After Alas Pilipinas Men dropped their opening game in the 20th Asian Games in Aichi‑Nagoya, Japan, team captain Bryan Bagunas revealed the struggles the men’s national team is facing due to what he described as a lack of support from the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF).
Bagunas said the players received allowances only from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), forcing some to pay out of pocket for meals and transportation during their preparations.
“Dito, ‘yung allowance lang namin is from PSC. Other than that, wala na, as in sari‑sari na. Minsan, kami na gumagastos ng lunch namin, pagkain namin kasi hindi na kami umaabot sa meal, e, kasi ‘yung training namin is alangangin sa time ng meal time sa hotel,” Bagunas explained.
Bagunas added that some teammates had resorted to borrowing money just to attend training sessions. “Sobrang tough para sa amin na mag‑ensayo araw‑araw. Minsan, seven lang kami nag‑eensayo, eight ganon. Sobrang hirap, sobrang tough kasi nga hindi sila makapunta, ‘yung iba wala ng pamasahe kasi wala kaming naging allowance from July.”
PNVF Responds
Following Bagunas’s comments, the PNVF issued a statement acknowledging the concerns and apologizing to the athletes.
“In response to the recent interview of Alas Team Captain Bryan Bagunas, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) extends its sincerest apologies to all our National Athletes for the difficulties they have experienced. Our athletes have dedicated themselves to representing our country, and they deserve nothing less than the full support of the Federation,” the statement read.
The federation admitted that some athletes had been shouldering their own expenses and, in some cases, borrowing money. It also explained that when president Frank Lao assumed leadership in August 2026, he inherited substantial financial liabilities and outstanding obligations.
PNVF said it is conducting a comprehensive inventory and accounting of its financial records, reconciling previously received funds and their disbursements. Despite this ongoing review, the federation stressed that it is working to address immediate needs.
According to the statement, Lao personally advanced funds for allowances, ticketing, and visa requirements for the men’s team before their departure for the Asian Games. The federation also accommodated a request for an additional round‑trip ticket for one member.
“These are among the measures undertaken by the current leadership to address the immediate needs of our athletes while working toward more sustainable solutions. Nevertheless, we agree with Mr. Bagunas. These efforts are not enough,” the PNVF said.
Looking Ahead
The federation pledged to strengthen financial accountability and establish a system that ensures athletes receive the support they deserve.
“Under the leadership of President Frank Lao, PNVF is committed to rebuilding the Federation, strengthening its financial accountability, and establishing a system that provides our athletes with the support they rightfully deserve,” the statement concluded.
Alas Pilipinas Men are currently competing in Pool D of the Asian Games, where they opened their campaign against South Korea. They will next face China on Monday, September 28, at 12:00 p.m.
