President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered authorities to investigate claims that some Filipino delegates at the ongoing 2026 Asian Games, particularly members of the Alas Pilipinas Men’s Volleyball Team, had to shoulder several expenses during the event.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reported the order in a briefing on Monday, Sep. 28.
“The president does not want those representing our country to be the ones suffering because it appears that the government is not responding to their needs,” Castro said.
Castro added that the Marcos administration ordered the investigation to determine what Filipino athletes “actually experienced” before reaching any conclusions.
“They should not think they can simply benefit from or take advantage of the situation without facing consequences,” Castro said, stressing that “those who abuse their authority, especially when there are issues involving public funds, should indeed be held accountable.”
The allegations stem from statements by several Alas Pilipinas Men’s Volleyball athletes about the alleged inadequate financial support for the team, including a statement from its captain, Bryan Bagunas, who revealed that some athletes had not received their allowance since July this year.
Bagunas said their allowance came from the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), while other expenses often came from their own finances.
According to Bagunas, there were instances when athletes had to pay for their own meals during the Asian Games, and some “even started borrowing money from their teammates or other people just to get to training or go home.”
“Of course, the support is important,” the team captain said.
“It’s really tough for us to train. Sometimes, only seven or eight of us are able to attend because some players can’t make it,” he added.
Senators on Monday also called for an investigation into the delayed release of national athletes’ allowances.
Senate Sports Committee chair Sen. Bong Go said he would file a resolution to conduct a post-evaluation of the Filipino delegates’ participation in the Asian Games.
Meanwhile, the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) issued a statement following concerns raised by Bagunas and other Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball athletes, apologizing to the team and citing “substantial financial liabilities and outstanding obligations” inherited by its new administration.
The federation also said its current president, Frank Lao, has taken measures “to address the immediate needs of our athletes while working toward more sustainable solutions.”
Under the 2026 General Appropriations Act, the PSC has P110.437 million for the preparation, training, and participation of Filipino athletes in international games, including the 2026 Asian Games.
Written by Mark Angelo Dominguez, Insight PH
Mark Angelo Dominguez, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
