Marjorie Duran: Woman Power In Dragon Boat

For Marjorie Duran, PDBF Premier Elite Women's Team member and spokesperson, the 16th IDBF World Championships will be her first participation in what is considered the Olympics of dragon boat. In an exclusive interview, Marj speaks of her excitement and firm resolve to give her best for the country in the upcoming world championships. 1. How did you get involved with dragon boat? Paano ka nagsimula? May nakita lang akong poster online. As in, no idea about the sport. Gusto ko lang magkaroon ng sport that suits me. So, sabi ko, try ko dragon boat, baka sakali. Lo and behold, after several years, nandito pa rin ako sa dragon boat. 2. How did you become a part of the PDBF Premier Elite Women's Team? Actually, meron kaming try-outs. Months ago, PDBF announced among its clubs na it is forming its premier elite teams that will compete in the world championships in Thailand. So, nag-try-out ako together with some of our teammates. Luckily, I was accepted and we started training for the competition. 3. Mahirap ba ang training ninyo? It is hard kasi hindi lahat kami full-time athletes. We have work, that is the first challenge. Pagod ka na sa work but you still have to train. We practice six times a week. May boat training, weight training, swimming and boat paddling. 4. What are your expectations as you compete in Thailand? We hope to bring trophies and medals for the country. Personally, wala akong expectations dahil this is my first time to compete in the world championships. But we will do our best and give everyone a good fight. 5. Are you getting ample support from government and private sector? Government, I am not sure. Walang allotment from government so far. So, we are trying to get sponsors from the private sector. Actually, limited talaga ang fund namin. We can't sponsor everyone in the team. 6. How must does it cost per paddler to go to Thailand? The initial assessment is forty-five thousand pesos. Tipid na yun. 7. What countries do you expect to give your team stiff competition? Syempre nandyan ang China which has full government support. Thailand is very strong too. Singapore as well. 8. Anong message ang gusto mong iparating sa ating mga kababayan? Ang message ko lang na sinasabi ko noon pa is thank you. Yung mga kababayan natin continue to inspire us to do well. Makita lang namin ang ating mga kababayan na sumusuporta, it motivates us to represent them well.

JM DE JESUS: ANG BAGONG MUKHA NG PDBF PREMIER ELITE TEAM

Lumipas ang panahon. Wala na ang mga dating world champions. Mga bagong mukha na ang pumalit. Subalit nananatili ang matinding kagustuhan na makapag-uwi ng karangalan para sa bansa.

Isa si JM de Jesus sa bagong mukha sa PDBF Premier Elite Team na kalahok sa 16th IDBF World Championships sa Pattaya, Thailang sa Agosto. Sa isang exclusive na panayam sa kasalukuyang team captain ng PDBF Premier Elite Team, inilahad ni JM ang ginagawang paghahanda ng kanyang koponan para sa prestiyosong torneo.

1. Paano ka napabilang sa PDBF Premier Elite Team?

Nagsagawa ng try-outs ang PDBF noong February ngayong taon. Sumailalim kami sa land and boat trials para malaman kung sinu-sino ang pinakamalalakas at mabibilis na atleta ng PDBF. Kinuha ng PDBF ang top 22 sa mga nag-tryout. Luckily, isa ako sa pumasa.

2. Ilang taon ka ng paddler?

Dalawang taon pa lang po. Ito po ang una kong pagsali sa World Championships.

3. What are your expectations at the IDBF World Championships?

We expect stiff competition from China, Thailand and Canada. China dahil sa kanila galing ang sport. Thailand dahil nag-level up sila. Malalaki at matatangkad ang paddlers ng Thailand. Canada dahil mahahaba ang biyas nila. Lately, ang Macau scored a major breakthrough sa sport kaya expect din naman na lalaban sila.

4. Malaking pondo ang kailangan para makasali sa IDBF World Championships. May suporta ba kayong natatanggap?

May mga suporta kaming natatanggap from individuals and organizations pero hindi sapat para makumpleto yung program namin. Meron kaming natatatanggap pero sobrang konti. From the government, travel tax exemption ang maaaring makuha namin na makakatulong pa rin. That is why, namimigay kami ng letters asking for financial support.

5. Merong ka bang medal projections fpr your team?

Sa Open, apat na medals ang inaasahan ko sa apat na events. Kasali kami sa dalawang short at dalawang long distances. Sa 200 meters, may pag-asa tayo sa gold.

