The Creamline Cool Smashers did not include Jia de Guzman in their final lineup, while the Chery Tiggo Crossovers perenially listed Jaja Santiago in their roster.
Jia de Guzman will not be suiting up for the Creamline Cool Smashers' campaign in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference, league commissioner Sherwin Malonzo confirmed on Thursday.
The issue was raised as the Japan V.League concluded its season last Sunday, prompting questions on whether imports such as setter Jia de Guzman and middle blocker Jaja Santiago would return to the Philippines in time for the PVL.
But Creamline did not include De Guzman's name for its 19-strong final lineup, ruling the decorated setter out of the season-opening conference.
Meanwhile, Jaja Santiago is eligible to suit up for Chery Tiggo, as the Crossovers have perenially included her in their roster submitted to the league.
The deadline of submission for All-Filipino Conference lineups was on February 14.
"For Jaja, I think I saw her name sa lineup. Si Jia hindi ko nakita. Si Jaja technically pwede," Malonzo said.
De Guzman, if she chooses to return to the country, will be able to see action in the Reinforced Invitational Conference.
"If ever, next conference basta she's a contracted player with Creamline. Because of the team composition na sinubmit nila, her name was not there, thus hindi siya makakalaro ngayong conference," he said.
De Guzman, who helped the Denso Airybees finish fifth place in the Japan V.League, seems to be in no hurry to come home as she mentioned the VCup.
Santiago, who is coming off a silver medal finish with JT Marvelous, remains eligible.
"Dahil may Philippine passport siya, technically pwede siya maglaro," Malonzo said. At least two Filipina imports though are expected to play in the season-opening conference.
Ced Domingo, who led Nakhon Ratchasima to a Women's Volleyball Thailand League title, has already suited up for the Akari Chargers.
Meanwhile, MJ Phillips is expected to return to the Petro Gazz Angels this conference after fulfilling her duties with Gwangju Al Peppers in the Korean V-League.