The Village That Frank Built Part III

UPDATE 09/05/08:
Delisting letter added.

Part I is HERE.
Part II is HERE.

In fairness to the Easter Group, Jun Junia, et al, here is their next response on the Remarville issue following the Mario Pareno response published in Part II. I am hoping for a response from the parties named, preferably with some documents to back up any claims, something the Easter Group is always noticeably short on. I personally would love to also hear from the FFL members themselves who were on site and not just from Jun Junia.

They've directed this response specifically at this blog and at the images and issues posted here. While it is my opinion that it doesn't hold water (because of the coinciding testimonies from several parties and not just from one), I am waiting for actual witnesses to speak up. I am also positive there is a video of the event in question somewhere. If you know how I can get to that video, I'll appreciate a heads up.

I've seen the calls for a "Blogger's GK Village" started by TE and it gladdens my heart. I feel tho that before we get started on that, we have to settle any injustices that are being committed now, lest it happens again. This is OUR watch now, we must do all we can to set things RIGHT before we move on.

I will be updating this entry throughout the week.



--- On Tue, 8/26/08, Easter Group wrote:

From: Easter Group
Subject: Fwd: CFC Global's 20 July CFC International Village (Remarville) Build
To:
Date: Tuesday, August 26, 2008, 7:52 PM


Following our 1st reply to the CFC Global bloggers' comments and e-mails, more releases were made by them that needed some correction. We have the brother himself, Jun Junia, who wrote the e-mail account below to clear the air on this issue which has reached quite vicious and ugly proportions because of rather baseless accusations. With this correction, we hope all are now clarified with the true state of affairs in Remarville.


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


To: Easter Group
Cc: junjunia@gmail.com


CFC Global's 20 July CFC International Village (Remarville) Build

A lot has been said about the foiled attempt of CFC Global for an alleged BUILD at the CFC International Village (Remarville) last 20July 2008. I would like to clarify that this 20 July affair was not a BUILD attempt but an INVASION of a site which CFC Global knew and accepted as a Restoration Village and not a GK site.

To get a better perspective hereunder is a brief background of said project. CFC International Village was started by members of North C Cluster 6, then under the headship of JUN JUNIA. There is no problem with the land acquisition as the land was purchased and is being paid for by the beneficiaries on an installment basis over 5 years (free of interest) and as of this date amortization payments for 2 years and 7 months have been made.

This social housing project really took off when Frank Padilla saw it as a chance to give homeless CFC members their own home. Frank Padilla then requested the CFC International community to adopt one house each, thus the name CFC International Village.

Work was started in January 2006 but because of differences in development approaches between Junia and Pancho Lopez Tan, GK National took over control of project development in December 2006. Raul Dizon was in charge of the area for eight (8) months and during that period he created his own clique which he called his TEACHER's PETS, and which group became his alter ego.

When the split in the CFC community happened the majority of the beneficiaries chose to align themselves with CFC FFL and the homeowner's association took over the project. Raul Dizon's Teacher's Pets (a noisy but numerical minority) aligned themselves with CFC Global and created divisions in the project while openly defying the homeowner's association. When caught with violations they would cry HARRASSMENT. This division in the Remarville community (FFL vis a vis Global) is the problem that the association had been trying to correct when the 20 July Build of CFC Global cropped up.

On 18 July 2008 I got a text from Tito Santos telling me that they had scheduled a BUILD in Remarville on July 20, 2008 and that permission had been given by Lito de Guzman. Tito Santos advised me that Ricky Santos, an awardee of one of the three houses to be built, would coordinate with the association.

Lito de Guzman, when contacted, told me that the message Tito Santos was circulating was misleading as he took back this positive comment when he learned that Tito Santos had not asked permission from the homeowner's association and had sent him a second text asking him to seek the association's permission first. In a dialogue with Ricky Santos on the evening of 18 July, he told us that he was asked to attend a meeting in Melo Villaroman's office and was surprised to see people identified as DIZON teacher's pets in that meeting where the plan for the 20 July Build was finalized. The Remarville homeowner's association then explained to Ricky Santos that on 20 July the beneficiaries themselves were scheduled to work in the site and the presence of 200 outsiders may derail this internal unifying process. Furthermore how do you place 200 people on three (3) small (3.5M x 7.0 M) lots over and above the 30 to 50 beneficiaries working there also. Finally it was explained to Ricky that you do not attain UNITY by the statement of Tito Santos that we will go there to build for the 3 members of CFC and if things work out we will also work on the houses of non CFC members. You do not start unity moves by going into FFL territory and calling them non CFC.

Ricky Santos understood and promised to do something. On the morning of 19 July, Ricky Santos sent me the text message that Melo Villaroman had cancelled the 20July Build at Remarville. I forwarded this message to Tito Santos together with the information that the homeowner's association had disapproved their 20 July build..

The reply of Tito Santos was that he did not know Ricky Santos and he would pursue their 20 July Build despite the disapproval by the association and whether I would be there or not. That is when I knew that Tito Santos was not coordinating the 20 July Build, but rather only informing us that they would proceed with the Remarville build despite the disapproval by the association, thus we called it an INVASION and prepared for such.

The pictures being circulated by CFC Global will readily show that we had women at the entrance barrier as we do not adhere to the DADANAK ANG DUGO theory and never said that. Neither did we have goons, unless CFC Global looks at FFL members as goons. We are however grateful to the barangay as they were a big help.

So my friends the 20 July exercise of CFC Global was not a build, but an invasion as

- They had knowledge that Remarville is not a GK site, yet they never sought permission from the association before they planned their BUILD.

- Tito Santos was not coordinating, but merely informing us that irregardless of the association's disapproval he would push through with the Build Tito Santos was in fact spreading distorted information while not heeding the advise of Ricky Santos that their 20 July BUILD HAD BEEN CANCELLED BY MELO VILLAROMAN.