6. Bilang pagtatapos, ano ang mensahe mo para sa ating mga kababayan?

Siguro ang message na gusto ko iparating sa ating mga kababayan ay suportahan, panuorin at mag-cheer para sa team. Kailangan namin ang suporta ng bawat isa. Opinyon ko lang, yung mga sports na hindi tayo nananalo, yun ang napapansin. Pero yung mga sports na marami tayong magagaling na atleta, napapansin lang after sila manalo. Sana maisip at makita ito ng ating mga kababayan para patuloy na makapagbigay ng karangalan sa bansa ang ating mga atleta. We have to determine and more importantly support, the various sports where we can excel in order  to produce truly world-class athletes.

A GREAT DISSERVICE BY PNVF

With the certification issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last January 31, 2022 declaring that Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) was legally constituted on March 3, 2021, we can now say, in no uncertain terms, that the by-laws submitted by PNVF to FIVB last February 1, 2021 are fake.

It is just so sad that an organization that represents the country and its people resorts to the submission of fake documents to achieve its purpose. For one, it greatly tarnishes the reputation of the country in the international community. PNVF greatly reinforces with that single stunt the common belief among nations that documents from the Philippines are fake. Two, the submission of fake documents is a sad reflection of the kind of values that Filipinos hold. The audacity to submit fake documents shows how Filipinos simply do not have pride, honor and integrity in their work. Three, the submission of fake documents is, in fact, against the law.

But what is most lamentable is that we collectively refuse to hold PNVF accountable. We continue to support PNVF using taxpayers' money despite the fake documents. We continue to patronize PNVF despite the fake documents. 

It is imperative that PNVF is removed as a Philippine representative. We need to show the world that PNVF does not truly represent the values and ideals of the country and its people. We must restore our dignity by holding PNVF accountable.

31ST SEA GAMES IN VIETNAM: AT WHAT COST?

Vietnam, as host country, wants to postpone the 31st SEA Games. The Vietbam Olympic Committee asked the Olympic committees of ASEAN members for their decision whether to postpone or push through with the Games in November. 8 out of 11 countries voted for the Games to go on as scheduled.

It is unfortunate that majority of the ASEAN members seem to forget that Covid-19 can kill and cause so much domestic problems as they insist in holding the Games this year. Gathering thousands of athletes, sports officials and sports writers in Vietnam is a virtual suicide. The Games are certainly a super spreader event. 

What makes the vote of the 8 countries not to postpone the games so ridiculous is the fact that the Games will only be postponed for a later date. The Games will not be cancelled at all. Vietnam is simply asking for a delay in holding the Games to contain the Covid-19 virus and effectively manage the risk of infection among the participants.

There is a human aspect to the issue.  No amount of gold medals can compensate for the loss of lives because of Covid-19. No amount of gold medals can make up for the possible spread of the virus to eleven countries. 

Gold medals do not define sports heroes. Love for human life and ability to know what is best for humanity do.

ALL POC OFFICIALS MUST NOW RESIGN

When it was revealed that Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) endorsed Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) to FIVB when PNVF was not yet legally constituted, POC lost its credibility and moral ascendancy to act as a National Olympic Committee (NOC).

POC knew that PNVF was not yet registered with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last January 27, 2021. Yet, POC and the POC GA hurriedly accepted PNVF as POC member. Item 5 of the POC Membership Requirements stipulates that a federation must be registered with SEC before it can be accepted as a POC member. Worse, POC Secretary-General Atty. Edwin Gastanes wrote a letter of endorsement to FIVB Director General Fabio Azevedo for PNVF. Clearly. Atty. Gastanes knowingly endorsed an entity that he knew was not eligible for membership to FIVB right at the very start. But the POC Secretary-General obviously could not care for rules. Articles 2.2.1 and 2.2.5 of the FIVB Constitution requires National Federations to be legally constituted.

There is simply no excuse for what POC did for PNVF at the expense of PVF. Thus, the only thing left for POC officials to do is to resign. After all, what they did is a national and international embarrassment. Resignation is the only way they can salvage whatever is left of their their pride and honor.

PVF AND THE 37TH FIVB WORLD CONGRESS

                                                           courtesy of fivb.org

Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) received its invitation to attend the 37th FIVB World Congress last November 27, 2020. The invitation clearly establishes the fact that FIVB now recognizes PVF a member of FIVB. Only FIVB members are allowed, after all, to attend the FIVB World Congress.

