MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered an investigation into reports of inadequate financial support for Filipino athletes competing in the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games.
The directive followed revelations from Alas Pilipinas men’s volleyball captain Bryan Bagunas that some members of the team had not received their regular allowances since July, forcing some players to borrow money to cover transportation expenses for training.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the Palace wants to determine what happened and identify any lapses in the release or management of funds.
“Unang-una, papa-imbestigahan po ito para malaman natin kung ano ba ang naranasan ng ating mga atleta, mga manlalaro,” Castro said.
Bagunas also said some players had been forced to spend their own money for food during the Asian Games when training schedules caused them to miss designated hotel meal times.
The Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) has apologized to the players and acknowledged that some athletes had to shoulder expenses and borrow money.
Castro said the investigation would determine where the lapses occurred and whether the complaints raised by the athletes were supported by facts.
She emphasized that Marcos considers support for Filipino athletes a priority.
“If this turns out to be true and there was abuse, those responsible should be held accountable,” Castro said, adding that officials who misuse authority, particularly in matters involving public funds, should face appropriate consequences.
The Palace inquiry comes as Philippine athletes continue competing in the Asian Games in Japan and amid broader questions about how national athletes are financially supported while representing the country.
