As Alas players call for change, PNVF tries to get house in order

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) said its doors are open for dialogue after disgruntled Alas Pilipinas players voiced their concerns over the future of the national team.

Team captain Jia de Guzman and Fifi Sharma called for changes and a greater emphasis on athlete welfare as they hope to sustain Alas’ gains from their recent success, especially with the country set to host the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Candon, Ilocos Sur, in June. 

Having made her “best memories playing volleyball” as part of the national team, Sharma said she chooses to speak out in hopes of ensuring the foundation Alas has built does not go to waste. 

“This is the closest we’ve ever gotten to having a core and it’s sad to see it fall into the wrong hands,” Sharma wrote on her Instagram broadcast channel on Tuesday, March 17. 

“It’s difficult to keep giving your all and fighting for something that consistently fails to take care of you. Passion can carry you far but it shouldn’t be used to justify neglect.” 

De Guzman followed suit on Thursday, March 19, as she touched on the dilemma of players who want to don the national colors but at the same time also pursue a professional career in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL).

This comes after the PNVF announced the proposal for an “Alas draft” that allows the federation to sign selected rookie aspirants in the next PVL Draft in June to exclusive national team contracts.

In essence, players chosen by national team coach Tai Bundit will see action solely for Alas and have their salaries covered by the PNVF. 

“Representing the country has always meant a lot to me, and I know that same pride is shared by so many athletes — but more than that, it’s something we have a responsibility to protect and build for the generations that come after us,” De Guzman wrote on her Instagram stories. 

“At the same time, I believe athletes should be in an environment where they can continue to grow, compete, and be supported — without being put in a position where they have to choose between the national team and their careers in the league.” 

De Guzman, who played two years in Japan, believes the Philippines is capable of emulating other countries where players thrive in both professional and national team settings without sacrificing one for the other.

“I strongly believe that we can build a system where both the national team and our local leagues can grow together — while allowing athletes to continue competing and developing in both environments,” De Guzman said. 

PNVF’s response

On Thursday, PNVF president Tonyboy Liao and executive director Iby Bautista spoke to the media and addressed the issues surrounding Alas.

While the “Alas draft” has yet to be finalized, with the PNVF set to sit down with PVL clubs, Liao said the federation is likely to push through with the proposal. 

“It was a board resolution. It was approved that it would happen. We will still follow that. You can’t just change it because the board approved it. The federation is not being run by one person. It is run by the board. If that was approved by the board, we need to follow,” said Liao in a mix of Filipino and English. 

Bautista said the PNVF has taken notice of the players’ complaints but asked for patience as the federation tries to get its house in order after being left with a “lot of mess” by the previous administration led by former president Ramon “Tats” Suzara.

Liao succeeded Suzara as PNVF president after being elected in November. 

“One example: our 2023 financial statement isn’t finished yet. That’s for 2023. A lot of receipts are missing, a lot of things are unaccounted for, so what more for 2024 and 2025? That’s what we’re working on,” said Bautista. 

“When we took over, the balance was zero and there were even debts. It’s like we were given a house with nothing inside, no electricity, and no water.” 

“For the players and everything… just give us more time so we can fix these problems and we will also be asking them to sit down with us so they can air their grievances.” 

Bautista also admitted that the late liquidations resulted in Alas players, both from the indoor and beach volleyball teams, receiving delayed salaries. 

“Rest assured we are committed in solving that problem,” said Bautista. 

While Liao recognized that players are free to express their opinion online, he said the PNVF is “open anytime” for a meeting. 

“Let’s say Jia is the captain, she can lead the team, if they want to talk with us, fine let’s talk,” said Liao. 

“Our enemies here are not the players. Our enemies here are those who led the past administration because of the problems that they passed on to us.” 

Liao said the same Alas crew that competed in the Southeast Asia Games in Thailand in December will represent the country in the upcoming AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup, unless the players decline the PNVF’s invitation. 

“My question now is, ‘Okay, if we invite you again to play for the national team, are you going to play?’ That’s the only question. They should be the ones to answer if they still want to play. If they don’t want to anymore, thank you. Because there are a lot of players who want to play for the national team, not just them.” – Rappler.com