But as soon as the FIVB invitation was made public by PVF, rumors started to circulate. Rumors have it that the big comeback of PVF in FIVB will be derailed by certain FIVB officials belonging to the FIVB mafia.

One thing that the FIVB mafia seem to forget as it maps out a plan to overthrow PVF is the fact that the decision to retain PVF was made by the FIVB General Assembly (FIVB GA). The FIVB GA will certainly not allow its decision to be disrespected and thrown out the window as it will set a dangerous precedent.. The decision of the FIVB GA must be honored and protected at all cost.

The FIVB mafia will certainly try to stop PVF from claiming its rightful place. But it will fail miserably. There are a lot of FIVB members, after all, who are highly principled to make sure that truth and justice will prevail this time for PVF.

PEARL MANAGUELOD AND HER BRAVE POC JOURNEY

 

I have learned through the years that whoever sits as Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president, Philippine sports will still end up in its sordid and deplorable state. Past POC presidents have always been associated with corruption cases. The same goes true with other POC elected officials. Thus, the coming election does not give me hope for any change to occur in POC.

But this year's POC election introduces a newcomer who dares to prove me wrong. Pearl Managuelod, the muay thai federation secretary-general, is running for the first time for an elected POC position. She is running for Board Director in the November 27 POC election.

In an exclusive interview, Managuelod answers the questions that many are afraid to ask candidates who seek POC elected posts.

1. Why did you decide to run for Board Director in the coming POC election?

Cong. Tolentino asked me to run under his ticket as a Board Director. When I asked him why me instead of the other seemingly more qualified NSA leaders, he said that he saw the success of our NSA under my leadership. Given my academic background, I believe I can contribute significantly to the development of sports in the country. 

2. What changes do you plan to introduce to POC once elected?

I have an athlete-centered philosophy so most of the programs and policies I want to introduce are geared for our athletes' holistic development, high performance training, safeguarding scholarship funds, education and career transition. It is all about empowerment and capacity-building.

3. Why did you decide to run under Tolentino's ticket?

He has a reliable team. They can play the game. They walk the talk. They seek to unify rather than focus on divisiveness. They share my athlete-centered philosophy.

4. Tolentuno voted not to file charges against PHISGOC. Do you agree with his vote?

I am for accountability and transparency. I did my own research and even went to the Department of Budget Management (DBM) to clarify things. I know that Cong. Bambol Tolentino had his reasons for his vote.

5. Several NSA's like PVF, PBC, PDBF and TATAP were disenfranchised illegally by Peping Cokuangco and remain disenfranchised during Tolentino's term. What do you propose to do with these disenfranchised NSA's?

POC should activate the Arbitration Committee where NSA's will be given the opportunity to air their valid complaints.

6. How will you convince the private sector to support Philippine sports?

Sports must be used as a tool for nation-building. Sports right now is being used for personal and political gain which shouldn't be the case. Once the private sector sees that sports is being used the right way, sponsorship will come.

7. Is sports still relevant at this time of the pandemic?

Sports will always be relevant. There are various levels of engagement in sports. We tend to forget the recreational part of sports. Physical activity is a fundamental right and must be promoted at all levels.

8. What do you ultimately want to happen in Philippine sports?

I would like to take little steps to correct past mistakes made in Philippine sports. I want to see more women in management and leadership roles. I want the youth to be empowered and active in sports. I want Philippine sports to become a source of unity and empowerment.

.

PVF REACHES OUT TO UP PRESIDENT DANNY CONCEPCION

 

In a bid to stop Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) from participating in the November 27, 2020 POC election, PVF President Edgardo J. Cantada wrote to UP President Atty. Danilo Concepcion. Atty. Concepcion is a member of the powerful three-man POC Election Committee for the coming election. The PVF president cites three basic reasons why LVPI must not be allowed to cast its vote during the POC election. First, LVPI is not affiliated to FIVB and AVC. Second, PVF was never expelled from POC by the POC General Assembly. Third, the "expulsion" of PVF is still under litigation at a local court. The letter of PVF contains documents that prove the reasons cited.

Dear Atty. Concepcion,

Greetings from Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF). We hope you and your family are well upon receiving this letter.