- The mobilization of 200 persons was illogical as it would be physically impossible to place them on the site of three small lots (unless the purpose was the usual photo ops of GK)

- In the process of dissuading them from their 20 July build Tito Santos was informed that the beneficiaries affiliated with Global and FFL were working together as a group of 30 to 50 people, and they had a build scheduled also on 20 July; thereby making it doubly difficult for an additional 200 outsiders to work in the area. The beneficiaries themselves working together irregardless of affiliation was the real start of unity.

The highlight of this episode was when ERIC CAYABYAB attempted to forcefully enter the site. After trying to impress me that he was a doctor and head of GK he sarcastically asked me IF I KNEW WHERE THE MONEY BEING USED FOR THE MATERIALS THEY WERE SENDING TO REMARVILLE CAME FROM? He was implying that it was their (GK) money and I amusedly answered it was Remarville funds (not GK). I had been informed that donations for the 130 units in Remarville had been fully made. This is in the custody of GK and they are releasing this only to beneficiaries who would affiliate with CFC Global. Then Eric Cayabyab directly coordinated with Arlene Castor, a beneficiary who is being delisted for having built a house more than three times the standard size for Remarville. Castor claims to have spent Php 200,000.00 of her personal funds (over and above the Php 80,000.00 plus of free materials she got from FFL and Global inventories). If Eric Cayabyab were a true GK practitioneer he should have relocated Arlene Castor in Camella Homes, considering the violations Arlene Castor has made and the money she claims to have spent, instead of letting her spearhead the 20July affair. GK/CFC Global has not spearheaded a move to relocate her to a regular subdivision, but has in fact provided her a lawyer in the delisting proceedings filed by the association against Castor. It is by this act that I wonder if GK has changed its qualification standards.

Finally I feel that the LORD really knows how to play jokes on us.. This 20 July Build is personified by what I call THE UNHOLY TRINITY. You see the main characters in the whole affair are holy people as

- One of the houses programmed for construction in the 20 July invasion is that of RICKY SANTOS

- The person pursuing the unauthorized BUILD/INVASION is TITO SANTOS

- The person currently circulating libelous statements against me from a self assumed high perch of moral authority but in total ignorance of facts of the case is MIKE SANTOS, a son of Tito Santos

Today Remarville is completely polarized and vividly depicts the conflict between CFC Global and CFC FFL being lived on a day to day basis by persons/neighbors who take pride in calling themselves Christians while being unchristian to one another. This is the reality of what CFC or we have become.

I pray that you can pass this on to our brothers in the community so that lessons in christian behavior may be learned and current moral standards being used/practiced be reassessed.

JUN JUNIA




* * *

I believe it is time for our beneficiaries to speak up. Jun Junia speaks of Christian Behavior. Please be fair then Mr. Junia. Sana po hindi lang salita yan. Payagan nyo po ang mga apektado na magsalita at mag bigay ng kanilang panig, na walang takot ma de-list.

Is that fair? I've published your side and I believe the they have a right to respond in kind.

UPDATE 09/05/08
Sample delisting letter added

Now I am certain this isn't the only one given out. At this time, I have had no updates so far on the situation inside save for the comments left anonymously by residents of Remarville. Please keep it up, we are doing this for you.

We Wish You Well

Now can't you do the same for us?


Friends, if you remember a few weeks back in the Pulp Bits entry, I wondered what the Easter Group was up to, since it appeared they were escalating attacks on GK. I figured it was because they had a competing product and needed to bash GK to raise the profile of theirs. Good business sense? Yes, I'd have to admit, but is it Christian conduct? You be the judge.

Personally, I've always felt that the best way for a product/company to succeed is to let its quality speak for itself. Positive word of mouth after all, is one of the most prized aspects of a good promotional campaign.

So I guess it comes as no suprise when I saw this:

Let me just take you back to the hints that made me feel that something was up.

Lets start with Perry Diaz's "Quo Vadis, Gawad Kalinga" article written in September of last year, which Nonong Contreras felt compelled to respond to. Mr. Contreras does the usual song and dance ("veering away", financial accountability, partnering with pharmas who promote contraceptives, etc.) and then hints at his own future partnership:

WE ONLY HAVE OUR BEST WISHES FOR CFC/GK AND MR. DIAZ IF THEY PURSUE THEIR MISSION WITHOUT CFC. THE ALL INCLUSIVENESS OF GK SHOULD NOT COME AT THE EXPENSE OF PROUDLY UNFURLING ITS CHRISTIAN BANNER AND CALLING IT CFC, THE WAY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HAS BEEN VERY OPEN IN PROCLAIMING ITSELF AS A CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATION.

Read complete response HERE.

On Frank Padilla's own Multiply site, a March 31, 2008 article talks about the future partnership:

"Also off site, the RV will benefit 374 families, mostly CFC-FFL members, that will be relocated in 24-square meter lots subdivided from a total area 15,505 square meters. A partnership with Habitat for Humanity is being worked out for the site."

Then, back in May 12, 2008, Nonong released his own article entitled "Where Really Is The Rub", which I guess is his idea of a witty response to Conrado De Quiros, he once again brings up Habitat:

"The rub lies in GK veering away from the life and mission of CFC by overprotecting its benefactors and donors to the extent that CFC members were told to avoid "unfurling its Christian banner in public" (quote from Mr.Esposo in a past column) while Habitat for Humanity proudly proclaims that it is a Christian organization."

Finally, we have the emails from the Salvador Macias and Mario Pareno ghostwritten entities forwarded by the Easter Group, which not only attacks GK, but manages to once again spew unsubstantiated claims. The thinly veiled July 9, 2008 Macias rejoinder to Meloto's I Want To Be A Good Catholic given at Ateneo and covered HERE, and a long delayed response to a dredged-up-from-the-past article by Michael Tan. This was what rang the alarm bells for me. I figure the fabled Mr. Badong Macias had to dig that up because they needed something to base a GK attack on.

