Embattled PVF to hold election; Bagwis, Amihan hope to be retained

MANILA, Philippines -- It seems that harmony has returned to the Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) as the Board of Directors (BOD) convened recently to iron out kinks within its ranks, address issues and move forward amidst external turmoil from various fronts.

PVF Secretary General Rustico “Otie” Camangian disclosed that the first BOD meeting of the year yielded “many positive results” and the progress of Philippine volleyball was of utmost importance to all in attendance.

“We’re all moving forward,” Camangian, the former national player and coach said. “There are many positive results including the filling up of vacant positions and our decision to pursue the hosting of the (Asian Volleyball Confederation) Under-23 (women’s) championship. We will continue the plans and development programs of the PVF.”

Edgardo Cantada—one of the people who allegedly was part of the attempt to wrest power from the present PVF leadership—has been named Chairman, replacing Pedro Mendoza, Jr. who passed away in October of last year.

Board member D’Artagnan Yambao was also installed as Vice President as the post was vacated due to the promotion of current President Karl Chan who took over from erstwhile President Gener Dungo on May 30, 2013 (under PVF Board Resolution 05-2013). 

The same resolution upheld at the BOD meeting—held at the renowned Cantada Sports Center in Parañaque City—also included the continued tenure of Chan as PVF President and Camangian as SecGen.

The long awaited General Assembly (GA) and Election of Officers of the embattled National Sports Association (NSA) will be on January 25th (Sunday) at a venue to be announced.

The GA is expected to draw the more than forty recognized stakeholders of the sport throughout the archipelago and aims to identify a new breed of stakeholders due to volleyball’s exponential growth since 2013.

Among those expected to attend are officials from the UAAP, NCAA, the Shakey’s V-League (one of the newest members of the PVF), the Philippine Super Liga (PSL) and provincial representatives.

Another issue tackled was the status of the two national teams, namely Amihan (women’s) and Bagwis (men’s).

“The board upheld and approved its formation,” Camangian explained. “Amihan and Bagwis are still our national teams and they will continue training.”

Cantada even offered his facilities as the new training ground for the national squads should any problems arise. The state-of-the-art sports complex could be a more suitable training venue for the contingent should pressure be brought to bear by elements of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) which is still pursuing control of the program.

The upcoming PVF elections should draw special interest, especially from members of Amihan, Bagwis and program sponsor PLDT Home Fibr.

The hashtags #WeSupportSecGenOtieCamangian and #WeSupportPresKarlChan along with #OneForPhilippineVolleyball have been the virtual battle cries of the teams since the series of disruptions escalated late last year.

While many believe that Chan and Camangian will still be retaining their posts for another term, there is always that possibility that others can take the positions.

Amihan and Bagwis members are forecasted to be in full force for the GA heading into the election portion.

It is also mandated that a representative from both the POC and the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) be present to witness the process, a PVF official said.

“They’ll be informed but the question is if they will they arrive,” the official who requested anonymity said. “The PVF aims for Amihan and Bagwis to see action in the (Southeast Asian) SEA Games (in Singapore this June). We are doing our best to legitimize everything. Huwag naman sana nila kaming pahirapan.”

Congressman Lino Cayetano of Taguig has already requested for an inquiry into the matter of the POC issue while PVF Co-Honorary Chair Sen. Pia Cayetano has already voiced out her displeasure at the current situation.

The former national campaigner mused, “What’s wrong with this team?”

Amihan and Bagwis players and coaches have elected to be silent on the matter, but the PVF GA and elections will be the most important event of the NSA since Chan and Camangian assumed its leadership.