So backs Pacquiao’s new chess federation

Chess champion GM Wesley So added his voice to the growing support for the establishment of the National United Chess Federation of the Philippines (NUCFP) and its chairman, Manny Pacquiao.

Widely regarded as the greatest Filipino chess player until his controversial transfer to the United States Chess Federation in 2014, So lauded Pacquiao and other reputable chess personalities in the country for bringing about the much-needed and long-delayed reforms in Philippine chess.

The Bacoor, Cavite-born So, who recently played for the United States in the 46th World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, expressed support and solidarity with fellow Filipino players and officials in taking the initiative for the rebirth of Philippine chess.

"I've heard some interesting news from the Philippines that our boxing hero Manny Pacquiao has declined his appointment as director and vice president of the NCFP. Apparently, he received many complaints about the questionable actions of the federation and the abuses and corruption involving its main officials," said So in a statement released to Manila-based media by NUCFP officials.

"I was also informed that a new federation, named the National United Chess Federation of the Philippines (NUCFP) was recently formed with Sen. Pacquiao himself as the head and Chairman," added So, who claims to remain a Filipino by heart even after moving to the US in 2014.

"I express my full support to this new federation of reputable chess personalities in the Philippines. I sincerely hope, with confidence, that they will bring about the much needed and long-delayed progress in Phil chess. It's about time the Philippines reclaims its rightful place in Asian and International chess."

"Mga kababayan, Mabuhay po kayo!"

The 32-year-old So, who made history by winning the gold medal in the Kazan Universiade in Russia in 2013, has generally kept in touch with local chess.

He is the main inspiration and supporter of the PCAP GM Wesley So Cup chess championship being organized by the Professional Chess Association of the Philippines under President Atty. Paul Elauria and chairman Michael Angelo Chua.

He also spent some time with GM Darwin Laylo, his close friend, and other Filipino players during the recent World Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan.