By KRISTEL SATUMBAGA
Games Thursday
(Mall of Arena)
3:30 p.m. – Czechia vs Iran
8 p.m. – USA vs Bulgaria
The race for the ultimate prize in the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship further heats up as world No. 4 United States and lone Asian team Iran clash with separate quarterfinal opponents on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Americans tackle the dangerous world No. 14 Bulgaria in the 8 p.m., while the Iranians, the four-time Asian champions, battle the world No. 18 Czechs in the 3:30 p.m. curtain-raiser.
Finishing sixth in the previous edition, the United States hopes to boost its chances of ending its title drought it last won in the 1986 edition held in France.
Star setter Micha Christenson is expected to anchor the squad along with the team’s top scorer Gabriel Garcia and Jordan Ewert after a dominant showing in the team’s 19-25, 25-22, 25-17, 25-20 victory over Slovenia in the Round of 16 last Monday, Sept. 22.
NPC CONDEMNS MEDIA CENSORSHIP
The National Press Club (NPC) of the Philippines, on Wednesday, Sept. 24, condemned the attempt of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Inc., under the leadership of Mr. Ramon “Tats” Suzara, at media censorship in the ongoing 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
In a statement, the NPC said the PNVF, without warning, revoked the accreditation of SPIN.ph and barred their access to the tournament and reportedly also warned Rappler and other covering media against reporting anything negative connected to the event – actions which clearly undermine the foundational principles of press freedom and transparency.
“These not only restrict the public’s right to access comprehensive and unbiased reporting but also sets a dangerous precedent for censorship within the realm of sports and beyond.”
The NPC also viewed it as a blatant attempt to dictate the narrative by insisting that nothing negative should be reported about the event.
“This blatant suppression of journalistic integrity is unacceptable. The media serves as a vital watchdog, holding organizations accountable and ensuring that the truth prevails above any attempt at manipulation or cover-up”
NPC added that censorship, especially in a sporting event that gains international attention, damages the credibility of the organizers and compromises the integrity of the competition.
“It is imperative that media outlets operate freely and responsibly, providing honest and balanced coverage. Efforts to silence dissent, hide issues, or control the narrative threaten the very spirit of fair play and open discourse.”
It also noted that it was not the first time that Mr. Suzara tried to wield power against the Fourth Estate.
“He, following the Philippines’ hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, filed libel and cyberlibel charges against the Manila Times and Daily Tribune for what he perceived as biased and derogatory reportage – false accusations which were dismissed by the courts.”
The NPC called on the PNVF, FIVB, and all involved stakeholders to respect journalists’ rights, uphold transparency, and prioritize the integrity of the sport over any attempts at suppression. “The world deserves a transparent, honest, and fearless press—free from intimidation and censorship. Anything less undermines the core values of sportsmanship, democracy, and free expression.”
The National Press Club (NPC) of the Philippines, on Wednesday, Sept. 24, condemned the attempt of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation Inc., under the leadership of Mr. Ramon “Tats” Suzara, at media censorship in the ongoing 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship.
In a statement, the NPC said the PNVF, without warning, revoked the accreditation of SPIN.ph and barred their access to the tournament and reportedly also warned Rappler and other covering media against reporting anything negative connected to the event – actions which clearly undermine the foundational principles of press freedom and transparency.
“These not only restrict the public’s right to access comprehensive and unbiased reporting but also sets a dangerous precedent for censorship within the realm of sports and beyond.”
The NPC also viewed it as a blatant attempt to dictate the narrative by insisting that nothing negative should be reported about the event.
“This blatant suppression of journalistic integrity is unacceptable. The media serves as a vital watchdog, holding organizations accountable and ensuring that the truth prevails above any attempt at manipulation or cover-up”
NPC added that censorship, especially in a sporting event that gains international attention, damages the credibility of the organizers and compromises the integrity of the competition.
“It is imperative that media outlets operate freely and responsibly, providing honest and balanced coverage. Efforts to silence dissent, hide issues, or control the narrative threaten the very spirit of fair play and open discourse.”
It also noted that it was not the first time that Mr. Suzara tried to wield power against the Fourth Estate.
“He, following the Philippines’ hosting of the 2019 Southeast Asian Games, filed libel and cyberlibel charges against the Manila Times and Daily Tribune for what he perceived as biased and derogatory reportage – false accusations which were dismissed by the courts.”
The NPC called on the PNVF, FIVB, and all involved stakeholders to respect journalists’ rights, uphold transparency, and prioritize the integrity of the sport over any attempts at suppression. “The world deserves a transparent, honest, and fearless press—free from intimidation and censorship. Anything less undermines the core values of sportsmanship, democracy, and free expression.”
