Estimo: Pichay Camp Toyed with Law

It looks like my last post was a little too soon! Fresh in my inbox is a press release from Sammy Estimo, the man who filed a petition for a "temporary restraining order" (TRO) to stop his NCFP rivals, led by Prospero Pichay, from holding their elections on 19 January. This press release is addressed to various RP media and including this blog. It's rather lengthy, with a carefully bulleted list of statements and rebuttals. Here are some tidbits:

NCFP executive director lawyer Sammy Estimo said that the NCFP 8-man majority group which includes NCFP chair Congressman Man Defensor and Gov. Rocky Molintas, will file contempt charges against NCFP President Prospero Pichay, Mayor Abraham Tolentino and their five (5) co-respondents before the Quezon City Regional Trial Court for violating the TRO issued on January 16, 2008.

“NCFP President Prospero Pichay Jr., Mayor Abraham Tolentino and their co-respondents in the TRO case toyed with the rule of law. What they could not do directly, they did it indirectly. Their lawyers appeared in the TRO proceedings and when they lost and Quezon City Judge Reynaldo Daway issued the TRO, they brazenly defied it and toyed with the TRO,” Estimo said.

It is not true that the NCFP does not have a Constitution and By-laws. We have in our possession the original copies of the NCFP Articles of Incorporation (S.E.C. Reg. No.A2 00012818, October 16,2000) and the By-laws. We even submitted them to the court as documentary proofs that the Constitution and By-laws are registered with SEC contrary to the claim of Pichay and Mayor Tolentino,” Estimo said.

And:

Even Mr. Florencio Campomanes, who attended the electoral process, knows about the existence of the NCFP Constitution and By-laws and their SEC regulations because it was he, GM Eugene Torre and I who jointly prepared and helped each other to give juridical and legal personality to NCFP,” Estimo explained.

The press release ends with:

The unlawful Tagaytay NCFP polls disenfranchised hundreds of voting chess clubs nationwide. I understand only thirty six (36) clubs participated and certainly, this number does not represent the majority of chess voters in this country,” Estimo concluded.

It's a sort of yin and yang for RP chess. After outstanding news last week of Paragua's triumph in the "B" section of the 1st Leg ASEAN Circuit event and Gonzales' final GM norm, now we have this: a step forward, then several steps back! We'll be closely watching developments from here.

Estimo Continues Attack on Pichay

Sammy Estimo's assault on rival Butch Pichay isn't slowing down. Below is a portion of another press announcement sent by Estimo.

NCFP executive director Sammy Estimo announced yesterday the resetting of the election of the 15 NCFP directors set by his group today at the Amoranto Sports Complex.

Estimo said the postponement to a later date was made in deference to the comment of Quezon City Judge Reynaldo Daway last January 30 that he would soon resolve the contempt charges filed against NCFP president Prospero Pichay, Mayor Abraham Tolentino and their co-respondents for defying the temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the court on January 16 stopping the NCFP polls at the Tagaytay Convention Center on January 19.

Estimo also yesterday met with Atty. Emigdio S. Tanjuatco Jr., Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) legal counsel, and requested for copies of the report of POC deputy secretary general Mark Joseph and that of Mayor Tolentino’s report to the POC about the Tagaytay polls.

Last Round Loss for Arianne

Arianne Caoili finished her Lodi campaign on 4.5/9 points. She lost to IM Paolo Vezzosi in the last round in just 24 moves.

2 Festival Scacchistico Int. Lodi
Vezzosi, Paolo
Caoili, Arianne
D30

1. d4 d5 2. Nf3 Nf6 3. c4 c6 4. e3 e6 5. Nbd2 Nbd7 6. Bd3 Bd6 7. O-O Qe7 8. Re1 c5 9. cxd5 Nxd5 10. Nc4 cxd4 11. e4 Nb4

After 11...Nb4

12. e5 Bc5 13. Bg5 f6 14. exf6 gxf6 15. Bf5 Nf8 16. Nfe5 fxg5 17. Qh5+ Kd8 18. Nf7+ Kc7 19. Nxh8 Qf6 20. Re5 Bd6 21. Nxd6 Qxe5 22. Nhf7 Qf4 23. g3 Qd2 24. Nc4 1-0

Playing in the same tournament is fellow Australian international master Alex Wohl. The Australian big man, who put in a stunning 7/8 performance in the Turin Olympiad, collected 5.5 points overall.