We, at PVF, humbly request the POC Election Committee to disqualify Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) from participating in the coming POC election. We wish to prevent LVPI from casting its vote for the following reasons:

1. LVPI is not affiliated to its International Federation (IF). It was disaffiliated by the FIVB General Assembly from FIVB during the 36th FIVB World Congress in Cancun, Mexico. (See attachment). It is PVF that remains a member of FIVB from the Philippines.(See screenshot of the FIVB website). Affiliation to a corresponding IF is a requirement for POC membership 

2. PVF was never expelled by the POC General Assembly. Thus, PVF remains a valid member of POC. The idea that PVF "disappeared into thin air" is a lie that POC peddles to justify the membership of LVPI in POC. Please be informed that the POC 1st and 2nd Vice-Presidents of POC are top officials of LVPI. Two other POC officials are also LVPI officials. POC is likewise a member of LVPI, which is a complete travesty. (See Word attachment).

3. The legality of PVF's expulsion from POC is still under litigation at the Pasig RTC.

We hope that the POC Election Committee, under your initiative, will ensure the integrity and credibility of the coming POC election. We hope that you will  champion truth and justice to effectively serve the best interest of the sports community and nation in general.

Thank you.

Yours truly,

Edgardo J. Cantada 

PVF President

Will these suffice for the UP president to decide in favor of PVF? PVF and a lot of volleyball fans hope so.

ANG ROOKIE SENSATION NG UPMVT NA SI LOUIS GAMBAN SA ISANG ONE-ON-ONE

"Masipag na atleta. Very coachable. Binigyan ko siya ng ibang role at position ilang buwan bago magsimula ang UAAP. Tinanggap niya ito ng buong puso at nag-improve siya nang todo. Alam niya i-motivate ang sarili at kanyang teammates at binibigay niya ang best niya sa bawat laro at practice."  Ito ang paglalarawanni UP Men's Volleyball Team Head Coach Raid Ricafort kay rookie sensation Louis Gamban. Sa unang laro pa lang ni Gamban sa UAAP Season 82, gumawa na siya ng ingay sa kanyang mataray na paglalaro. Subalit biglang nakansela ang UAAP 82 dahil sa COVID-19 kaya naudlot ang pamamayagpag ng rookie sensation ng UP. Sa isang ekslusibong panayam sa Bandera, inilahad ni Gamban ang kanyang saloobin sa mga nangyayari sa kanyang nagsisimulang volleyball career.

1. Kailan ka nagsimulang maglaro ng volleyball?
Grade 10. Sa labas ako nagsimula maglaro. Perpetual Las Pinas ako nag-high school at nahasa sa volleyball.

2. Paano ka napunta sa UP?
Nag-tryout ako sa UP.

3. Masaya ka ba sa UP? 
Yes. Super happy dahil marami ang nangangarapmakapasok sa UP. Pero pili lang ang nakakapasok.

4. Pinag-usapan ang una mong laro sa UAAP kontra Ateneo. Sinadya mo bang magpakitang-gilas para pag-usapan?
Di ko rin expect lahat. Pero isa lang ang nasa isip ko that time. Inisip ko na gagalingan ko at ibibigay ang lahat para umuwi kaming panalo sa UP Diliman.

5. Ano ang naramdamanmo nang kanselahin ang UAAP Season 82?
Sobrang lungkot. Kasi matagal naming pinagpaguran ang lahat. Sayang kasi gigil kaming manalo dahil sa pagkatalo namin sa UE.

6. Tingin mo papasok sa Top 4 ang UP  sa men's volleyball kung tinuloy ang Season 82?
Opo. Sa palagay ko may mararating ang pagsisikap namin araw-araw sa training. Malayo sana mararating namin sa Season 82 kung natuloy ito.

7. Marami kang fans. Pero marami ka ring bashers. Ano ang masasabi mo sa mga bashers?
Ang mga bashers, normal lang yan. Di ko rin naman sila mapipilit na magustuhan ako. Lalo ko na lang pagbubutihinang paglalaro para may mapatunayanako sa kanila.

8. Pangarap mo bang mapabilang sa national team balang araw?
Siguro naman lahat ng atleta gusto i-represent ang bansa natin. Pagbubutihinko para dumating din ako sa puntong yun.

9. Ano ang motto sa buhay ni Louis Gamban?
Alamin ang tama at mali. Pag alam mong nasa tama ka, ipaglaban mo.

10. Ano ang mensahe mo sa UP community?
Salamat sa lahat nang nakaka-appreciate sa talent ko at ng team. Magsusumikap kami para makakuha ng maraming panalo. Salamat po sa suporta.

