Reporting note: this article draws on tiebreakertimes.com.ph; LodiScore provides the summary and editorial framing.
Lao Apologizes to Bryan Bagunas and National Teams Over Severe Allowance Delays
Newly elected Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Frank Lao has stepped up and taken full accountability for the financial crisis hitting the country's national volleyball squads at the 20th Asian Games!
In an official statement released on Monday, Lao offered an apology to the Alas Pilipinas Men's squad, specifically addressing team captain Bryan Bagunas after the star hitter spoke out regarding the lack of federation backing heading into their continental campaign in Nagoya, Japan. Lao acknowledged that the athletes were left in an unfair position while representing the country on the international stage.
Inherited Liabilities: Over P25 Million in Outstanding Debt
Lao, a prominent businessman and chairman of Strong Group Athletics who took the federation's reins in mid-August, revealed the shocking state of the organization's treasury. Upon assuming office, Lao discovered that the federation was burdened with roughly P25 million in liabilities and unpaid accounts.
To make matters worse, financial assistance from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) remains frozen. This funding stoppage stems from the previous suspension of the PNVF and the withdrawal of support by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) back in June, completely cutting off the operational allowance flow for national athletes.
“As president of the PNVF, I take full accountability for what happened to the allowances of both Alas Pilipinas Men and Women squads as well as the beach volleyball teams,” Lao stated. “After taking over the PNVF in the middle of August, we were left with nothing but more than P25 million in debt. We are now starting to pay all the coaches, settle travel trips, and clear other payables that the federation owes them.”
Personal Resources Deployed to Keep Alas Pilipinas Competing
With official funds choked off, Lao revealed that he has started dipping directly into his personal funds to keep national team operations afloat. Ahead of the men's squad departure for Nagoya, Lao provided P20,000 in pocket money out of his own pocket to each athlete and personally covered the round-trip airfare for late roster addition Owa Retamar.
These financial struggles predate the current leadership. Former PNVF president Tonyboy Liao, whom Lao succeeded following the August 10 special elections at the Solaire Theater Southlinks Boardroom, had already initiated an internal audit of the federation's books. Liao had also battled delayed team salaries during the 33rd Southeast Asian Games last December amid ongoing organizational disputes.
What Lies Ahead for Philippine Volleyball Governance
Rather than dodging the criticism, Lao urged players, fans, and stakeholders to be patient while his administration works to stabilize federation finances and settle all outstanding debts with coaches and service providers.
“Ako na ang humihingi ng pasensya na nagkulang kami. Pero bigyan nyo kami ng pagkakataon na makabawi sa inyo,” Lao added. “Just give me some time po. Sa akin ito bilang presidente ng PNVF. I take this responsibility. Sorry po.”
Clearing these debts and restoring good standing with the PSC, POC, and FIVB will be the critical next steps to ensure national volleyball pool athletes receive consistent, uninterrupted financial support in future international tournaments.
