The Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation, Inc. (Cesafi) has enforced a major penalty, forfeiting seven games played by the University of Cebu Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue (UCLM) Junior Webmasters after a player was found to have violated league rules.
Player Sanction Leads to Game Forfeiture
The league announced the decision on December 6, 2025. The action was taken against UCLM player Noe Lingoste for participating in an unsanctioned or "ligang labas" basketball league. This activity is a clear breach of Cesafi's regulations designed to protect player eligibility and maintain competitive integrity.
As a direct consequence, all seven games that Lingoste played in during the Cesafi's 25th season were forfeited. This drastic measure completely reshuffled the standings in the high school division with significant playoff implications.
Semifinal Dreams Dashed for UCLM
The forfeiture had a devastating impact on the UCLM Junior Webmasters' season. Prior to the ruling, the team was set to compete in the semifinals. They even held the valuable twice-to-beat advantage and were scheduled to face the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons.
However, after losing the points from those seven contests, UCLM's position plummeted in the standings. Instead of preparing for a final four battle, the team found itself finishing in ninth place, completely eliminated from championship contention.
New Final Four Landscape and Schedule
The revised standings created a new playoff picture. The defending champions, Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles, secured the top seed. The UC Main Baby Webmasters claimed the No. 2 spot. Both top teams will enjoy the twice-to-beat advantage in the upcoming semifinals.
Cesafi fans can mark their calendars for the high school final four, which is scheduled for December 7 at the Cebu Coliseum. The action promises to be intense as the remaining teams vie for a place in the championship series.