ANG TUNAY NA LAKAS NG PVF KONTRA FIVB BA, AVC, POC AT LVPI

Noong nakaraang 36th FIVB World Congress, bukod sa nag-desisyon na panatilihing miyembro ng FIVB ang PVF, nagpasiya din ang FIVB GA na putulin na ang ano mang kaugnayan ng LVPI sa FIVB. Samakatuwid, natanggal na sa FIVB ang LVPI matapos ang huling FIVB Congress na ginanap sa Cancun, Mexico noong 2018.

Palibhasa malakas ang padrino ng LVPI sa FIVB BA at AVC at nagbubulag-bulagan ang POC sa katotohanan, nananatili pa ring buhay ang LVPI. Bagamat walang basehan, patuloy na naghahari-harian ang LVPI sa Philippine volleyball.

Subalit ang hindi alam ng POC at LVPI ay ang katotohanan na dumating na sa punto na hindi  lang PVF ang lumalaban para makamit ang katarungan. Ngayon, nakisawsaw at nakisali na rin ang ilang bansa na miyembro ng FIVB sa laban ng PVF. Ilang mga bansa na ang nagpahayag ng suporta sa PVF at pagtutuol sa LVPI.

Ngayon, tangka ng LVPI na magpadala ng mga koponan sa ilang AVC events sa taong kasalukuyan. Ito marahil ang papatay sa LVPI at AVC sakaling papayagang sumali ang mga koponan ng LVPI. Labag sa FIVB Constitution at desisyon ng FIVB GA ang pagpayag na makilahok ang mga koponan ng LVPI. Walang karapatan ang LVPI na sumali sa ano mang AVC o FIVB event matapos itong patalsikin sa FIVB.

Dahil nakatutok na ang buong mundo sa nangyayari sa volleyball sa Pilipinas, kailangang maging maingat ng FIVB BA, AVC, POC at LVPI sa kanilang mga hakbang. Isang pagkakamali lang, tiyak ang pagguho ng mga nasabing institusyon  Hawak ng PVF ang suporta ng mahigit isandaang bansa. Ito ang matinding sandata ng PVF sa patuloy na pagmamalabis ng FIVB BA, AVC , POC at LVPI.

THE VISIT OF FIVB OFFICIALS TO MANILA

Five top officials of FIVB are coming to Manila next week to "fix" the problem in Philippine volleyball. But what is the real problem in Philippine volleyball at this point in time anyway?

The problem does not really involve the determination of the true FIVB member for the Philippines. That has been resolved at the 36th FIVB World Congress in Cancun, Mexico with PVF voted as the one and only member of FIVB from the Philippines.

The problem really involves the FIVB BA decision to grant provisional membership with all the rights to LVPI. When the FIVB GA voted to keep PVF as FIVB member, LVPI was effectively removed from FIVB. As a result of the FIVB GA decision, LVPI was disaffiliated from FIVB.

But the influence of certain Filipino sports officials enables LVPI to continue acting like a member of FIVB. With the help of the FIVB BA and POC, LVPI continues to enjoy full rights as a national federation at the expense of PVF.

But the FIVB GA has had enough. It questioned the highly illegal decision of the FIVB BA decision in May 2019. With the pressure exerted by the highest authority in FIVB, FIVB BA decided to come to Manila to show a semblance of an objective attempt to "fix" the problem.

To cut a long story short, top FIVB official are scheduled to arrive in Manila to enforce and apply the decision of the FIVB GA. That is, put PVF as the national federation, with all its rights, in Philippine volleyball.

QUESTIONS THAT THE FIVB LETTER TO PVF RAISES

The letter of FIVB General Director Fabio Azevedo to PVF President Boy Cantada raises more questions than answers.

1. Is it true that several FIVB member nations questioned the status of PVF which prompted FIVB BA to take up the issue once again? The votation on the membership of PVF to FIVB was conducted in an orderly and honest manner in front of nearly 200 member nations.in Mexico at the 36th FIVB World Congress. So it is hard to believe that several nations will have the gall to question the results of the votation.

2. Is there an issue to be resolved which demands the visit of five members of the FIVB BA? The FIVB General Assembly (FIVB GA), which is the highest authority in FIVB, has decided to keep PVF as FIVB member and disaffiliate LVPI in 2018. It is crystal clear that it is PVF that is the FIVB as determined by the FIVB GA.

