Anthony “Tonyboy” Liao will usher in a new era in  Philippine volleyball.

Liao will formally succeed Ramon “Tats” Suzara after getting elected as president of the Philippine National Volleyball Federation during its general assembly at The Vault in Bonifacio Global City on Friday.

Liao, the chairman of the Premier Volleyball League, was given the mandate to lead Philippine volleyball after getting elected by the 13-man board of trustees.

“I promise we won’t fail in our plans. They know our programs, and they can be sure we’ll make them happen,” Liao said.

Dr. Arnel Hajan was elected chairman, with Yul Benosa named vice president and Otie Camangian appointed secretary general. 

PVL president and former PNVF vice president Ricky Palou will serve as treasurer, while Roger Banzuela was named auditor.

The other board members are Charo Soriano, Fr. Vic Calvo, Michael Angelo Vargas, Sherwin Maganda, Daniel Cong-o, Edward Lee, and Ma. Socorro Calleja.

Liao is an old hand in Philippine volleyball. His last stint in the federation was in 2021 when he chaired the National Teams Commission. 

He has played a key role in the sport’s growth, from the Shakey’s V-League era to the PVL as well as beach volleyball.

Liao also managed the successful women’s volleyball programs of De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines.

The new PNVF president’s first order of business is to oversee the redundancy of roles in the federation’s office and the upcoming 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.