2 Festival Scacchistico Int. Lodi
Wohl, Aleksandar
Castellanos, Renier
B96

1. e4 c5 2. Nf3 d6 3. d4 cxd4 4. Nxd4 Nf6 5. Nc3 a6 6. Bg5 e6 7. f4 Qc7 8. Bxf6 gxf6 9. Qd2 Nc6 10. O-O-O Bd7 11. Kb1 Be7 12. Bc4 O-O-O 13. f5 Nxd4 14. Qxd4 Kb8 15. Bb3 h5 16. Qd3 Rdg8 17. Qh3 Rg4 18. Rhf1 Qc5 19. g3 Qe3 20. Rd3 Qg5 21. Rdf3 Rg8 22. Rf4 Bd8 23. a3 Bc8 24. Nd1 Rxf4 25. Rxf4 Bc7 26. fxe6 Rh8 27. Qf1 fxe6 28. Rxf6 Qe5 29. Nc3 h4 30. Qf4 d5 31. Rf7 hxg3 32. hxg3 Qxf4 33. gxf4 dxe4 34. Nxe4 Rh1+ 35. Ka2 Rf1 1/2-1/2

Details are sketchy at the moment, but last night we received word from Pinoy journo Marlon Bernardino of a possible defection by Arianne Caoili back to Philippine ranks. Mr Bernardino cites RP men's coach Sammy Estimo as the source:

WIM Arianne Bo Caoili wants to don the Philippines colors once again. This was revealed by RP Turin Olympiad men’s head coach lawyer NM Samuel “Sammy” Estimo, incoming executive director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP).

"Arianne (Caoili) talked with me regarding this matter during the last round of the Turin Olympiad. She wants to represent the Philippines at the 2006 Doha Asian Games this coming December and other international events like the 2007 Thailand SEA Games and the 2008 Dresden World Chess Olympiad in Germany”, said Estimo in an exclusive interview with NCFP publicist Filipino and US chessmaster Almario Marlon Bernardino Jr.

"I told her that it is possible , as in the case of Filipino Canadian Alex Pagulayan in billiards and Filipino American Cecil Mamiit in tennis during the 2005 SEA Games in Manila , but we should first discuss it in the NCFP Board and she should also hurdle the qualifying round, in which she agreed” added Estimo, a two-time Olympiad member.

We have sent urgent messages to Arianne via email and SMS to seek clarification of this stunning development, but so far there has been no reply.

Abundo In Trouble

A couple of days ago, NCFP board member Raul Molintas demanded a special board meeting to address the confusion caused by Casto Abundo's actions. To recap, Abundo committed the NCFP's support for Ilyumzhinov's ticket when, in fact, at least 7 of the NCFP board members had given no such support.

NCFP boss Prospero Pichay has now agreed to such a meeting. From Tempo:

Sammy Estimo, the incoming NCFP executive-director, said Abundo faces sanctions, including losing his temporary appointment as FIDE delegate.

"Mr. Abundo has shown his bias for Ilyumzhinov. It is highly unlikely that he would vote for another candidate if and when the board decides to support Kok," said Estimo.

Estimo, who will captain the men’s team in Turin, is campaigning openly for Kok, saying he’s the best man for the job.

"The current FIDE leadership has treated the Philippines shabbily in the past. Some of our players have been barred from competing overseas. We have been de-listed from the world ratings not a few times," said Estimo.

Estimo cited the case of the country’s No. 1 player, Mark Paragua, who took over a year to earn his grandmaster title.

"The reign of terror and repression at FIDE must come to an end," said Estimo, who at one point became a victim of FIDE’s dirty tactics.

Aside from Molintas and Estimo, the other directors pushing for a board action on the FIDE elections are NCFP vice-president Ed Madrid, businessman Jess Torre, retired general Art Carillo, Dr. Jenny Mayor and former NCFP president Go Teng Kok.

From Tempo (but this link may disappear after 24 hours).

FIDE Official Sparks Confusion

FIDE official Casto Abundo has generated confusion among the National Chess Federation of the Philippines board members by allegedly having already committed the board's support to Chess Fidelity - Kirsan Ilyumzhinov's ticket.

There is confusion because, according to reports, 7 NCFP board members said that they were not consulted and, in fact, some even had doubts over supporting the Chess Fidelity camp.

As a result, a former provincial governor and current serving NCFP board member, Raul Molintas, has called a special board meeting to tackle the issue.

Here is a report from Tempo. As this page drops off, let me quote the most important parts.

Molintas said his requested was prompted by reports that the Philippines has already declared open support to Ilyumzhinov.

"I was surprised to read in the website of Chess Fidelity that our delegate to FIDE, Director Casto Abundo, has committed the vote of NCFP in favor of FIDE President Mr. Kirsan Ilyumzhinov," Molintas wrote. "I was even shocked to read that the commitment is allegedly with the support of the majority of the Board of Directors of the NCFP."

Molintas was referring to a letter made by Abundo on April 15 committing the NCFP’s vote to Ilyumzhinov after claiming to have consulted with Pichay and majority of the NCFP board.

Molintas wondered how Abundo secured the support of the majority.

"Based on newspaper accounts, at least seven members of the board said that they were not consulted. In fact, they have misgivings in supporting the administration of Mr. Ilyumzhinov due to the alleged shabby treatment the NCFP got during his tenure," Molintas said.

Incoming NCFP executive-director Sammy Estimo, one of seven directors pushing for a collective vote, said Abundo’s action is regrettable.

"Mr. Abundo must be made to explain. Otherwise, we would be constrained to act against him," said Estimo.

Abundo, who barely won a seat in the 15-man board, was removed as FIDE delegate last year for his failure to look after the interest of the NCFP.

His reappointment as the country’s FIDE delegate raised not a few brows, considering his poor record, particularly in the case of Grandmaster Mark Paragua.

Paragua, the country’s top-ranked player, was made to wait for over a year before being conferred the GM title.

"Mr. Abundo did not only lift a finger to help Paragua, he was also part of the problem," said Estimo.

A member of the powerful rating and title committee, Abundo was in a position to intercede in behalf of Paragua, but he did not, according to Estimo.

Apart from Molintas and Estimo, the other directors supporting a common stand in the FIDE elections are NCFP vice-president Ed Madrid, businessman Jess Torre, Dr. Jenny Mayor, retired general Art Carillo and former NCFP head Go Teng Kok.

Fischer to be Exhumed?

Pinoy journo Marlon Bernardino has just filed a news report for the RP press in which he writes:

IN a bizarre twist to the battle for the estate left by the late chess legend Bobby Fischer, lawyer Sammy Estimo revealed that the remains of the chess icon will be exhumed soon.

Estimo, lawyer of Fischer’s Filipino child, Jinky Young, said that Judge Sigrun Gudmundsdottir of the Icelandic probate court found no DNA samples of Fischer at the National Hospital in Iceland where the ex-world champion died on January 17, 2008 of renal failure.

Because of this development, Estimo and his collaborating Icelandic lawyer, Thordur Bogason, were left with no other recourse but to request the court to issue an order for the exhumation of Bobby’s remains for DNA samples to be tested with the blood samples extracted from Jinky when she went to Iceland in December last year.

UPDATE (1 April): The Manila Bulletin has the article here.

Chess Critic Renews Attack

While GM Wesley So battles it out in the World Juniors and while the rest of his team-mates are no doubt preparing for the Dresden Olympiad, the higher echelons of Philippine chess today comes under renewed attack. But first, a reminder of this and later, this parry from Bobby Ang.