There are several points of interest on those Macias commentaries by the way (and those from the haplessly uninformed Mario Pareno) , one of which is the insistence that the IC distributed the supposedly internal GK-3 paper. I don't know why they keep perpetuating the lie, when this email says it all (note the date):

Subject: gk
Date: Wed, 25 Apr 2007 02:47:33 EDT

Because of its real frank nature, Bro. Frank Padilla (the eternal Pacifist and one who would not want to put down a brother) has withheld the all-out circulation of this, his 3rd paper on CFC and GK. We however believe that this paper should really be out especially so That our brethren will know the real score re: why there is tension bet. CFC and GK.

Some GK leaders' propaganda is that CFC leaders are just sourgraping Because of GK success. That CFC leaders are just displaying the typical Filipino crab mentality. That CFC leaders are simply envious of GK fame and Tony Meloto's awards. We believe in bringing out the truth. Unless the truth is out, our CFC members will always be misinformed and confused. So here it is. Frank's 3rd, no holds barred paper --- for the information of brothers and sisters in the community.

Please use your discernment on whether you wish to pass this to others in the community. Note that the date Bro. Frank made it is April 8, Easter Sunday. After two weeks of prayers and discernment on my part, I have decided to share this paper with you. May the truth set us free! May God and His Mother protect CFC!
Let us keep on praying for our beloved community.

Sis. Ding Contreras

But I digress (we'll get more into that later).


Anyway, I don't know if Habitat for Humanity know what they are getting themselves into. I need not mention that GK and Habitat has been peacefully co-existing all these years, until the Easter Group saw it fit to create drama between the two. The object of either group is to improve the lot of those less privileged, and put a roof over Pedro's head while giving him a chance and a vision to accomplish more, not just for himself but for his progeny. I have absolutely nothing against Habitat. None of us should. Before GK came into being, I've always respected what they've done, and still do. I wish the FFL (and their WWP program) well in their partnership with Habitat, may they house many, many poor Filipinos and give them hope and a chance at a good life.

There is however one thing that we all should be made aware of now, because everything up to this point has led to a specific conclusion, and it is this:

We need to finally realize that the conflict between Frank Padilla and Tony Meloto, between the Easter Group and the IC, the supposed veering away, or partnering with pharmas, all those points brought up by Frank Padilla as the reasons for his departure from CFC - ALL OF IT, were fabrications designed to hide the real devil's fruit that made him do it. PRIDE.

Wow, how can I say that, you may ask?

Easy, we've come full circle.

I'll ignore the fact that they are still thanking the anti-life proponent Cynthia Villar for their offices at Star Mall. I mean, they've never acknowledged it or at least tried to explain the hypocrisy blatantly displayed there, so I don't expect to hear any now.

Lets just concentrate on the here and now. Habitat and the FFL are now partners. That's a fact they've established well on their own. Right?

Well, considering all you have accused GK of, how do you now develop a partnership with an organization that works arm in arm with...

Pfizer
http://www.habitat.org/jcwp/2000/sponsors.html

And I quote:

“This joining together of workers within a company to do something outside enhances the sense of teamwork and makes for better relationships while at work.” – Doug Warner, Pfizer, Inc.

Habitat also deals with the Mormons, which if you remember the Easter Group raised a big deal about with GK:

Latter-day Saints joined many other community groups in a project to build two homes for local families. The article describes more about how Habitat for Humanity works.
http://www.mormonstoday.com/000514/D1LDS&Habitat01.shtml

Let me reiterate, this is not an attack on Habitat, I believe they have the right as a CHRISTIAN ORGANIZATION to partner with whomever God steers them to to achieve their means. I am merely pointing out a hypocrisy in the Easter Group's actions and in their ability to do exactly the opposite of what they say, and how this has wreaked havoc on the lives of innocent CFC members.


I guess that says it all. Shall we consider the case closed?

(Thanks to Divinos for the links and the heads up.)

So It's True

Apparently the Easter Group really is trying to distance themselves from Remarville. They don't even list it in their "Restoration" villages list on their site.

I have heard (and seen a comment about it) that all CFC members have now been unceremoniously delisted. It is no surprise that this has caused an incredible amount of stress to the beneficiaries who have looked forward to their home there. IF they truly are denying involvement in Remarville, they're going to have a tough time denying it, considering they themselves sent out an email from a certain Mario Pareno basically admitting that FFL members had "taken over" over the site (found near the end of this entry). I also don't know how they're going to explain the "RESTORATION" plastered on the entrance arch. I guess we'll have to be prepared for whatever spin they attempt. If any of you have any more information or documents regarding this, I'd welcome it. You know where to reach me.

So after making a complete mess of things, they now want to deny and walk away from everything. How nice.

* * *

A recent comment brought up a very very important item. We as a community firmly believe in the power of prayer. I apologize that I have been so focused on bringing forth the facts about the recent events that have not even made a personal plea for it. I am asking now for all us to make it a point to PRAY for a resolution to these issues. Let us all pray for the favorable conclusion of our fight for our name; let us pray for God to soften the heart of Jun Junia and allow our brethren their homes. Most importantly, lets us all pray TOGETHER.

If any of you can arrange group prayers in your respective chapels, please do so. If we can arrange an even bigger group, please, do your best. It's high time to raise our problems and pain to the Almighty and trust Him to make things right. I hope that we can all try and make this a priority this Sunday, and the subsequent Sundays, and if you can do it everyday, all the better. In fact, if you need me to post your announcements for prayer meetings, I'd be more than happy to do so.

Have a blessed weekend bloggers.

A Call To Arms Pt 2

UPDATED 08/14/2008 7:45AM
Poll added on the right, I'd like your opinion on what direction we should be going on this issue. Thank you.

UPDATED 08/11/2008 4:45PM
CBCP News Item added.

Hello all, I have to get some sleep for an early day tomorrow, but I just wanted to post the latest on the Easter Group's SEC shenanigans. We'll get more in depth later. For now I'll let you all read the documents and make your own observations, and then tell me why we as community shouldn't be up in arms right about now.

A good friend once told me, a long time ago, when I confided to him that someone was spreading lies about my business and I had been staying silent about it,

"When under attack and you sit by and do nothing, who are you really helping?”

These are publicly available documents through the SEC. Lets go and play "catch the anomaly":









Download all the documents as a pdf HERE.

