Suspended chessers demand another probe

Four of the six chess players sacked for their involvement in game fixing yesterday sought a re-investigation of the case and asked that their suspension be deferred, claiming they were denied due process by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines.

In their letter to the NCFP through legal counsel Atty. Cris Aspiras Jr., a former national junior champion, IMs Ronald Dableo, Chito Garma and Darwin Laylo and NM Oliver Barbosa asked the chess body to "afford them their right to due process before they are meted the suspension."

They also decried the NCFP’s failure to furnish them copies of the sworn statements of alleged witnesses or complainants.

"These supposed witnesses remained incognito and faceless. So how could their truthfulness be tested?" the players asked.

The players’ move to have their case reinvestigated came after former Benguet Gov. Raul Molintas resigned as co-chair of the Internal Affairs Committee of the NCFP, the three-man fact-finding committee which the chess body tasked to probe the case.

Molintas said he didn’t submit any report recommending the suspension of the six players, who included Merben Roque and Enerose Magno.

Aspiras said the suspension was far from regular, fair and impartial.

"Other than the notice that they are being investigated for an alleged commission of game fixing, they have not been informed of what is the nature of the accusation against them, the specifics and parameters of the supposed violation imputed them," said Aspiras in his letter to the NCFP.

In this regard, Aspiras requested that Dableo and company be furnished with the NCFP board resolution approving the suspension of the players, copy of the findings of the IAC and copies of sworn statements or complaint-affidavits submitted to the IAC.

"Our clients’ right to due process must not be overlooked. Instead, they should be given a chance to confront their accusers, refute the charges and submit their evidence. They have rightfully earned their titles through hard work and built their reputation over the years," said Aspiras.

"For humane considerations and demand of fair play, we implore that the suspension order be deferred until after a re-investigation is made," he added.