Ex-Alas coach Jorge de Brito files labor complaint vs PNVF

MANILA, Philippines – Former Alas Pilipinas Women head coach Jorge de Brito filed a labor complaint against the Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) over alleged unpaid salaries and bonuses.

The Brazilian mentor announced the development on Monday, April 20, after what he described as an “intention to delay any resolution” by the PNVF. 

“It is with profound sorrow, accompanied by a blend of confusion and outrage, that I must inform you of my decision to commence legal action against PNVF today,” De Brito said in a statement.

De Brito said he and the PNVF met last March 24, but talks fell through.

Accompanied by lawyer Rex Enrico Cruz III and paralegal assistant Romina Samson, De Brito filed his complaint against the PNVF before the National Labor Relations Commission on Monday.

“Following our meeting, PNVF sent a proposal via email, which was subsequently withdrawn through a text message last week, clearly indicating an intention to delay any resolution,” said De Brito.

“This marks a disappointing conclusion after four and a half years of dedicated effort and notable accomplishments for the volleyball community in the Philippines.” 

Last March 19, PNVF president Tonyboy Liao said De Brito violated stipulations in his contract, including the restriction of coaching a club team while he was calling the shots for the national squad. 

During his Alas tenure, De Brito mentored the Akari Chargers in the Premier Volleyball League. He now coaches the Capital1 Solar Spikers. 

“If only he did not have contract violations, we would have been easy to deal with. ‘Here is everything you’re claiming.’ But he had contract violations,” said Liao in a mix of Filipino and English.

An Olympic gold medalist as a player, De Brito joined Alas in 2021 and helped turn the struggling program around. The team accomplished its biggest feat in decades when it captured silver in the 2025 Asian Volleyball Confederation Nations Cup.

His stint as Alas coach ended following the Philippines’ fourth-place finish in the Southeast Asian Games in December, with Thai mentor Tai Bundit replacing De Brito. 

“Shifts in strategies and personnel are inherent to the sport, part of the journey, and indeed part of life. These changes should be approached with calmness, respect for others’ perspectives, and professionalism throughout the process. Anything that deviates from this can, and will, be rectified by justice,” De Brito said. 

“This situation, which should never have arisen, could have been averted through common sense, transparency, and dialogue, ultimately placing Philippine sports in an undeserved position. Years of hard work and commitment have yielded results far greater than what is currently visible.” – Rappler.com