The Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball team is playing at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, but team captain Bryan Bagunas says the players haven’t received an allowance since July. Some of them have had to borrow money just to get to training.
Bagunas spoke after the team’s opening loss to powerhouse South Korea on Sunday, Sept. 27. By late Sunday, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) had issued an apology and admitted its efforts “are not enough.”
“Nangungutang na sa Other Players”
“Regarding sa allowance namin, kahit ’yung ibang players nangungutang na sa other players, or sa mga ibang tao, para makapunta sa training or pauwi sa kanilang mga bahay,” Bagunas said, according to Tiebreaker Times.
“Sobrang tough para sa amin na mag-ensayo, minsan eight or seven. Sobrang hirap, sobrang tough,” he added. Inquirer reported that he meant only seven or eight players sometimes make it to practice.
Bagunas explained that many of his teammates are still student-athletes.
“Wala kasi silang pamasahe, wala kaming allowance from July,” he said, according to Tiebreaker Times. “Naiintindihan ko naman kasi most of the players are student-athletes, so ayun, nagtulungan lang kami para mag-ensayo nang kumpleto.”
Inquirer reported that Bagunas and other senior players from the Spikers’ Turf have been helping out younger teammates, especially those still playing in the UAAP.
Paying for Their Own Meals
According to Bagunas, the only allowance the team receives comes from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
“Other than that, sari-sarili na,” he said.
He added that players sometimes pay for their own lunch because training sessions clash with the hotel’s meal times.
“Minsan kami na lang yung gumagastos ng lunch namin… kanya-kanya na lang na gastos, out of pocket,” he told Tiebreaker Times.
“Sobrang nakakalungkot kasi nagre-represent kami for the country, pero ayun, hindi namin nararamdaman yung suporta na para sa amin,” Bagunas said. “Lalo sa mga bata.”
“Talo Na Nga, Gutom Pa”
Bagunas wasn’t the only one to speak out.
Josh Ybañez, a University of Santo Tomas student-athlete, also aired his frustration on Instagram after the game, Inquirer reported.
“Talo na nga gutom pa. Ano na pinas! jusko kanya kanya na to,” Ybañez wrote. “Hindi ba namin deserve suportahan? Tanong lang.”
Alas Women Too?
Spin.ph reported that the Alas Pilipinas women’s team also had to cover some of its own expenses in Aichi-Nagoya, citing a source close to the national team program. The women’s team finished ninth.
Spin.ph noted that before the Games, the PSC had announced an additional P6,000 allowance for every member of Team Philippines, on top of existing support. It had also approved an extra P30 million for unexpected expenses.
According to Spin.ph, Bagunas’s account “points to a gap” between the support that was announced and what the volleyball players actually experience day to day.
PNVF: “Our Athletes Deserve Better”
In a statement signed by executive director Atty. Miguel Carlos Suarez, the PNVF acknowledged the concerns Bagunas raised, Tiebreaker Times reported.
“We recognize the sacrifices our athletes have made, including having to shoulder their own expenses and, in some instances, borrow money,” the federation said.
“This is a situation that no National Athlete should ever have to endure.”
The PNVF said that when new president Frank Lao took over in August 2026, he inherited “substantial financial liabilities and outstanding obligations.” The federation said it is now doing a full inventory and accounting of its financial records, according to Tiebreaker Times.
It also said it had granted the national team’s request for an additional round-trip ticket for one of its members.
“Nevertheless, we agree with Mr. Bagunas. These efforts are not enough,” the PNVF said.
“Our athletes deserve better. Philippine volleyball deserves better. And we will work tirelessly to deliver better.”
Inquirer noted that the men’s squad is still technically under the care of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC), which took over after the PNVF was suspended over a leadership crisis. The federation is currently seeking reinstatement.
Still Fighting on the Court
Despite the problems off the court, Alas lost only narrowly to South Korea: 16-25, 25-27, 22-25.
Alas Pilipinas men face China on Monday and Chinese Taipei on Tuesday to wrap up their campaign, Inquirer reported.
This is the same core that won silver at the 2019 SEA Games, played at the FIVB Men’s World Championship last year, and returned to the SEA Games podium with a bronze last December, according to Inquirer.
Bagunas himself won an SV.League title with Osaka in Japan last season.
