Jorge Souza de Brito seeks legal recourse against PNVF over disputed unpaid bonuses

What was meant to be a quiet transition has instead turned into a growing standoff. For Jorge Souza De Brito, the closing chapter of his time with Alas Pilipinas has shifted from a story of program-building to one centered on accountability.

After years of shaping the direction of Philippine women’s volleyball, the Brazilian coach now finds himself locked in a dispute with the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF), one that he insists could have been resolved with a simple conversation.

“I really don’t like to go this way but I don’t know how [else to proceed]. I’m just trying to sit on the same table with them because I think that’s the right thing to do,” De Brito said.

The main issues are unpaid salaries and bonuses tied to his tenure, including incentives from multiple SEA V.League tournaments and an AVC Nations Cup campaign. Despite his contract running through June, De Brito says clarity on these commitments has never come.

His frustration goes beyond finances. For months, he claims, attempts to initiate dialogue have been met with silence.

“Instead of sitting and talking with me, they keep on attacking me. They never talked straight to me. I’m here since December, trying to meet them. How many times have I met with them? Zero. Why? Why are they so afraid to talk? I don’t know,” the veteran coach said.

The breakdown comes after a complicated exit. De Brito was relieved of his post in October, just weeks before the Southeast Asian Games in Thailand. Yet rather than walk away, he stayed on to guide the team through the biennial meet closing his tenure on professional terms even as uncertainty loomed.

Since then, he has returned to the club scene, taking the reins of the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the Premier Volleyball League. Still, the unresolved dispute with the federation continues to cast a shadow over his present role.

The situation is further entangled by a leadership shift within the PNVF, with Tony Boy Liao taking over from Tats Suzara. But for De Brito, accountability should not depend on who is in charge.

“I’ve been working with [the federation] for five years. It’s sad that we have to go through this,” the former Alas Pilipinas coach said.

Liao, however, has distanced the current leadership from the issue.

“Hindi namin problema ‘yun. Kay Tats [Suzara] na ‘yun,” Liao said.

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DE BRITO OUSTER DECIDED LAST OCTOBER

Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Jorge Souza de Brito was already informed ahead of time, October 15, 2025 to exact, that his supposed contract until July 2026 will not push through.#AlasPilipinas #SEAGames2025 @spinph https://t.co/2UQWJLKbBl

— John Mark Garcia (@johnmarkdg_) December 16, 2025

The PNVF president also raised concerns over alleged contract violations, claiming De Brito should not have coached a club team while handling the national squad. The Brazilian mentor firmly denied this, stating that no such restriction existed in his agreement.

As tensions rise, the dispute has extended beyond financial claims. De Brito’s camp alleges that his working status in the country is now being used as leverage.

“The PNVF is trying to force him to give up his claim by threatening to cancel his visa or make it complicated for him to get a working visa,” his legal representation said.

Liao confirmed that arrangements were made with Capital1 to allow De Brito to finish his current stint in the Premier Volleyball League, but issued a warning tied to the ongoing situation.

“Naniningil [si de Brito] kaya sinabi namin sa Capital1 na kapag inulit niya pa, ica-cancel namin visa niya. We can always write to the PSC. We agreed [with Capital1] na tapusin muna natin ‘yung tournament basta ‘wag mangugulo coach niyo,” Liao said.

Despite the escalating rhetoric, De Brito maintains that his position is rooted in principle rather than conflict. He says he honored his commitment to the national team, turning down other opportunities in the process and is now simply asking for the same in return.

After sending formal communication to the federation as early as December, with no response, he is now preparing to elevate the matter. 

His camp has reached out to the Brazilian embassy and the Department of Labor and Employment, and is exploring further action through international and government channels, including the FIVB and Senator Alan Peter Cayetano.

“I think it’s time to go to the right venue to put these demands on the table,” he added.

Even as Alas Pilipinas moves forward under new head coach Tai Bundit, De Brito’s case underscores a deeper issue—one that goes beyond contracts and into the broader responsibility of managing a national program.

“The national team deserves much more, The fans deserve much more. The country deserves much more. Hopefully in the future, these guys will know what the national team really means for the country,” de Brito said.

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