PSC sides with PVF chief in nat’l team issue

THE PHILIPPINE Sports Commission is siding with Philippine Volleyball Federation president Generoso Dungo in a leadership controversy sparked by plans to form a national team for the Southeast Asian Games this year.

PSC chief Richie Garcia said the government’s sports funding agency will only recognize a national team that is sanctioned by Dungo, who is at loggerheads with PVF secretary general Virginia de Jesus after the latter started the groundwork for the formation of a national team without the go-signal from the federation.

De Jesus reportedly tapped marketing official Ramon Suzara as chair of the selection committee. Suzara’s plans centered on a tournament from which the national team would be culled.

Suzara is a member of the development commission of the Federacion Internationale de Volleyball, the world governing body in the sport.

Citing a PVF board resolution passed on Feb. 13 in Lingayen, Pangasinan, Dungo refused to recognize Suzara and relieved De Jesus of her duties.

“She (De Jesus) was not given the authority to appoint Tats (Suzara) as head of the committee,” said Garcia. “The PSC continues to recognize the leadership of Dungo and he’s also recognized by the POC.”

Garcia said that at best, Suzara could form a team that will join the Philippine National Games and try to qualify for the SEA Games.

Dungo yesterday told sportswriters at the PSA Forum that he will not step down from his post despite relentless attacks from his detractors who are asking for his head.