POC slams PVF move

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Olympic Committee yesterday branded as “defamatory” the statements issued by newly elected Philippine Volleyball Federation president Edgardo “Boy” Cantada last week.

“The POC laments the defamatory rantings of Mr. Boy Cantada based on his distorted interpretation of the facts, events and procedures,” said POC vice president and Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas, Inc. head Jose Romasanta.

The PVF recently held an election, which was not recognized by the POC because it no longer considers the PVF as an official member.

The POC, with the blessings of the Asian Volleyball Confederation and the International Volleyball Federation, put up the LVPI because of the absence of a legitimate caretaker for the sport.

“The POC did what it should do and also at the instance of the AVC to save Philippine volleyball,” said Romasanta who was elected LVPI president almost the same time Cantada became PVF head.

The POC used to recognize the PVF. When the PVF registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission as a new corporation without the knowledge of the POC, it practically disassociated itself from the POC.

“With the new incorporation, the PVF dissolved the old one that was recognized by the POC. The POC cannot recognize the new PVF because it is an entirely new incorporation with a new set of officers,” said Romasanta.