The latest salvo over this "oursourcing" issue comes from the pen of one Sammy Estimo. Our Pinoy readers will need no reminding that Mr Estimo has lately been an ardent critic of the NCFP and, in particular, its current head Prospero Pichay. Just read my posts here, for example. Quoted in today's Philippine Daily Inquirer, Estimo writes:

The NCFP is a rudderless sports boat being run by two or three officials.

Important policy decisions are arbitrarily made and rammed down the throats of chess players. Grandmasters and national players are banned without due process only to be allowed to play again depending on the temper and caprices of NCFP leaders.

GMs Eugene Torre and Joey Antonio opted to be out of the Philippine team for the first time in 19 Olympiads.

Between them, they hold practically all national chess titles since 1970.

This is their way of protesting the uncertain state of Philippine chess under the present NCFP leadership, whose legitimacy is still pending before a court of law because the reigning officials were allegedly put into office by only 36 out of more than 500 voting clubs nationwide!

Read more in RP chess: Splendid or sick0?

NCFP Under Attack! From Inside

I was in the middle of writing my NSW State Championships report when suddenly this letter came to my inbox. It came from Sammy Estimo, executive director of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines, and addressed to Manny Benitez, editor of an RP chess rag called "The Weekender".

This is so hot that I have to put Aussie matters temporarily on hold. I quote Mr Estimo's letter below in full without alteration.

***

Dear Sir:

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) is a queer sports association with identity problems. Its official address in its Articles of Incorporation has been abandoned without any board resolution effecting the same. Except when it banned some prominent players, the NCFP board of directors has not met with a quorum since it was treacherously organized in March, 2006. The NCFP is now facing a suit because of the questionable banning of the players. One director was also sued for libel over the same issue.

During his time, FIDE Honorary Chair Florencio Campomanes always consulted the old PCF board on important policy matters. It was the lawful thing for him to do despite the presence then of “rebel” directors in the PCF.

It is different today. Only 2 or 3 directors consult each other and decide the fate of Philippine Chess, never mind the suggestions of the majority members of the board.

The NCFP is the only organization in the world whose executive director is the last to know about the program of activities of his own federation. It is actually being managed by a busybody director who has no mandate from the board, but is cleverly taking advantage of the understandable “silence” of its generous president. This director takes his orders from Russia and from Tagaytay City. He has also headed all delegations to international chess competitions using funds of the federation and from financial assistance given by the Philippine Sports Commission.

Local grandmasters are complaining about their unequal treatment vis-à-vis their foreign counterparts competing in our shores. Local arbiters are also ruing the employment of foreign arbiters in our own tournaments when there are enough of them who are equally, if not, more qualified. Local players lament the disappearance of national events with rich prizes just to accommodate international tournaments, all of which were won by foreign GMs. And FIDE ratings of local players appear or disappear depending on how their images project on the radar screen of a Russia-based NCFP director.

The NCFP today is a rudderless sports boat!

Very truly,

ATTY. SAMUEL D. ESTIMO
NCFP Executive Director

***

Exciting stuff ahead for RP chess but not for the right reasons. Can this derail recent improvements in the local chess scene in the Philippines? Let's hope not for that would be a real tragedy.

1st Cordillera Open

Thanks to Pinoy journo Marlon Bernardino and Rick Reyes for the following photos of the opening day of the 1st Cordillera Open. The event is held at the Baguio Country Club and will see RP's best players gather to compete for a P40,000 first prize. Among the top players are Torre and GM title candidate Jayson Gonzales.

NCFP executive-director Sammy Estimo delivers the welcome address

NCFP head Congressman Prospero Pichay (white pieces) seen here against GM Eugene Torre. Seen standing are (L-R) Voltaire Acista, NCFP director Atty. Raul Molintas and NCFP executive director Atty. Samuel Estimo.

NCFP head COngressman Prospero Pichay (centre) in conversation with NCFP board member Atty. Raul Molintas (left) and NCFP executive director Atty. Samuel Estimo (right).

If we're lucky, we might receive more photos from Rick Reyes. Our best wishes to the tournament and to the players.

