TIMELINE: How the PVL Dispute Snowballed into a Full-blown Controversy

The Premier Volleyball League (PVL) witnessed a storm of controversy both on and off the court as a crucial net-touch challenge during the intense semi-final match between the PLDT High Speed Hitters and Akari Chargers sparked a heated debate. 

The pivotal moment came during the fifth set, with the High Speed Hitters just one point away from their first-ever PVL Finals appearance. The dispute is now one of the biggest controversies to hound the PVL, now one of the most popular leagues in the Philippines. Here is a timeline of what happened. 

August 31 – PLDT High Speed Hitters — Akari Chargers set five controversial net-touch challenge call

The semis match between PLDT and Akari was very intense which dragged up until the final set. 

During the winner-take-all set five with 14-13 scores in favor of the High Speed Hitters, Akari’s Ezra Madrigal’s shoulders had contact with the net after a block attempt during the long rally which allowed PLDT’s coaching staff to request a challenge.

However, with a long 10-minute deliberation, the challenge was called unsuccessful as Madrigal’s net touch incident was not included in the play, ultimately awarding a free point for the Chargers, tying the game 14-all.

This incident then caused a little bit of distraction for PLDT players as it was a crucial moment for the team and the call could be their ticket for their first-ever finals appearance in the PVL.

August 31, 2024 | 8:06 p.m. — Jaja Santiago Defended Husband Taka Minowa of Akari Chargers

After the PLDT-Akari dispute, Jaja Santiago defended her husband’s, Taka Minowa, team.

She posted on X:

“Hindi naman natin ma-piplease lahat ng tao. Kahit makita nila yung rule at malaman kung ano yung tama o mali. For sure, ang opinion nila ay ang laging tama lang. No need to explain, and kunin loob ng mga tao kasi in the end ikaw lang din mapapagod,” Santiago wrote.

However, there are fans who were still dismayed by the call given by the PVL board as the situation can be handled well if it was just given some more time for a more keen review.

In the end, Santiago called for peace. 

“Let’s stop the hate and spread the love. Let’s respect each other’s opinions. Just be careful na wag makasakit ng ibang tao. Praying for everyone’s peace and comfort. Congratulations to both teams. They really did their best until the end. #PeaceAndLove”

September 1, 2024 | 11:30 a.m. — PLDT filed a complaint on PVL about the challenge

After the controversial call in the fifth set during the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference’s first semi-final match between the PLDT High Speed Hitters and Akari Chargers, PLDT filed a complaint on the PVL Board about the controversial issue.

However, the High Speed Hitter’s protest with the PVL did not prosper which they announced on their social media accounts last Sunday, September 1, evening.

September 1, 2024 | 10:41 p.m. — PLDT High Speed Hitters Bared PVL Junked Its Protest 

“We sadly share the news that the Premier Volleyball League has decided to junk our protest regarding their referees’ decision to not call a net touch at a crucial juncture of our match versus Akari in the semifinals,” PLDT High Speed Hitters posted on social media. 

“We are yet to know what this horrible experience is trying to teach us but one thing PLDT is proud of as a team is how we are one in fighting for the integrity not just of our team but of the entirety of Philippine volleyball.”

“And we cannot thank enough the fans who fought for us and with us. Your love for our favorite sport is undeniable.”

“The High Speed Hitters are in the business of inspiring the next generation of athletes who will one day play in the big leagues. So to the kids watching all of this unfold, whatever adversity that comes along the way, please continue to fight.”

“Because we will,” they concluded in their post.

September 1 — PLDT withdrew from the upcoming PVL Invitational Conference, Farm Fresh takes their slot

With the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference set to kick-off this week, PLDT High Speed Hitters will not participate in the said tournament as they were having some internal issues.

It was then later on confirmed by PVL commissioner Sherwin Malonzo that the team will not participate and will be replaced by Farm Fresh Foxies instead.

The teams that will participate in the PVL Invitational Conference will be Akari Chargers, Creamline Cool Smashers, Cignal HD Spikers, and Farm Fresh Foxies.

They will also be joined by foreign teams EST Cola and Kurashiki Ablaze.

September 2 — PVL Bronze Medal and Finals match rescheduled to September 4

The schedule for the Finals between the Creamline Cool Smashers and Akari Chargers together with the Bronze medal match of PLDT High Speed Hitters and Cignal HD Spikers has been rescheduled to September 4, 2024 due to an inclement weather brought by Typhoon “Enteng”.

The said matches were originally scheduled today, September 2, 2024.

“Due to inclement weather brought by Tropical Storm Enteng, all Premier Volleyball League games scheduled for Monday, September 2, have been postponed and will be moved to September 4,” the Premier Volleyball League posted on their social media accounts on Monday.

“Stay safe and dry,” they continued.

“Please stay tuned for more updates on the rescheduled match dates,” they concluded.