Pacquiao elected chess fed vice prexy

MANILA, Philippines — Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has thrown his hat in a different arena chess.

The former senator was elected in absentia as third vice president of the National Chess Federation of the Philippines during polls at the East Ocean Palace Restaurant in Parañaque Saturday.

Pacquiao, who will fight an exhibition match with Korean YouTuber DK Yoo for charity, has always been a chess lover, having played reigning world champion Magnus Carlsen in another exhibition duel and hosted tournaments in the past.

Now he will have a chance to help the country chart its course in local and international scenes.

Surigao Congressman Prospero Pichay, Jr. received a fresh mandate as president and chairman along with Cavite Vice Gov. Athena Tolentino, daughter of Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino, and lawyer Ruel Canobas as first and second vice president, respectively.

Tolentino himself attended the polls as the POC observer.

Also elected were Carlo Sandro Gonzales (secretary-general), Christian Natividad (treasurer), Gonzalo Magpili (auditor), Luisito Ramos (finance chair), Neri Colmenares (youth development chair), Cris Aspiras (ratings and titles chair), and Jose Rafael Legaspi, Jonas Silvano, Rey Urbiztondo, Binky Gaticales and Seth Frederick Jalosjos as directors.