PCF head denies yarn on GM's tax

Local Government assistant secretary and Philippine Chess Federation president Jesus Ingeniero denied making a statement during the opening ceremonies of the First Chess Pambansa Millennium Grand Prix that the P1 million top purse in the chess spectacle is tax free.

"I did not say the top prize is tax free. How can I say that when I didn't have a speaking engagement in the opening rites. I just declared the event open," said Ingeniero in reaction to reports (not in the Philippine STAR) singling him out as the person who made such announcement, which prompted Grandmaster Joey Antonio to reject the champion's check when it was reduced by P100,000.

"You can talk to any lawyer pero talagang ganoon 'yung batas. You can even ask BIR commissioner Dakila Fonacier about that at ganoon din ang sasabihin niya," explained Ingeniero on the tax scheme on cash prizes in sports events.

Ingeniero broke his silence in an exclusive interview with The STAR, answering all the accusations hurled at the Philippine Chess Federation and its leadership.

With regards to the 20-percent tax on Antonio's P1 million prize, Ingeniero said it is mandated by the Philippine laws and they have no choice but to comply with it.

In reaction to accusations that the PCF has a corrupt system, Ingeniero said: "If they think the PCF is corrupt, they should put it on paper, hindi 'yung puro salita at bunganga ang naririnig natin."

But despite all the criticisms they're getting, Ingeniero said they're on track in their bids to boost the sport in the country, develop young players and, possibly, produce a new Filipino grandmaster.

"We have plans of inviting world class masters to play here to give our local players a chance of gaining norms. If we get lucky, we may produce a new GM," he said.

Ingeniero said major cities as Davao, Palawan and Dagupan are showing great interest to host such an event. -