PNVF Acting President Lao Shares Leadership Philosophy

Frank Lao says he has no regrets about briefly serving as acting president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), even after the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) declared the leadership transition invalid. His response reflects a leadership philosophy centered on service rather than holding an official title during one of Philippine volleyball’s most difficult administrative periods.

Instead of focusing on the outcome of the POC decision, Lao emphasized the importance of helping athletes, coaches, and national teams continue their preparations despite ongoing governance challenges. His remarks also offer insight into how federation leaders viewed their responsibilities while Philippine volleyball navigated uncertainty at both domestic and international levels.

Image from: SPIN.ph

Frank Lao Says Position Was Never the Goal

Lao assumed the role of acting PNVF president during a turbulent period that followed governance concerns and sanctions imposed by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB). The Philippine Olympic Committee later suspended the federation, effectively nullifying the leadership transition that temporarily placed him at the organization’s helm.

Despite losing the position, Lao maintained that serving the volleyball community mattered far more than occupying the federation’s highest office. He explained that his greatest satisfaction came from helping people rather than pursuing authority within Philippine volleyball’s governing body.

“It wasn’t about the presidency from the start. Wala naman sa’kin ‘yun. It’s not about the position, basta nakakatulong tayo sa mga tao. It’s really for the people.”

Lao Maintains Same Perspective After POC Decision

The POC ruling did not change Lao’s outlook because he believed meaningful contributions could continue regardless of any official designation or leadership title. He reiterated that public service remained his primary objective throughout his brief tenure as acting federation president.

“Okay na ‘yun. Ang akin naman ay whether as president or acting president, nakatulong tayo, whether. Hindi ko naman hinangad ‘yung posisyon eh. Para ito sa mga tao.”

Fifteen Days Focused on Resolving Financial Obligations

SPIN.ph’s John Mark Garcia reported that Lao spent his approximately 15-day tenure addressing several outstanding financial obligations affecting Philippine volleyball’s national programs. Those concerns involved athletes, coaches, and federation commitments that required immediate attention before upcoming international competitions and training activities.

Rather than introducing new initiatives, Lao prioritized resolving existing obligations that directly affected the national teams’ operations and overall program stability. His approach reflected an effort to reduce administrative distractions while athletes continued preparing for important regional and continental tournaments.

Financial Priorities Addressed During Lao’s Tenure

Among the obligations Lao identified as priorities were:

• Philippine men’s national volleyball team
• Philippine women’s national volleyball team
• National beach volleyball squads
• 2026 AVC Women’s Volleyball Cup team in Candon
• Former Alas Pilipinas women’s head coach Jorge Souza de Brito

Lao said resolving those matters represented the most meaningful accomplishment of his brief stay because several long-standing concerns finally received attention. He viewed practical assistance for athletes, coaches, and volleyball personnel as a more important measure of success than retaining the federation presidency.

“I’ve done my part in the 15 days na makatulong. ‘Yung sa beach, na-cover na, ‘yung sa men’s team din, sa Candon sa women’s team and now, ‘yung kay de Brito.”

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De Brito Settlement Removes a Major Administrative Burden

Former Alas Pilipinas women’s head coach Jorge Souza de Brito figured prominently among the federation’s unresolved financial concerns after seeking payment for unpaid salaries, incentives, and bonuses. The dispute eventually reached the National Labor Relations Commission, highlighting one of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s most public contractual issues.

The settlement represents meaningful progress as volleyball officials continue working through broader governance concerns affecting the national federation. Resolving long-standing financial obligations also helps rebuild confidence among coaches, athletes, and stakeholders supporting the country’s volleyball programs.

Settlement Ends Long-Running Financial Dispute

Reports indicated that both parties successfully reached an agreement covering all outstanding financial obligations owed to the Brazilian coach. Closing the case removes one significant administrative distraction as Philippine volleyball shifts its attention toward future competitions and organizational recovery.

Philippine Volleyball Looks Ahead Despite Governance Challenges

The Philippine Olympic Committee continues overseeing preparations for qualified national teams despite the PNVF suspension and ongoing administrative restructuring. Maintaining consistent support allows athletes and coaches to remain focused on training while governance matters are addressed behind the scenes.

Several major international tournaments remain on the calendar, including the 2026 Asian Games, making organizational stability increasingly important for every national program. Strong administrative leadership and timely operational support will remain essential as Philippine volleyball works toward restoring confidence throughout the federation.

Focus Shifts Toward Long-Term Stability

The federation’s immediate priority extends beyond leadership appointments because athletes require uninterrupted preparation for upcoming international competitions. Building a stable governance structure should strengthen long-term planning while creating a healthier environment for Philippine volleyball’s continued development.

Analytical Breakdown: Administrative Stability Drives Continued Progress

Administrative stability remains an important part of building a successful national volleyball program. Consistent planning, timely support, and clear organizational structures allow athletes and coaches to focus on preparation instead of off-court concerns. Addressing operational issues efficiently also helps maintain continuity across national team activities and international competitions.

The coming months will be significant for Philippine volleyball as preparations continue for major events, including the Asian Games. Sustained progress depends not only on player development but also on creating an environment where long-term programs can operate with confidence and stability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the POC invalidate Frank Lao’s presidency?

The POC invalidated the leadership transition after suspending the PNVF following sanctions imposed by the FIVB.

How long did Frank Lao serve as acting PNVF president?

Lao said he served as acting president for approximately 15 days before the POC’s decision took effect.

What financial concerns did Lao prioritize during his tenure?

He said he focused on resolving financial obligations involving national teams, beach volleyball squads, the AVC Women’s Cup team, and Jorge Souza de Brito.

Has Jorge Souza de Brito’s financial dispute with the PNVF been resolved?

Yes, reports confirmed that both parties reached a settlement covering the former coach’s outstanding financial claims.

Will Philippine national volleyball teams continue competing internationally?

Yes, the Philippine Olympic Committee confirmed that qualified national teams will continue participating while governance issues are being resolved.

Disclaimer: Headline Image from MSN.