PSC urges swift resolution in PNVF–Jorge de Brito dispute

With Philippine volleyball gearing up for bigger roles on the global stage, a brewing dispute off the court is drawing concern at the highest level.

Patrick Gregorio made it clear that the ongoing legal conflict between the Philippine National Volleyball Federation and former national team coach Jorge Souza de Brito cannot be allowed to linger.

The Brazilian mentor has taken his complaints to the National Labor Relations Commission, citing unpaid bonuses, salary issues, and what he described as illegal deductions during his tenure with Alas Pilipinas Women. While the case now moves through formal channels, Gregorio emphasized that its impact extends far beyond paperwork.

“Dapat ayusin nila ‘yan,” Gregorio said. “Kasi alam mo, ang focus natin is ‘yung 2029 World [Championship] hosting natin. Ang focus natin, ‘yung mga marami nating hosting. You cannot afford any internal conflict.”

Speaking on the sidelines of the Asian Beach Games, the PSC chief framed the issue as one that could affect the country’s broader sporting ambitions—particularly as the Philippines positions itself as a host for major international events.

While de Brito was originally brought in during the leadership of former federation president Ramon “Tats” Suzara, Gregorio stressed that the responsibility now lies with the current administration under Tony Boy Liao.

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DE BRITO INITIATES LEGAL PROCEEDINGS PNVF

Former Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Jorge Souza de Brito has initiated legal proceedings against the Philippine National Volleyball Federation by filing at the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) on Monday, his legal… pic.twitter.com/klb4nie6dG

— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) April 20, 2026

“I encourage President Tony Boy [Liao], he’s the head of the federation, to really just fix this kasi mahirap ‘yung ma-negative publicity pa tayo sa ibang bayan,” he said.

Beyond the immediate dispute, Gregorio pointed to a deeper concern: credibility.

As Philippine sports increasingly taps foreign expertise, unresolved issues like this could cast doubt on the country’s ability to uphold agreements and protect professionals working within its programs.

“Otherwise, how can we welcome foreign coaches in the future? Naniniwala ako, maaayos ni President Tony Boy, at sana sa lalong madaling [panahon] pa rin,” he said. “Ang dami nating foreign coaches na magagaling ngayon. Kung ano ‘yung pinagkasunduan, dapat lang masunod, and I will make sure na matulungan rin natin ‘yung PNVF in solving this.”

For Gregorio, the message is simple but urgent: settle the issue, protect the program, and keep the focus where it belongs—on growth, not conflict.

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