In related news, the CBCP website gives us an update of CFC's defense of its name in the international arena.

Couples for Christ members fight for ‘name tag’ in court

MANILA, August 10, 2008—The tussle among members of Couples for Christ has not ended after a year it got divided.

Now the bone of contention among the two groups is about the “name tag,” making the matter a “legal battle” in a court.

Couples for Christ Inc., the outgrowth of a religious movement that began in the Philippines in the 1981, has sued four organizations that use its name for trademark infringement.

The Couples for Christ chapter based in West Palm Beach, Florida, has three registered US trademarks, including “Couples for Christ,” “CFC,” and a stylized cross design.

The organization provides educational services and religious and relationship counseling to couples and individuals, according to the Aug. 1 complaint filed in Los Angeles federal court, said a Bloomberg report.

Couples for Christ USA of Renton, Washington; Couples for Christ-Nor Cal, of Modesto, California; and Couples for Christ USA Southern California are all accused of infringing on the trademarks.

Couples for Christ Inc. says it repeatedly asked the defendants to quit using the marks, but they have repeatedly refused, court papers said.

The organization asked the court to order the defendants to quit using the marks, and for unspecified money damages. It is asking that the damages be tripled to punish the defendants for their acts of infringement.

Edward Schwartz, Thomas Daily and Steven Lauridsen of Pasadena, California’s Christie, Parker & Hale represent Couples for Christ.

Earlier this year, the Couples for Christ was rocked by an internal dispute that spilled over to the Securities and Exchange Commission and the courts in the Philippines.

The dispute pit the Couples for Christ Foundation Inc. of Frank Padilla against the Couples for Christ Global Mission Foundation identified with Gawad Kalinga’s Frank Meloto.

While the SEC ruled in favor of Padilla’s group, Meloto’s camp vowed to take the case all the way to the Supreme Court. (Santosh Digal)

Bold/Italic highlight mine.

Funny little faux pas there, Mr. Digal. I'd expect someone with a Bachelor's Degree in English to do a better job proof reading his own work. No worries, no harm done and thanks for the Monday giggles.

Ok folks, it's looking like the Easter Group is pulling its political strings - which our IC may not have or is unwilling to resort to. There is no other way this anomaly-riddled joke of a petition at the SEC could have gotten through without it. That leaves it all up to us, the VOTING members who can let our voices be heard loudly at the polls. Where are you guys? Are we 300 really going to be the only ones holding fast at the gates then? Look, I know you might think we're going to look really sexy in our spartan outfits replete with plumed helmets as we make our stand, but seriously now, what will it take for us all to act? When it is too late?

There is a way to save the IC its lawyer fees, headaches, and lost hair (joke joke joke...wala namang tinamaan), and that is by mobilizing on our own to be HEARD. While 50,000 voices outside the SEC office may not have the legal venom of a lawyer's petition for a Writ of Certiorari or TRO, but trust me, it CANNOT be ignored. Not that I'm downplaying our lawyers' good work, but the 4th quarter bell has sounded and our star players have to be on the court.

That means US. We are CFC's strength, each one of us. In the lives we lead and the examples we lay down, we show what CFC is all about. Let the SEC hear our displeasure. Let Mr. and Mrs. Villar realize whose votes actually matter. There I said it. I hope you see this, Manny. I HAD a lot of respect for you.

Remember guys, Jericho's walls came down eventually: Due to persistence. The Easter Group may reek of inconsistencies, lies, and corruption, but there is one thing they are doing right, they sure are persistent. Remember the endlessly repetetive droning of veering, of partnering, of nation-building? Need I tell you what the Servant General's strategy is?

They have changed tactics over and over, and over and over. Now from the looks of it, they're going to try the "death by a thousand cuts" approach. DO WE LET THEM?

Realize that if the Easter Group is able to retain the CFC-FI name, they will be able to tell US not to use it.



To be continued.

Pulp Bits

Just a short one for the weekend. In researching for an upcoming entry, I came across a June 15, 2008 article by our erstwhile detractor, Fr. Tulabing. As expected, it is another hack and slash attempt to paint CFC and the IC in a bad light. What bothers me about it is the obvious slant of his topic, while proclaiming that he's researched "...on the matter through the internet and my consultations with some bishops and persons knowledgeable about the case". He still fails to make any reference to pertinent documents or at least be fair enough to present both sides of the issue. I find this almost hostile bias and unfairness incredibly disturbing and unbecoming of a man of the cloth. He should be leading the way in the search for truth, and not be swayed by the words of just one party, and it is quite obvious whose words he's almost repeating verbatim in his article.

That of course is just my opinion and I would welcome his take on the matter here.

Here are the 2 pages excerpted from the Negros Chronicle:



You may download the 2 pages as a pdf HERE.

UPDATE, July 13 article:

I missed this one, thanks to blogger TE for pointing it out, and his analysis of it.


Download the pdf HERE.

Here is TE's analysis:

(1) Fr. Tulabing is publicly advocating that CFC be dissolved. He is urging everyone to make a choice between GK and FFL. What does this make him? He probably doesn't know that CFC under the IC is the institution enjoying Vatican recognition; and that the recognition is based on the CFC Statutes approved by the Vatican. Further that GK is mentioned clearly in the approved statutes. The Vatican (not the CBCP nor the FFL Bishops) (through the recommendation of the Bishops) is the competent authority to judge the genuineness of an institution's charism. And the Vatican has not withdrawn it's recognition proving that CFC's charism is genuine and has not been lost, as being claimed by a disillusioned former leader. This is not rocket science. It does not take a lot of gray matter to find the proof. It's a no-brainer. Wake up Fr. Tulabing.

(2) He continues to sow confusion by claiming that FFL using the name CFC is not confusing but GK's would be. This is in flagrant disregard of the fact the GK, as one the 7 Pillars of CFC, has more right to use the name than FFL.