Pinoy Fed Hit Back at Campo

Sammy Estimo, secretary general of the NCFP, and GM Eugene Torre have struck back at the claims made by Florencio Campomanese. We reported Campo's statements yesterday.

According to Estimo, Campomanes himself can be blamed for RP's disastrous showing at the 23rd SEA Games when he, Campo, allowed FIDE to stage the World Chess Cup at the same time as the SEAG. "This man-made disaster deprived us of the services of Grandmaster Mark Paragua -- the lone Southeast Asian super GM and the most bemedalled Filipino athlete in the 2003 Vietnam SEA Games", Estimo was quoted as saying.

But hang on a minute, if I remember right, Paragua didn't even qualify for the team. (Brian Jones' report in the Australian Chess Magazine of December 2005 confirms this). And when he asked to join the rapid crew, the NCFP denied the request! In any case who cares who was absent or not from the RP squad? Without being harsh on the Pinoy players in SEAG, the job was left to them. And it was up to the NCFP to give the guys maximum support. Period.

More from the Inquirer.

War Within Philippine Chess

The National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) is headed for a split. As we reported here last month, there were rumours of a rebel faction that, at that time of my post, was still unknown in composition. Now, we can say that this is no longer just a rumour and we can even name the rebels' leader.

The Manila Bulletin has the details:

One faction, headed by NCFP secretary-general Abraham Tolentino, will hold an election on Jan. 19 in Tagaytay City. Tolentino is currently Tagaytay mayor.

Another group, spearheaded by NCFP executive director Sammy Estimo, will hold its own election on Feb. 2 at the multi-purpose hall of the Amoranto sports complex.

The 15-man NCFP board is divided on the issue with Estimo’s group enjoying the support of eight directors.

Read more in Chess War Brewing.

Fischer Lover Fights On

Just when I thought that it was all done and dusted, Pinoy lawyer Sammy Estimo, representing Fischer's Filipina lover, is doing everything he can to continue the fight. I suppose that's what every lawyer should do, but, now this is fast becoming a typical midday Fipino soap opera.

From the Daily Mail: "Mr Estimo claims that Mr Bogason closed the case prematurely without consulting the mother and daughter after the DNA tests in Germany allegedly showed that Jinky was not Fischer's daughter."

Read more: Icelandic court to reopen inheritance case of former lover of chess legend Bobby Fischer.

Estimo: RP Chessers Doomed

This seems like it's a badly timed opinion piece given that there is still one more round to play, but I suppose Sammy Estimo just had to vent.

Our team to the Dresden Chess Olympiad was doomed even before it left. Its composition—from a faulty national qualifying system—and board assignments were pitiful.

Top officials of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), led by Prospero Pichay and Abraham Tolentino, could not be persuaded to include veteran Grandmaster Eugene Torre in the lineup, and that presaged the sorry campaign of our team, once a board terror in previous Olympiads.

Read more in RP chess squad doomed from the start.

NCFP Response to Estimo

In an open letter to various media and bloggers last Monday, NCFP executive director Sammy Estimo accused his organisation of being "a rudderless sports boat". Yesterday, the RP federation finally published a response. Unfortunately for our English-only readers most of the content is in Tagalog.

THE National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), under former Surigao del Sur Rep. Prospero “Butch” Pichay and Tagaytay City Mayor Abraham “Bambol’ Tolentino, has “achieved a lot in so little time.” This was stressed by NCFP director Willie Abalos in reaction to published reports that the chess association has come under fire from its own executive director.
“Contrary to claims of disgruntled individuals, the NCFP is not a rudderless sports boat,” said Abalos in a statement to the media.

“In fact, the NCFP is very active in the promotion of chess all over the country as proven by the staging of numerous local and international tournaments with lucrative cash prizes,” added Abalos, who spoke in behalf of Pichay and Tolentino.

Read the entire press release here.

Who will RP vote for?

This Chessbase item clearly indicates that the Philippines is on Chess Fidelity's side for the upcoming battle for the FIDE leadership. This is probably because of Casto Abundo's position as RP's FIDE delegate (and who also serves as FIDE webmaster and ratings administrator). Abundo is also a known ally of Ilyumzhinov's.

