QUESTIONS over professionalism surfaced during the PVL Invitational Conference match between Creamline and PLDT High Speed Hitters after referee Erlindo Eusebio was heard referring to a Cool Smashers assistant coach as “kalbo” while issuing a misconduct warning.
In footage circulated on social media, Eusebio was heard telling Creamline player Jema Galanza, “bibigyan ko ng warning for misconduct iyung kalbo ah, sabihin mo, sabihin mo.”
Halatang napikon yung 1st ref sa isang coaching staff ng creamline.
Ref sinabihan ng kalbo yung isang coaching staff 🤦🏻♂️#PVL2026 pic.twitter.com/njj8LB9pex
— Jus (@koooyajus) September 6, 2026
The remark drew criticism from Creamline and PVL supporters online, who questioned the referee’s choice of words and called for greater professionalism from match officials.
One social media post criticized the remark, saying, “dapat banned iyan siya eh pangit sa image ang ganyan, grabe maka kalbo si ref sa coaching staff ng CCS.”
Another commenter also questioned the conduct of referees, stressing that officials at the international level undergo training and certification and that officiating involves more than simply making calls during a match.
The incident occurred during the Cool Smashers’ match against PLDT, which ended with the High Speed Hitters completing a comeback victory to eliminate Creamline from title contention.
PLDT won the five-set contest, 17-25, 25-23, 25-21, 25-23, 15-12, to finish the elimination round at 3-2. Creamline also ended with a 3-2 record but missed the finals after the result allowed Nxled Chameleons to secure the remaining championship berth.
Creamline and PLDT will meet again in the bronze medal match. (Adrian Co)