(3) Fr. Tulabing exhibits a complete disregard of facts already in the public domain that bear on this issue. He continues to show us that he arrived at his conclusions without weighing the merits of both sides and without giving the due attention to available evidence. Since it is inconceivable that a Vicar General would be this naive, I am forced to conclude that Fr. Tulabing is deliberately ignoring evidence and purposely refuses to engage in the mental deliberation needed to arrive at, what Bishop Claver calls, a prudent choice. In other words, Fr. Tulabing has thrown prudence out the window and is advocating a position which he knows to be either false or at least questionable. That, my friends, is blatant intellectual dishonesty.

(4) By writing the sentence "The leaders and members of CFC can do the same." immediately after his exhortation to read the Bishops' letter, memos and circulars, Fr. Tulabing clearly intends to give the impression to the public that CFC members and leaders have not read the documents he mentions. It further implies that CFC willfully refuses to listen to the Bishops. Now in his previous article he angrily reacted to the comments that came out in this blog. To me that proved that he does read this blog. Putting all that together, I conclude that Fr. Tulabing knows that CFC members and leaders have read the Bishops' documents he mentioned. A whole bunch of them are published in the various blog entries. So are the IC Statements which refer to the respective Bishops' documents. That leaves two choices: (a) Fr. Tulabing knows, chooses to ignore the truth, and writes deliberately to mislead the public into thinking CFC does not listen to the Bishops; and (b) Fr. Tulabing read them all but understood none and so could not consider them. I would not consider (b) as a viable alternative. So (a) it is. Unfortunately it shows Fr. Tulabing to be intellectually dishonest.

(5) Fr. Tulabing hopes we will not accuse him of causing division. He's right. He is not the cause. He is entitled to his own opinions. But since he also presents himself as a journalist (I suppose writing a column classifies him as one) he should subject himself to rigorous standards of reporting. The truth is that the cause of the so-called "split" was not some disobedience on the part of the IC. FFL came about because FAP created it. FAP did not have to resign. The IC practically begged him. FAP did not have to create FFL. You see - it was FAP who caused the "split". He did it in disobedience to the CFC statutes and to the CFC covenant ("I will relate in love and loyalty to the other families in CFC.."), which he was under at that time. FFL was born from a betrayal. If Fr. Tulabing has really done his research as he claims, then either he's playing dumb, fanatically loyal to FAP or gets his highs playing the provocateur.

(6) What recommendations from Cardinal Rylko is he talking about? The one about the ad was not a recommendation. It was an instruction. Do you think, given his penchant for intellectual dishonesty, that Fr. Tulabing will follow Cardinal Rylko's instruction not use our name for his pet organization?

My thoughts:

First of all, I don't understand why Fr. Tulabing is confused about GK's use of the name Couples for Christ. Maybe he is acting like an expert without truly knowing what he's talking about. He might want to consider studying up on CFC and its 7 pillars here.

He is basically calling for the disolution of CFC because it is not evangelizing? Please Father, apparently you are ALL seeing, would you please point out specific instances of that? Also, since you've given us such a rational solution, how do you propose the organization that is CFC move on after its members move to the FFL? Change its name to Gawad Kalinga?

I don't know what else to say. He is making claims that are not backed up with facts, and refusing to see anything but what is being fed to him by the Easter Group. I challenge Fr. Tulabing to come to this blog, look at all the documents here, and then make his judgement again.


The Negros Chronicle is published online by a fellow blogger, Jay Dejaresco, who apparently is a respected advocate of truth and fairness. It is my hope that he gives this issue a little attention, and at least give the CFC defenders a chance to air our side.

Goodness, the priests and members of the clergy are supposed to be our friends, leaders, and shepherds in our daily pursuit of Christian living and behavior. With friends like these, who needs enemies?

* * *

Do any of you notice the increased, insidious assault on GK by the Easter Group? I recently received another cyber bashing of GK by this mythical Salvador Macias using an old article by the Inquirer's Michael Tan. While preparing for an entry on it, I noticed the escalating aggression by the Easter Group against GK, in emails, in "sponsored" articles, and other forms of correspondence. It seems our rambuctious brothers in the FFL are going corporate on us. They have a competing product, and in order to have their product succeed, they must prove that theirs is better by disparaging the other one. Christian conduct? I think not.

There's something up, best be prepared my friends.

Pulp Fiction

Sometimes, one can get a bit frustrated at the far reaching effects of a well orchestrated misinformation campaign. Something that, sadly, the Easter Group is extremely competent at. We've just been asked by Tito Joe Tale to try and keep our emotions in check and to be careful about our defensive responses, so lets try and keep an open mind. I also don't want to give the Easter Group more issues to twist and have them say I'm now attacking a priest, which I'm not. In fact, I think the greater sin is not in inviting the clergy to a reasonable discourse, but in intentionally misleading them to achieve a questionable goal.

Sometime ago, I said that these rehashings of past issues by the Easter Group was not worth responding to anymore. I mean, they'll say it again, and we'll defend it again, and so on, ad infinitum, I GUESS. But in this latest "attack", I can't help but think that there is still much damage being done, much misinformation being spread, and that it is still hurting our brethen who are affected the most: Those on the ground spreading the good Word and the good work. So why should we not come to their aid? At some point, even our very own Multimedia Center felt the need to address the lies that are constantly being spun by the Easter Group in order to gain an audience and put down the organization they left.

An article by a Fr. Tulabing was published in the Negros Chronicle Sunday Edition and has been circulating in the commentaries for a while now, in fact eliciting several responses here, here, here, and finally here. It also seems the good father may have felt compelled to respond to our bloggers' reactions, esp. since one of them emailed the Negros Chronicle. There may have been just a single article planned, but an impromptu 2nd part was written by Fr. Tulabing and published last July 6, defending his views and claims. I say impromptu since, well, part 2 just seems....hurried.

You may download both parts HERE, but I'll be quoting and responding to some relevant portions.

Father Tulabing makes several claims in his article, specifically:

In part 1

"...Gawad-Kalinga has been over-emphasized, putting aside Family Evangelization, Spirituality, and Renewal."

