Masters of Misinformation

It looks like the Easter Group's war machine is seeing red.

In their latest opus of misinterpretation (written conspicuously in red), they once again manage to twist the Vatican's words to suit their needs, and predictably, attack their fellow man. After Nonong's clumsy turn at the keyboard and disastrous attempt at a public (and quite expensive) "rejoinder", it's really looking like they're pulling all the stops to keep their little enterprise from sinking. To be honest, the Easter Group is doing a far, far better job than I am in showing that they're completely incapable of Christian behavior. I really can't understand how these increasingly angry men can sit there waiting for any tiny crumb of information to attack the IC with, then beat their chests to their followers about how they are "defenders of the Church".

Well at least their war strategy is consistent, and believe me, after their grand faux pas in misplacing the minutes of their meeting, lets not fool ourselves into thinking no battle plans are being constantly laid. It's actually so consistent that it's predictable. It's the same strategy that has worked so well for palestinian terrorists against Israel - Lob rockets at innocent civilians, then cry for international protection when Israel sends tanks to protect its people. (yes, I know that's an over simplification, but you get the point)

In this case, the Easter Group uses anything it can get its hands on to make a public statement, but somehow always manages to slant an attack at the IC. It's really just misinformation, and the clever re-interpretation of the work of others to suit their needs. In fact it's so predictable that regular commenter solidyfc even warned they would find cause to use a recent Vatican press release. And sure enough...

To use the Vatican's press releases to further your evangelism is a noble undertaking, no doubt about that. But when you use it in an attempt to bad mouth and attack people who are doing nothing to you, then to go and claim you are just "defending the Church" when others rise to protect them? C'mon now gentlemen, not only are you not doing the good work of the Vatican any justice, but I've frankly seen more honorable "bad guys" in comic books. Surely you can do better than that. You know, I'm quite sure when the Vatican decides to release a statement, it is meant to stand on its own. No creative RE-interpretations or MIS-interpretations necessary. Right?

Take for instance, this excerpt from Nonong Contreras' impassioned and defensive (and imaginatively titled) "AS WE CLIMB STAIRS AND LADDERS: A REJOINDER TO “AS I WRECK MY CHAIR”

Did Mr. Esposo know that on Aug.28, 2007, the CBCP, thru its investigative body of Bishops, heard testimonies and evidence presented by former GK leaders who reported numerous cases of the veering away of GK from the life and mission of CFC?

I'm just trying to figure out how that meeting/discussion went from a dialogue to an investigation, but then of course, calling it an investigation gives Nonong the validation he needs to make his case against Mr. Esposo. Not even their erstwhile ally, Bishop Reyes calls it an investigation. The piece is full of unsubstantiated claims, that not only saw life as another Easter Group chain letter (really, it's getting old) and blog entry, but as a paid ad in the Philstar. That's quite an expensive rejoinder there Mr. Contreras, but as my father always said,

"In an argument, he who screeches the loudest has the most to lose."

Since we're going back to that Aug 28 dialogue, let me bring up another creative piece of misinformation that that Easter Group disseminated to their members. If you can all recall, the dialogue resulted in a pronouncement by Bishop Reyes on the FFL's standing in terms of the acceptance of its group in local dioceses. This is what he said:

The Couples for Christ for Family and Life led by Bro. Frank Padilla is now recognized as a diocesan private association of the faithful in the Diocese of Antipolo,” Bishop Reyes said. He added the group may go into other dioceses with the permission of the bishop of the place.

Pretty clear right? At least it is to me. But here's what the Easter Group told their members:

1. CFC’s recognition as an International Private Association of the Faithful

“Only the Vatican through the Pontifical Council of the Laity has the authority over CFC in the national and international level. But every diocesan bishop has authority over it in its diocese. Each diocesan bishop has authority to deny permission to CFC to function in his diocese, even if the association is international.” (page 4, Sept. 6, 2007, Letter of Bishop Reyes). Therefore, both CFC-FFL and CFC-GK need to get permission from the diocese. It still remains to be decided by each bishop whether they will recognize both CFCs, or just one, or even accept both.

To me, the more you have to attempt to explain something, the further from the simple truth you get. It's really not that hard to understand, just like,

"...your name, Couples for Christ may not be used by any other association."

Why they feel a clarification of of a clarification is necessary, I really don't know. Maybe their anger is clouding their comprehension skills.

Speaking of anger, some of you might have seen the picture on top and these two pictures already, from an account by Bro Jerome Paler of a meeting he had with an angry Frank Padilla.



Here's an excerpt of Jerome's account:

FAP: sa lahat ng tao, yan ang tao na di ko gusto, sabi sabi ng idol, yun pala, tinitira ako! sinisiraan ako!!
JP: ako tito? Siniraan kita? Narinig mo sa akin talaga?! ( take note , meron ding exclamation point at the end of my reply )
FAP: ginagatungan mo ang mga tao?!!
JP: wala naman akong ginawa sa yo? Bakit narinig mo ba sa aking mga bibig na siniraan kita? Na ginatungan ko yung mga CFC brothers na nagtanong sa yo? ( at this point I saw toto laroa, our cluster head and I gestured him to come nearer kasi baka lumala ang usapan, gusto ko na may witness )
FAP: Ok not from you but from your organization! ( sabay nag gesture nang quote-unquote)

It's quite scary seeing Frank like this. He's going to have to be careful with his words and actions, as they are not becoming of someone who has "founder" status.

The full account is HERE.

I'm sorry if I might have been a little all over the place today. Everytime I think of something to blog about, you guys cover it in the comments! Hehe...keep it up guys, I'm loving the awesome exchange of thoughts and ideas going on.