Renowned organizer Ramon “Tats” Suzara is tipped to be declared as the new head of a national federation for volleyball in the Philippines.
Suzara is set to lead on an interim basis until new polls are held next year.
He will be unopposed in his bid after fellow organizer Ricky Palou decided to give way.
Palou believes that with Suzara on board, peace and cooperation among the many stakeholders in volleyball is just around the corner.
And that’s because of Suzara’s good relationship with the international federation (FIVB) and the Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC).
“I think he knows volleyball very well. He has good connections with the FIVB and the AVC. And this will benefit Philippine volleyball,” said Palou, days before the polls that was set at the East Ocean Seafoods Restaurant in Parañaque City.
The elections are taking place after the international volleyball federation, FIVB, sought the Philippine Olympic Committee’s assistance.
The POC, with president and Tagaytay congressmen Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino himself as observer, will supervise the proceedings, and the creation of a new volleyball body
The polls will go some four years after the international body withdrew its recognition of a Philippine federation in 2016.
Since then, the POC had been provisionally recognizing the Larong Volleyball ng Pilipinas, Inc.
The LVPI, which is headed by Peter Cayco of Arellano University and former Gintong Alay chief Joey Romasanta, will be dissolved as soon as a new federation is formally created and named.
LVPI secretary-general Ariel Paredes is seeking the post of chairman while Palou will vie for a place in the board.
On the other hand, Don Caringal is said to become the next secretary-general.
Suzara, who heads the Alliance of Philippine Volleyball, Inc., met with various stakeholders two weeks ago in a gathering that was called by the POC.
Paredes attended with Philippine Volleyball Federation secretary-general Otie Camangian.
New elections will be held January next year.