Need we go into this again? It is a rehash of Frank Padilla's GK-3 paper, and has already been covered, discussed, attended to, and finally DEALT WITH. Please Father, if you have further, recent proof of this claim (other than what your FFL advisers have told you), come forward so it can be addressed.

"...reluctant founder of Couples for Christ Frank Padilla..."

"CFC-FFL has all the rights to use the name Couples for Christ because Frank Padilla is its founder and FFL is consistent with the vision-mission of the true and genuine Couples for Christ which has never veered away from its original purpose while remaining faithful and loyal to the Catholic Church authorities"

First off, it's been proven that Frank Padilla is NOT the founder of CFC. That's a done deal and this article in the CBCP states it in no uncertain terms. Also, using the term "reluctant founder" shows clearly where you are getting your information, as these are the exact same words the FFL use to refer to Frank Padilla.

Secondly, I hope you realize that your insinuation of "veering" are the words the FFL uses, if you are trying to make a case, then please show some tangible and documented proof. One can't just bring forward an FFL leader and say, "Here, take his word for it." I'd like to ask what you see that made you believe that CFC veered from its original charism? Do you also believe that all the CFC members in your parish are veering away now?

In part 2

Ironically the 2nd article starts with a quote from what I would guess is a CFC member, to which Fr. Tulabing responds,

"This kind of comment is surely missing the point."

To which I would most respectfully respond, surely Father, you are missing the truth. Have you seen the emails in this blog? The documents? How about the Playboy Bunnies' meeting minutes?

"So how can some leaders and members of couples for Christ Global GK..."

Now I might be nitpicking, but how badly edited must this be, to not only fail to capitalize, but to come up with a brand new term for CFC: couples for Christ Global GK? This is why I said part 2 seemed a little hurried. And no Father, I'm not making a big deal out of this. I just thought you should tell your newspaper's editors to pay closer attention. Yet, frankly, we'd appreciate it if you didn't corrupt the name any further. Thank you.

"...they try to poison the minds of their members about my purported “panaot” of Couples For Christ. And by the way, the Church is not expected to serve the interest of Couples for Christ. It should be the other way around: Couples for Christ should serve the interests of the Church."

Oho! Now we come to some strong words. Poison. I believe that is the gist of all our problems, tho not in the context in which you are using it. Also, yes, while Couples for Christ should be serving the interests of God, our priests have the moral responsibility to be well aware of what they are feeding their flock, lest they accidentally poison them.

"My intention really is to save Couples for Christ from utter destruction at the hands of the enemy."

Father, I really do not see any destruction going on here, other than the tearing apart of CFC by the Easter Group's continued attacks.

I also take it you don't believe these good men are doing a good enough job of saving us:

"Priests need to exercise authority over Couples For Christ in their parishes, after all it is within the realm of the priests’ duties to govern."

Agreed Father, it is also their job to show their flock the truth.

'The point is that there have been directives and guidelines, there have been dialogues and meetings to reconcile and check the errors, but the International Council of Couples For Christ-GK insisted on their mistakes."

Speaking of directives, guidelines, and dialogues, I'd like to remind you of Bishop Reyes' statement, made after the dialogue between the FFL and CFC. I quote:

"...Frank Padilla “will form the Couples for Christ for Family and Life” and “should start as a diocesan association, “then later can apply for recognition as a national association if it has branches in other dioceses and even later as an international association.”

I don't believe anybody in the Easter Group even as much as gave that order a second glance.

"All the members of CFC must be made aware of the existing problems within CFC."

To this, I heartily agree, and they should also all be made aware of what the FFL has been doing.

"The members should even protest about what their International Council is doing (disobeying the bishops).."

Actually Father, if you want to be more specific, it was the Elders Assembly who as a group discerned and decided not to follow the Bishops' recommendation. Must we define recommendation once again? Does this mean that since the FFL did not follow the orders of the Bishops after the dialogue, you believe the FFL members should protest as well?

"...the donations that they still receive from Pharmaceuticals manufacturing and distributing contraceptives. The Church still considers contraceptives anti-life, and Couples For Christ is supposed to be Pro-life."

A picture to refresh our memories:

Frank Padilla at the launching of Gawad Kalusugan, sponsored by Pfizer, Wyeth, and Unilab.

The statement alone is patently false, since that partnership with Pfizer had been rescinded this past May upon the instructions of Cardinal Rylko and was printed in a paid ad by the IC. Father, might I remind you that Frank Padilla was present and part of that partnership. Shouldn't some accountability fall on his shoulders too, even as he passes the blame while still claiming to be the founder? Also, if that was the case, why do you not question all the other religious organizations accepting donations from pharmas who distribute contraceptives? You may also want to ask Frank Padilla why he holds office in the establishment of a known anti-life politician.

"I like and I commend CFC-Foundation for Family and Life headed by Frank Padilla because they work very hard for the RESTORATION and the REFORMATION of Couples for Christ. May the other members follow your example."

Heaven forbid. I don't think the Supreme Court has enough space in their building for all the landscam cases that will arise from that. Ok, I'm joking, but seriously, if the examples being set by Frank and Co. in document forgery, accusing the Vatican of trying to save face, accusing Bishops of "twiddling their thumbs and smoking pot", were to be used as guideposts, I would be quite afraid of what would become of the FFL's members.

In all seriousness Fr. Tulabing, I think your words say it all: You "like" the FFL. What this is based on I don't know, but it comes across as unobjective. You like them, therefore you are pushing for them. Isn't that a tad unfair? In liking them, did you then overlook the questionable actions of the Easter Group? The documents, emails, the honest depiction of the events that led to the fateful split are all here for you to see and peruse. They've been made public for exactly that reason; so you can be fair to both sides. That's all we are asking. Give CFC a chance to make its case, a chance you've obviously given the FFL. Give us a chance to present proof, to show that we are sincere in our efforts to better ourselves. If we've somehow made a mistake in your eyes, then show us forgiveness by example. Your obvious bias for the FFL and your trumpeting their cause's repetitive and oft rehashed chants of veering and disobedience hurt people who care about you and what you say.

That is all.

