POC-backed Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas receives FIVB recognition
The country now has a new internationally-recognized volleyball federation.
In what could be the most decisive development amid a gripping tension between the Philippine Olympic Committee and the embattled Philippine Volleyball Federation, the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) formally recognized Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas as the country’s new federation of the sport.
In a one-page communique from FIVB president Ary Graca and was sent to media outlets on Wednesday afternoon, the sports’ world-governing body has given its “provisionary recognition” to the POC-assembled PVF until the staging of its election on or before Feb. 15.
At the moment, the PVF has named five incorporators led POC first vice-president Joey Romasanta, who will most likely serve as the new federation’s president. Other incorporators include POC second vice-president Jeff Tamayo, POC legal counsel Ramon Malinao, Shakey's V-League president Ricky Palou, and POC consultant Chippy Espiritu.
They are expected to be joined by representatives from four major volleyball stakeholders–the Philippine Superliga, Shakey's V-League, University Athletic Association of the Philipines and National Collegiate Athletic Association–to form the nine-man board of trustees duly required by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"I hereby grant provisionary recognition to Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas, Inc. as the new volleyball federation of the Philippines under the umbrella of the POC," said Graca in a letter addressed to POC president Jose "Peping" Cojuangco dated January 27.
"I grant provisionary membership provided that the first requirement is to hold an election of officers to be conducted no later than February 15."
Romasanta, who also serves as the karate federation president, stressed the recognition of FIVB should end the long strife between the LVP and the Karl Chan and Otie Camangian-led PVF, which held an election this weekend despite the absence of any POC official. Chan was reportedly given fresh mandate while Gerard Cantada emerged as chairman.
"With this recognition, I think we should put the issue to rest," noted Romasanta. "There should be no more ifs and buts. We should start working; focus on the SEA (Southeast Asian) Games and the Asian Women's U23 Volleyball Championship in May. We should all move forward and start working."
Romasanta shared they are still open to welcoming Chan, Camangian and other PVF officials in their group as well as the athletes from the PVF-organized men's and women's team that were initially planned to represent the country in the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore this June.
Romasanta, however, pointed out that they will form a membership committee which will screen potential members of the LVP.
"Everybody is welcome to join," he said. "But there are membership rules and requirements. Once we are already organized, then we are going to form a membership committee who will invite and screen the applicants."
"We agreed that we will accept only clubs–not individual personalities."
Romasanta is scheduled to fly to Thailand next week where he is expected to meet Asian Volleyball Confederation executives to update the regional federation about the current status of the sport in the country.