3. Why is the visiting team composed of personalities closely identified with LVPI? Wei Jizhong threw a tantrum in the 2016 FIVB World Congress to effectively stop the votation that would have clearly favored PVF. Fabio Azevedo, on the other hand, took the time and effort to rebut the letter of appeal of yours truly to the 222 member nations of FIVB. The letter of appeal, backed up with official documents, refuted the lies that POC peddled before FIVB and showed PVF as the victim of injustice.

4. Why does FIVB BA think that it can overturn the decision of the FIVB GA? Does FIVB BA think that it is more powerful than the FIVB GA?

Perhaps, the FIVB BA. with the help of Filipino sports leaders, think that the Filipino people are stupid. I hope that the proud and mighty FIVB BA will realize that the Filipino are not stupid as they think in the coming days.

ANG TUNAY NA MAKAPANGYARIHAN SA PHILIPPINE VOLLEYBALL

H

Sa 36th FIVB World Congress na ginanap sa Cancun, Mexico noong 2018, bumoto ang mahigit isandaang bansa para panatilihing miyembro ng FIVB ang Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF). Sa nasabi ring kongreso, tinuldukan ang ano mang kauganayan ng Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) sa FIVB.

Sa bisa ng boto ng mga miyembro ng FIVB, ang PVF ay nahirang at naitalagang National Federation (NF) ng volleyball sa Pilipinas. Ang pagkilala ng International Federation (IF) ang batayan sa pagiging NF ng isang federation ayon sa konstitusyon ng IOC, FIVB, AVC at POC.

Nagkakaroon ng problema ngayon sa volleyball sa Pilipinas dahil patuloy na di kinikilala ng POC ang desisyon ng FIVB na panatilihing NF ang PVF. Patuloy na hindi kinikilala ng POC ang desisyon ng mahigit isandaang miyembro ng FIVB. At ayaw paawat ang POC sa pagkilala sa LVPI kahit na isinuka na ito ng mga miyembro ng FIVB. Tahasang at lantarang sinusuway ng POC ang mga konstitusyon ng IOC, FIVB, AVC at maging sarili nitong konstistusyon sa pagkilala nito sa LVPI at pagtalikod sa PVF.

Kamakailan, lumabas sa isang artikulo na balak ng POC pagbuklurin ang mga volleyball stakeholders sa ilalim ng isang bagong pederasyon. Ito ay labag sa desisyon ng FIVB at maaring ikasuspindi ng POC sa IOC kung ipapagpatuloy ng POC ito. Hindi maaring gumawa ng isang aksyon ang POC na di naayon sa desisyon ng FIVB at ang tanging hangarin lang ay panatilihin sa puwesto ang mga LVPI officials.

Sa kasalukuyan, nananatiling suspindido ang Pilipinas sa FIVB at di ito maaring makilahok sa mga international volleyball tournaments.

Marahil, panahon na upang ipaalam sa POC kung sino talaga ang makapangyarihan. Marahil, ngayon na ang tamang panahon para iparating sa POC ang poot at galit ng mga volleyball fans. Panahon na para ang mga totoong nagmamahal sa volleyball at mga atleta nito ay magsama-sama at magsagawa ng aksyon laban sa pang-aaping nangyayari sa volleyball.

7 THINGS THAT ARE CLEAR ABOUT THE CURRENT PHILIPPINE VOLLEYBALL CRISIS

courtesy of bworldonline.com

1. It is clear that Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) is the one and only member of FIVB and AVC from the Philippines. As such, it is the entity that is entitled to be the one and only national federation for Philippine volleyball. It is also the only one that can form and send teams to FIVB and AVC events.

2. Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas Inc. (LVPI) is not a member of FIVB and AVC. It cannot send teams to compete in FIVB and AVC events.

3. Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) refuses to recognize PVF immediately to beat the deadline for the submission of entries to AVC events.

4. PVF has its share of incompetence as it fails to claim complete victory despite the favorable FIVB GA decision that was made last November 2018.

5. LVPI deceives the players, coaches and general public by pretending it can send teams to international volleyball competitions. LVPI knows very well that it cannot.

6. The Philippines will not be able to participate in AVC or FIVB events for 2020. Unless a miracle happens with POC having a change of heart and suddenly reinstates PVF before midnight, Philippine volleyball will come to a full stop in international competitions.

7. Players, coaches and fans must come together to save Philippine volleyball. The country's sports leaders do not care about volleyball and players at all. People must therefore show that those who love the sport and its athletes do.

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.