The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) has firmly stood by its decision not to forfeit any games of the University of Cebu Lapulapu/Mandaue (UCLM) Webmasters, despite complaints from several coaches and team officials regarding the controversial dismissal of point guard Noe Lingoste.
The Rule Violation and Dismissal
Lingoste was removed from the UCLM lineup after it was confirmed that he played in another league while the Cesafi tournament was ongoing. The player participated in the Gov. Toto Defensor Cup in Maasin, Iloilo on November 2, 2025, despite being warned and not given permission by UCLM coach Calib Gawangon.
Cesafi rules clearly contain a provision that prohibits any athlete or team from participating in other events while the Cesafi tournament is in progress. The regulation further states that if this rule is violated, all preceding games where the athlete participated must be forfeited.
Cesafi's Official Position
Deputy Commissioner Atty. Marven Panares clarified that no violation occurred that would warrant forfeiting UCLM's games. He explained that there were no "preceding games" to forfeit because Lingoste did not play after committing the violation.
"They dropped him on November 17, and their first game after that was on November 22, where Lingoste was no longer playing," Panares stated. "So we cannot call anything a preceding game because he didn't play right after November 2. Therefore, no forfeiture can happen because there are no preceding games that he participated in."
Distinguishing from Previous Cases
Panares addressed complaints that referenced the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation volleyball team case, where all wins were forfeited after discovering an athlete played in another tournament. He emphasized that the situations differ significantly.
"They cited what happened to USPF Volleyball where all games were forfeited because one of their athletes played in another tournament. That was a different situation because the player continued to be fielded," Panares elaborated.
Several team officials from various schools have approached Panares with their concerns, and he has personally explained the decision to them. Most have understood the reasoning after his explanation.
Moving Forward with Clarity
Panares acknowledged that Cesafi should have issued an official statement earlier to clarify the matter for parents and stakeholders. He revealed that the organization plans to release an official statement about the controversy next week.
Many concerned individuals have sought clarification on the matter, prompting the need for official communication from Cesafi to prevent further confusion and speculation among stakeholders involved in the controversial situation.