* * *

Just for the record, and to finally set things right, the CBCP has acknowledged LNP's role (through Vic G and Fr. Schneider) as the founder of CFC. Here's the article in full, it's also linked in the Archived Documents section on the right column.

CFC-International Council to reinforce tie with RP bishops

MANILA, July 6, 2008--Couples for Christ-International Council (CFC-IC), has been seeking the support of Philippine Bishops to strengthen cooperation between them.

“CFC-IC has designed suggestions and recommendations on how to improve and strengthen the relationship between our shepherds [bishops] and CFC-IC so that together, we can fulfill our shared mission of spreading God’s will to all,” said Joe Tale, executive director of CFC-IC International Council, in a letter addressed to all the bishops of country, dated June 4.

Tale also said that CFC-IC is gearing up for a new springtime of its evangelization and values formation mission.

“We have lined up Christian life and community values programs for 62,000 settlers along the railroad tracks now recoated in Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Taguig, and take care of OFW’s and their families left behind in the Philippines,” Tale said.

CFC-IC also asked the bishops to pray for CFC-IC that its resolution of the conflict that has embroiled CFC-IC community may grow in positive manner.

CFC is a lay Catholic group established in 1981 by Fr. Herb Schneider, SJ and Vic Gutierrez. CFC got split from its original group “Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community” in 1993.

Last year, CFC got split further into two--CFC-Foundation for Family and Life (CFC-FFL), which is headed by Frank Padilla, and the CFC-International Council (CFC-IC), which works with Tony Meloto and Gawad Kalinga, the social arm of CFC-IC that builds low-cost houses for the poor across the country.

Last month, both the groups were battling each other for the use of the CFC name after the Securities and Exchange Commission lifted the 2003 revocation order on the use of the name Couples for Christ Foundation Inc.

Meloto and Padilla, both founding members of one of the country’s biggest Catholic lay group, stepped down from the board of CFC last year over debates on the group’s direction.

CFC-FFL and CFC-IC are trying to win the support of Philippine bishops and trying to show their allegiance to Church hierarchy in the country. (Santosh Digal)

post script:

I apologize about the typos and other errors, I've edited what I found. As you may have noticed, this was a late night entry because I was trying to make the Feedburner blast at 9am, so coffee and lack of sleep is not good for spelling and getting some facts straight, hehe. If you catch anymore please do let me know.

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.

Et tu, Brute?

It's a bit past the Ides of March, but I think the title is still fitting. As was expected, Frank/Easter Group has released their own spin on CFC's ads, complete with their own supplied copies of the March 11 and (newly released) April 3 letter, where they are questioning, of all things, Vatican's judgement.

I'm not going to waste energy on picking their arguments apart, since they've sunk down to a series of "but...but...buts" like petulant children, and have resorted to focusing on a couple of sentences that are truly....well, besides the point. I mean, c'mon now, lets get to THE point you are trying to skip around:

You may not use the CFC name, Frank.

Would you like that in Latin, since you don't seem to like the English used by the good Cardinal of the Vatican?

It is heartbreaking to see you sink down to a legalistic approach (on registering the name with the SEC, since there are supposedly 8 companies that carry the CFC name), which you so blatantly use to attack Joe Tale and the IC with. I'd just like to point out that the SEC will most likely rule on whether your use of the name pertains to an industry similar to that whose name you are coveting and therefore cause legal and consumer confusion. The other 8 names are what, a school, a soap company I think...and well, you get the picture. Or do you?

How do you explain this email then Frank, where you acknowledge CFC's claim to the name but paint the Vatican in a bad light:

Hello all. I am in receipt of the attached letter from the Vatican to JT, which you may already have seen from the Net.

I do not know why JT would want to change the name in the Vatican approval from CFC to CFCGMFI. Perhaps it is to strengthen their claim on the name, since we left CFCGMFI but we did not leave CFC, and this our bishops have recognized. Anyway, the Vatican's reply reinforces our position that there is the spiritual reality of CFC, of which we are still a part, and then there is the legal reality, which is a subordinate reality. It also impacts on the reality that there are many CFC corporations throughout the world.

The Vatican says that the name CFC cannot be used by another association, and rightly so. However, CFC with something attached to it is another matter altogether. In fact, there are 8 corporations with the name CFC (with something after this) that are registered with the Philippine SEC. And of course the Philippine bishops have recognized CFC-FFL.

Bp Gabby Reyes met with Cardinal Rylko last April 21, in response to the lawyering of Archbp Arguelles on behalf of the IC and his brother. Archbp Arguelles, JT and Rouquel Ponte met with Cardinal Rylko last March 3. The fruit of that visit was Cardinal Rylko's letter to JT dated March 11. It was clear they were chastised, and this is the reason the IC never told anyone about the Vatican visit, much less show the Rylko letter even to their own elders. What the IC is doing now is trying to appear to comply with the Vatican's directives, but not really doing so. We pray that the Vatican will see through their machinations.

I have not yet talked with Bp Reyes, but Maribel has. She says he said the Vatican will recognize 2 CFCs in the Philippines, but would not permit the use of the CFC name in other countries by associations other than the CFC Global. If this is so, then it is good news that the Vatican will accept the Philippine bishops' decision to recognize CFC-FFL. But isn't their stand contradictory, accepting CFC-FFL in the Philippines but not "other CFCs" in other countries? I do not have the full story, but I do know, from my own visit last April 7, that the Vatican is concerned about the split that comes just two years after the permanent approval of CFC in 2005. In other words, though it was not said, I feel the Vatican needs to save face. That is why in the letter to JT, Cardinal Rylko stressed that the Philippine problem should not extend to other regions of the world. Of course he did not know that it already had divided the whole CFC world. This is probably because JT assured him that the split was just a local problem with a small splinter group leaving CFC.

So the Vatican might be forced by circumstances to continue to recognize CFC Global, since they exist by virtue of the statutes, even though the election of the IC was done not in communion with the bishops. Legal but not spiritual. What is now important for us is that we also be allowed to use the CFC name, though no longer just strictly CFC but with something appended to it.

