Cebu Chess Organizers sign historic covenant against cheating

CEBU, Philippines — In a breakthrough move, the major stakeholders of the Cebu chess community signed a covenant against cheating during the Cebu Chess Society (CCS) Cup Open Tournament over the weekend at the GMall of Cebu Activity Center.

Under the banner of Cebu Chess Organizers (CCO), the group reaffirmed their commitment to combat cheating and uphold fair play in all tournaments under their jurisdiction.

“We recognize that maintaining a secure enviroment is essential for the integrity and success of chess competitions. Therefore, in alignment with FIDE’s principles, we stand resolute in our efforts to ensure a chess community free from fraudulent activities,” the CCO stated.

Among those who signed the historic pact were Cebu Chess Society Executive Director Atty. Gerald Serbise and Operations Manager IA Michael Joseph Pagaran, Cebu Executives and Professionals Chess Association (CEPCA) President Engr. Jerry Maratas, Toledo-Xignex Trojans Team Governors Atty. Jeah Jean Gacang and John Signe, and Cebu School of Chess President IM Kim Steven Yap.

The agreement also drew support from BRD Chess Academy Founder IM Joel Pimentel, Newbie Knights Academy President NA Dione Patrick Miñoza, Chess Path Founder Eduard de la Torre, Sogod Knight Club President Rogelio Mañanita, ACCEPT Founder FA Felix Poloyapoy Jr., Cebu Chess Asia Managing Director Randy Cabuncal, Cebu Chess Club Vice President Jenkie Alsola, Se7en Accuracy Chess Club President Joseph Lozada, and Bulacao Chess Club President Cleo Bienvenido Presillas.

A six-month suspension will be slapped against the erring party for the first offense and an indefinite ban for the second offense.

The CCO came to terms that if one of their members bans a player for cheating, the other signatories of the covenant shall also honor the ban and prohibit the player from participating in their tournaments.