But Pinoy journo Rey Bancod has just informed his readers that the local federation, National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP), is still undecided on the issue of whom to actually support.

Go Teng Kok, for example, ex-NCFP boss is very definitely on Bessel Kok's side. "If I were to vote for the NCFP, I will go for Bessel Kok", says Kok.

So what will the NCFP do about Abundo? This from Bancod:

"Since 1956, the federation has let its FIDE delegate decide on the country’s choice. Let everyone be heard from now on," said [NCFP executive-director Sammy] Estimo.

The NCFP has designated Toti Abundo, a known ally of Ilyumzhinov, as FIDE delegate, but Estimo believes that Abundo can’t go against the wishes of the NCFP board if and when it makes its choice.

If I may answer our question: I hope that the NCFP will vote for Bessel Kok. The chess world needs new leadership! The problem is, from Chessbase's report it would seem that many federations are throwing their support for the current regime. Yet we also see that many are undecided - including even our neighbours, the kiwis!

It might be time to call upon the high heavens for some divine intervention. I'm sorry to say, I think that is what's needed to remove Ilyumzhinov.

Adianto in SEA Games

In a decision that is set to send shivers up the spine of other SE Asian chessers, Indonesian GM Utut Adianto has decided to play in the 23rd SEA Games in the Philippines later this month.

However, NCFP boss Sammy Estimo remains positive.

"[Indonesia's line up is solid] but still I believe that we have a deepest team in the field", Estimo was quoted as saying.

Tempo reports.

Campo and Bobby

It's out. The first in a 2-part series of articles that outlines the history of the National Chess Fed of the Philippines can now be read online.

I really like what Bobby Ang said to a bunch of us in an email to excite his readers:

A lot of people think that the NCFP was set up by the top players of the Philippines when they got fed up with the PCF. They think GM Joey got mad at the PCF for deducting 20% from his P1 Million prize in the Philippine Millenium Grand Prix. They think GM Eugene Torre set it up because of the continuing persecution from PCF.

That, of course, is complete BS.

The NCFP was set up by Campo, myself, Sammy Estimo with Eugene Torre as figurehead and great assistance from GM Bong Villamayor, backed by some businessmen/sportsmen, who will remain unnamed.

Why?

Beg, borrow, or steal, but read part 2 on Monday!

Chessers Are Worth Dying For

You'll never hear ACF boss Gary Wastell talk like this. The Australian's newly re-elected NCFP counterpart, Butch Pichay, reportedly said last week, "I am willing to go to jail for the sake of Philippine Chess".

Then he apparently later added, "Filipino chess players are worth dying for". Quite dramatic and we, of course, expect nothing less from my countrymen.

Pichay was speaking in response to a contempt suit filed by his rivals Sammy Estimo and Matt Defensor. These latter two claimed that Pichay's faction toyed with the law when they ignored a temporary restraining order issued by a Manila judge.

A court hearing took place last week to hear those contempt charges but Pichay's faction failed to appear. A second hearing is scheduled for tomorrow.

More Involved in Game Fixing

The NCFP expects to uncover more players who are allegedly involved in this current game fixing scandal that's gripping the chess scene in RP. Ian Brion, reporting in the Business Mirror, quotes Sammy Estimo as saying, "Yes, there are more who cropped up during the course of our investigation. But we’re still verifying the veracity of the reports."

Read more in the Business Mirror.

NCFP to Investigate Game Fixing

Filipino journalist Marlon Bernardino has just submitted a news story to RP media agencies reporting that the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) will investigate allegations of game fixing by five players. Bernardino did not name the five suspects.

The story quotes NCFP executive director Sammy Estimo as saying, "The move initiated [by] our president Cong. Butch Pichay is a step in the right direction. Game fixing is rampant in the highest levels of RP Chess. Even our young players are being exposed to it."

Events in which game fixing were alleged to have occurred included the Tanuan Open, the Inter-Provincial in Cagayan de Oro and the National Championships which concluded just last month in the RP capital.