The controversy surrounding the Philippine National Volleyball Federation’s (PNVF) initial refusal to issue International Transfer Certificates (ITC) to imports competing in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference was a huge blow to Philippine volleyball.

Although the ITCs were eventually signed, the damage was done and the tension that was quietly simmering underneath between the national federation and the country’s top professional league had completely exploded.

The ITC is such a crucial document. It is the clearance required by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) for players who wish to play professionally in another country. Without it, no foreign player can see action — unless they are ready to face banishment from their federations.

That’s why PVL officials were fuming when the PNVF failed to issue the crucial clearance ahead of the league’s opening last Tuesday. The PVL branded the PNVF as “unprofessional” and “obstructionist,” accusing it of using the ITC as leverage to make the PVL agree to shorten its season so its players could join the national team that will see action in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.

Just last month, Philippine volleyball was at its peak. Alas Pilipinas won the hearts of Filipinos while the PNVF drew praise for pulling off a memorable hosting of the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.

But when the party was over and all the guests had left, it was back to normal for the PNVF. Its first order of business? Twisting the arm of the PVL, forcing it to agree to its whims instead of taking a collaborative, more civilized approach.

The PNVF’s move is fundamentally misguided. It demonstrates a flawed leadership philosophy that prioritizes unilateral control over constructive partnership.

It should understand that the PVL is the engine of Philippine volleyball’s commercial and competitive success. It provides professional careers to local players and coaches, attracts lucrative corporate sponsorships and, most importantly, raises the standard of play through constant high-level competition, especially during import-laced conferences.

By disrupting the Reinforced Conference, the PNVF didn’t just inconvenience a league; it jeopardized the careers and contracts of professional foreign players who traveled here in good faith while cheating the Filipino fans of the spectacle they paid to see.

Also, the argument that the blockade was a necessary evil for the national team doesn’t make sense.

The PVL had already demonstrated its commitment to the national program by adjusting its schedule, even moving the start of its conference after the conclusion of the national team’s international commitments.

As the governing body of volleyball in the country, the PNVF is tasked with the comprehensive development of Philippine volleyball. This development must be holistic, embracing both the national team and the professional league that supports it. When the national federation undermines its most powerful partner, all of Philippine volleyball suffers.

For Philippine volleyball to build on its massive popularity and achieve consistent international success, the PNVF must step away from political stunts and embrace its role as a stable, transparent facilitator. PNVF officials should understand that they have no right to dictate on the pro league because they are not the ones paying the salaries of its players.

Holding the sport hostage for leverage is not leadership; it is self-sabotage that could derail the momentum that the entire community has worked so hard to crank up.