The integration of generative AI (GenAI) in education, while offering numerous benefits, raises serious concerns regarding academic cheating in higher education institutions. GenAI tools such as ChatGPT and Copilot provide readily available assistance that students may exploit during assignments or examinations, potentially increasing violations of academic integrity. This study aimed to identify the motivations that drive tertiary-level students to use GenAI for cheating in tech-integrated classrooms. It employed a cross-sectional quantitative approach and used a proportional stratified sampling method to ensure the sample accurately reflected the diversity of the student population. A total of 400 tertiary-level students from a private university in the Philippines participated in the survey. The findings indicate that the predominant motivation for students to engage in GenAI-assisted cheating is their desire to attain a passing grade. Higher education institutions must emphasize that GenAI should not be used for cheating, regardless of the circumstances.