D.E.C.E.I.T.

All warfare is based on deception.
-Sun Tzu, The Art of War

You all might be wondering why I'm starting off with a quote from someone far removed from Biblical reference.

Let me just say that things will make more sense as we go along.

Follow me now, not forward, but back several days to April 16, as I read, with chagrin and gritted teeth, that first ABS-CBN article. My heart dropped as the reporter described 4 documents they had obtained, that supposedly chastised (our dear friend Frank sure loves that word) CFC over GK. I wondered how they were able to get their hands on CFC's internal documents, and I have to admit, the first thoughts in my mind weren't pretty.

The reluctant star of that article was a letter dated March 11, from the Vatican's Cardinal Rylko addressed to Joe Tale, since it was the source of several quotes. In fact, of the 4 documents that ABS-CBN supposedly had, it was the only one that ABS made available on their downloads page.

But the article failed to disclose the actual context in which those letters were sent (A conjecture: Possibly because they didn't even bother asking anyone in the CFC leadership about it, choosing instead to interview someone not in the IC anymore, Tony Meloto). That the March 11 letter was just one in a series of communiques (a dialogue) between the IC and the Vatican.

So that article came out on April 16. As early as April 13, 4 letters, including the March 11 one ,were already being circulated in the FFL community. Frank outright denies having a copy of this letter in his April 30 email blast, saying instead it came from the IC supposedly "as they tried to downplay" the article. Now that makes no sense since ABS had it as a download when the article came out. How can you reveal what has already been revealed, complete with yellow highlighting on the important phrases, I might add.

So, who then supplied these letters to ABS, and even more importantly, who stood the most to gain from the supposed controversy it would cause? (That backfired, btw.)

Lets take a look at the ABS-CBN copy:

























Now the version being circulated in the FFL emails:

























The original document from the CFC Home office:

























Do you notice anything different?

Try the second paragraph.

Let me type it out for you, since I'm in a generous typing mood. The 2nd paragraph of both the ABS copy and the FFL emailed version reads like this:

In describing the facts, you admitted that in this difficult period lived by the association Couples for Christ, there have been mistakes. It was also important that you have realized that much scandal to correct this. In this regard, it is important that you follow the recommendations that the ecclesiastical authorities have indicated.

Did I get that right?

Now the text from the same paragraph in the Center's copy:

In describing the facts, you admitted that in this difficult period lived by the association Couples for Christ, there have been mistakes. It was also important that you have realized that much scandal and confusion is being provoked by the fact that Couples for Christ received funds from pharmaceutical firms producing contraceptives. We appreciated the explanation on your part and your sincere willingness to correct this. In this regard, it is important that you follow the recommendations that the ecclesiastical authorities have indicated.

Hightlights mine.

The underlined sentence is completely missing from the other versions.

The sentence in bold sure means a LOT.

It's amazing how a single sentence can change the tone of a missive. Equally amazing is how its omission can give certain parties fuel for their rants.

I ask again, who stands to gain the most from the clever editing of an official letter from the Vatican?

Oh and by the way, the tampering and altering of an original work and claiming it as the original is called forgery.

It is also morally wrong and reprehensible.

Calling ABS-CBN and Miss Carmela Fonbuena: PLEASE CHECK YOUR SOURCES. The last time a news agency went to press using forged sources, someone huge in the industry lost his job.

I end this entry with another quote from Sun Tzu. Not that I'm an adherent, but because sometimes we have to look at history from time to time and learn from it.

"Every battle is won before it takes place"