Pacquiao not joining NCFP

CEBU, Philippines — Former senator and boxing hero Manny Pacquiao is not joining the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

Pacquiao, who was recently appointed as lead convenor and secretary of the National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), clarified that he has already declined his  election as vice president for Mindanao of the national chess federation last July.

While expressing gratitude to the trust and confidence given him by NCFP members after being elected in absentia, Pacquiao said he fully disagreed with the direction being taken by the local chess federation.

“Mahal natin ang sports, mahal natin ang kapwa ko mga atleta kaya naman laging nakahanda ako na gawin ang aking makakaya para makatulong,” said Pacquiao.

The 47-year-old boxing icon from Sarangani, who counts chess as among his favorite sports, cited several complaints he received from numerous individuals and even chess clubs nationwide about  mismanagement by certain officials. These actions have greatly affected the sport.

The NCFP, through its Chairman Prospero Pichay, had a disagreement with Pacquiao’s Philippine Chess Association (PCA) after its executive Orly Ortega did not accept conditions set by the long-standing NCFP head.

The well-loved sports patron admitted meeting a lot of chess officials and players all over the country and has heard their gripes. He promised to help find a win-win solution to the long-standing problems in local chess and take the initiative in bringing positive changes in the leadership of the chess body. — (FREEMAN)