping and his gang could very well signal the end of a group of people that has become irrelevant to the times.

NO TO POC COUP PALS

(courtesy of insidethegames.biz)

POC President Ricky Vargas called for an extraordinary General Assembly meeting on May 27, 2019 that will ultimately test his power and authority over the national federations. The coup pals, or the national federation presidents who are aligned with Peping and are planning to stage a coup, will surely boycott the special GA meeting to show that they are still the powers-that-be in Philippine sports. The possibility of a coup against Vargas by the coup pals will increase a thousand fold should Vargas fail to attract the majority of the national federations to attend the GA meeting.

While the present POC president is lacking in so many ways, Vargas remains the better alternative to Peping and his minions. Philippine sports was at its lowest during the days Peping and his pals ruled over just about every sport in the country. To go back to the Dark Ages of Philippine sports by installing Peping and his pals at the top of the heap once again will only mean that the Filipino sports community never learned the bitter lessons of the past. To give Peping and his pals great power once again will mean that Filipinos are truly a hopeless case.

Vargas will do well not to surrender the POC presidency and authority to the POC coup pals at this crucial stage of the game. The coup pals had their chances to leave a great legacy to Philippine sports. Unfortunately, they chose and continue to choose to serve their own interests rather than those of the athletes.

A comeback by the POC coup pals is simply unacceptable.

No to POC coup pals.

ANG PHILIPPINE ARMY DRAGON BOAT TEAM SA 2019 IDBF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Matapos ang tatlong taon na pagkawala, nagbabalik ang Pilipinas sa prestiyosong IDBF World Championship. Ang Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team ang isasabak ng Philippine Dragon Boat Federation (PDBF) sa prestiyosong torneo na gaganapin sa Agosto 20-25, 2019 sa Pattaya, Thailand. Nanalo ng apat na gintong medalya ang Pilipinas sa 2015 edisyon ng torneo.

Sa isang ekslusibong panayam, inilahad ni Lt.Col.Harold Cabunloc, team manager ng koponan ng Philippine Army, ang paghahanda at tsansa ng kanyang koponan na makapag-uwi ng karangalan sa bansa. Narito ang kanyang mga pahayag.

1. Paano napili ang Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team bilang kinatawan ng Pilipinas sa 2019 IDBF World Championship?

Kami ang number 1 team sa PDBF in terms of performance sa mga regatta. Pangalawa, nagpa-open try-out ang PDBF at ang mga atleta ng Army ang nanguna sa performance.

2. Ano ang pakiramdam na ang inyong koponan ang napiling kumatawan sa Pilipinas sa prestiyosong torneo?

Masaya at malaking karangalan  ang mapili bilang parte ng PDBF Elite Team na kung saan 99% sa mga napiling atleta ay mga sundalo. Ito ang pagkakataon  na iwagayway ng mga sundalo ang watawat ng Pilipinas sa isang prestiyosong torneo. Ipapakita namin ang kagitingan ng mga sundalong atletang Pilipino.

3. Ano ang ginagawang paghahanda ng inyong koponan?

Physical training. We will also submit a letter request sa higher headquarters para malaya kaming makapag-ensayo. Naghahanap na rin kami ng mga sponsors para sa mga atleta na sasali sa torneo sa Thailand.

4. Ano ang tsansa na makapag-uwi ng medalyang ginto ang inyong koponan?

90% ang tsansa na makapag-uwi kami ng gintong medalya Gusto naming higitan ang napanalunan namin noong 2011 at 2015. So far, 5 gold medals ang pinakamaraming naiuwi ng mga atleta natin sa IDBF World Championship.

5. Kung maganda ang ipakita ng Philippine Army Dragon Boat Team sa 2019 IDBF World Championship, umaasa ba kayo na kayo ang isasabak sa 2019 SEA Games na gaganapin sa bansa?

