PVF to POC: Respect NSA autonomy

MANILA, Philippines - Newly elected Philippine Volleyball Federation (PVF) president Edgardo “Boy” Cantada challenged Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco to justify his actions against the PVF and urged the POC head to respect the autonomy of all National Sports Associations (NSAs).

“I dare Mr. Cojuangco to face the general assembly and explain why he masterminded the alleged ouster of the PVF from the POC and replaced it with his self-made  association,” said Cantada.

He stressed that the PVF remains the true volleyball body in contrast to Cojuangco’s claims, citing the POC Constitution that only a 2/3 vote of the assembly could decide the fate of a member.

“There’s no such vote, not even an opportunity for us to discuss our problems with the POC, if there’s any. All we got now from Cojuangco is a decision that is highly irregular and very illegal,” said Cantada, who was elected during the PVF Board meeting last Sunday.

Also elected in the PVF new set of officers were Vice President (Luzon) Mariano See Diet; VP (Visayas) Roger Barsuela; VP (Mindanao) Arnel Hasan; Karl Chan (Secretary General), Gerald Cantada (Deputy Sec. Gen.), and Otie Camangian (Managing Director).

The PVF has been working since late last year to solve its internal problems, and succeeded to unite all conflicting parties en route to a new set of officers,” said Cantada.

“All of us are duly elected officers and regular members of the PVF. Cojuangco’s new volleyball body is composed of outsiders and business minded individuals. Can he explain that?”

Cantada added that he is ready to seek legal opinions about the issue which has also been plaguing other NSA’s ever since Cojuangco took over poc.

“Let us review Cojuangco’s track record as POC president - deteriorating RP campaign in all international events even the SEA Games, check. NSA’s  in turmoil with POC involved, check. Mismanagement and corruption especiall with his favorite NSA’s, check. POC under martial law, check,” said Cantada.