Nasa Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) ang desisyon  kung gusto nilang isabak ang mga sundalong atleta sa SEA Games at Asian Games. Patuloy lang namin ipapakita na kaya ng sundalong atleta na masungkit ang gintong medalya sa ano mang torneo. Patutunayan namin na ang mga sundalong atleta ang pinakamalakas at pinaka-disiplinadong atleta ng bansa.

6. Maibabalik pa ba ang pamamayagpag ng Pilipinas sa larangan ng dragon boat racing?

Yes, kaya naming ibalik ang glory days ng Pilipinas sa dragon boat sa pamamagitan ng excellent leadership sa sport. Pananatilihin namin ang disiplina, propesyonalismo at suporta sa dragon boat nang sa ganun ay may sustainability ang sport na ito.

POC MUST REINSTATE PVF NOW

                                        

 courtesy of bandera.inquirer.net

At the 36^th FIVB Congress in Cancun, Mexico, the expulsion of Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) was put to a vote before the FIVB General Assembly (GA).  A total of 118 votes, or 53.2% of the total GA votes, went for the non-expulsion of PVF. Thus, PVF officially remained as the one and only true full member of FIVB from the Philippines. LVPI became disaffiliated with FIVB by virtue of the votes by the GA as well.

But despite the FIVB GA vote of confidence on PVF, the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) refuses to honor and uphold PVF’s legitimacy as the country’s national federation for volleyball. Worse, POC continues to uphold Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc, (LVPI)  which should not be affiliated to FIVB in any manner after the GA vote in Mexico.

The problem in Philippine volleyball is really about grave abuse of power and authority of POC and its shameless attempt to control a particular sport. It was proven in the last two FIVB Congresses how POC lied to the FIVB GA to create LVPI at the expense of PVF. From "not serving the interest of the sport" to disbandment, POC used just about every excuse to remove PVF from FIVB. And in a shameless display of conflict of interest, four POC officials were tapped to lead LVPI as officers to complete the act.

It is imperative now for POC to act immediately and accordingly. POC must respect the decision of the FIVB and stop the injustice that it continues to serve PVF and the volleyball community. POC owes it to the volleyball players, coaches, fans and Filipino people to dispense justice and set an example of good governance in sports.

POC must do the right thing and reinstate PVF now.

THE 36TH FIVB CONGRESS AND THE VOTE FOR PVF

                                                            (courtesy of fivb.org)

At the 36th FIVB Congress in Cancun, Mexico, 94 countries voted not to expel Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) from FIVB. A total of 24 countries failed to attend the said congress, which meant an addition of 24 more votes for the side of non-expulsion. Hence, a total of 118 votes went to the non-expulsion of PVF which is 53.2% of the total number votes of the FIVB General Assembly (GA). Only 46.8% or 104 voted for the expulsion of PVF.

There are 3 points that make the decision of the FIVB GA at the 36th FIVB Congress extremely significant and groundbreaking.

One, it clearly establishes the fact that PVF is still the member of FIVB. The votes for non-expulsion of PVF, which form a majority, make PVF the true full member of FIVB

Two, it firmly establishes the fact that Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) is not and cannot be affiliated in any way to FIVB. The FIVB Constitution only allows one member to FIVB per country. Since the votes went for the non-expulsion of PVF, LVPI cannot and must not be accommodated by FIVB and should be a non-entity as far as FIVB is concerned. As such, LVPI cannot and must not assemble and send teams to any AVC or FIVB tournament. Any participation from LVPI in any AVC or FIVB tournament will go against the very constitution of FIVB and put both AVC and FIVB in trouble. At best, LVPI teams can only participate in tournaments under the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC).

Three and most important of all, the vote of the FIVB GA for the non-expulsion of PVF is a courageous show of force against against FIVB BA and POC. It is a strong and undeniable indication that the majority of the FIVB GA decided to disregard the POC non-recognition of PVF to effectively stop the travesty that both POC and FIVB BA have displayed for four years. The conscience vote of the FIVB GA, for all intents and purposes, finally served justice to PVF and the Filipino people in general.