I will be following up this email with another a little later. God bless.

frank

Has it come to this? Where you feel you can overstep the Vatican's rule on the matter because YOU think you know what they are thinking? Ingat brother...lest you commit the sin you keep accusing others of.

Well anyway, that's not for me to say, right? I am in no position to judge on whether the Vatican needs to save face, except maybe to recommend a good moisturizer. *drum roll please*

I'd just like to point out one tiny issue that jumped out at me after I saw your opus rely to the CFC ads. You might want to pay close attention to your attachments, since you are still distributing a forgery. Yeap, the March 11 letter you just emailed to everyone is the same document that ABS-CBN has. Et tu Frank?

Why didn't you just send out the one that Lachie received? You've had that even before the ABS article came out and it is much clearer, yet still forged. Or, just ask the Center for the originals? I'm sure they'd be happy to give you a copy.

To end, I'd like to share a bit more on why I don't believe the forged March 11 letter was just mistakenly folded when it was scanned, copied, cried over, whatever.

Lets go back to to the Love and Forgiveness entry. There you will find a letter from Cardinal Rylko to Bishop Reyes, dated March 15. I quote the good Cardinal:

I am enclosing a copy of the letter we sent to Mr Tale regarding also the steps to be taken.

Does it make sense now? Frank's good friend, Bishop Reyes has a copy of this letter. If Frank's copy had gone bad, mysteriously folded, or Photoshopped itself, it would be an easy matter to request another, correct copy from the good Bishop.

IF I was acting in good faith, that's what I would do.

Yet, Frank is email blasting out the forged one, again, and again...and again.

If any of you would like a copy of the Easter Group's response to the CFC ads, you know where to reach me. It's the least I can do to help Frank get his point across to as many of you as possible.

My friends, for the weekend I leave you on a happy note and a tune from the 80's, my favorite decade. In honor of all the spinning going on, here's Dead or Alive's You Spin Me Around.

God Bless and good cheer. =)

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"

ADmonishing

UPDATED AT THE BOTTOM! [4/18/2008]

Is it just me or does the latest article about CFC on ABS-CBN look more like an advertisement for the FFL than an actual journalistic piece?

Once again, the FFL makes clever and twisted use of context to attempt to sway the court of public opinion in their favor. Little do they know they are hurting themselves as much as they think they are hurting CFC. Such a nice act by a supposedly religious organization, eh? Also, this poor excuse for a reporter Carmela Fonbuena needs a few protest emails sent her way. She has supposedly written a non-biased article, without consulting with all parties relevant to the piece.

My dear, you have some explaining to do, like for starters:

In your irresponsible rush to come out with your "scoop", did you bother to check your facts and sources?

But I'm not suprised, I would have thought the FFL would find a better mouthpiece than someone who declares , "I turn gossips into information" on her Myspace site.

Anyway, what's the whole brouhaha about? It sure has gotten us stirred up, hasn't it? Lets look past the headline first, after all, it was concocted by someone who seems to have a thing for using a sensational headline to sell a story or hide its lack of substance/truthful content. She's also going to have to learn the meaning of chastise as opposed to admonish, it just might help her journalistic credibility.

Let's pick this story apart at the seams, why don't we?

"The Vatican has chastised the Couples for Christ (CFC) group supportive of Gawad Kalinga founder Antonio Meloto for the "erroneous steps [it has] taken" when it decided to shift its focus from the spiritual to the social. The group was instructed to make a public apology."

What's sad is that it is painfully obvious that all the information being fed to this hapless reporter is coming from one place. The Vatican has NEVER chastised CFC, only one person keeps on doing that and though he may have designs on a saintly position someday (good luck brother), he sure doesn't work for the Vatican.

Also, only the FFL will use such wording as, "...decided to shift its focus from the spiritual..." Tell me again, WHO decided? Was it an official decision? Did the IC release a statement we didn't know about? Sheesh, you guys, this is getting old.

"The Vatican disapproved of CFC’s "overemphasis on the social work"

Ok, I'm assuming they snatched this quote from a line in the next paragraph which goes,

"...said that CFC should "counterbalance the overemphasis on social work...."

How they can squeeze "disapproved" from this statement, I don't know, but I would call it a fair amount of overzealous misinterpretation, which they do quite a lot. I'm trying to be politically correct, but the actual thought in my head is telling me to request that they take remedial english courses.

The article goes on to describe a series of letters, four to be exact, that were supposedly obtained by ABS-CBN (I wonder from who? Hmm. It sure wasn't from the IC, and the FFL is obviously not copy-furnished in these communiques.). It also details a phone interview with Tony Meloto, though I'd wonder why they would try to interview him as he hasn't been a part of the CFC-IC for a year.

Oh let me guess, interviewing one of the IC might let the cat out of the bag?

First off, YES, Bro Joe Tale DID go to the Vatican. Every local area head should know about this. He went there to get a clear picture of what CFC should be doing to comply with Vatican directives on dealing with agencies that promote artificial family control, among others. It is also true that Cardinal Rylko wrote a letter to the IC, defining what should be done by CFC to comply with The Vatican's directives. The letter was a re-iteration of what was discussed during Joe Tale's visit.

What they conveniently forgot to quote in Cardinal Rylko's letter is the part where he said that he recognizes one CFC only and will not allow others to use the name.

Why do I know this? Well, the letter was read to the area heads and leaders last Sunday, that's why. The IC has also started taking the steps outlined in the Cardinal's letter, the first of which was this full page ad in the Philippine Star placed almost 2 weeks ago:

click to enlarge

Why are we doing this? The answer is evident. Obviously we are not thumbing our collective noses at the authorities. The IC recognizes that some actions it has unknowingly taken may have not been in line with Vatican policy. They've asked for clarity and forgiveness, and are taking the necessary steps to correct it, hence the Cardinal's letter and it's instructions. Isn't that what a good person who's made a "mistake" should be doing? It's just sad that the FFL jumped on it with glee, thinking they can use it to fuel their fizzling attempt to lay claim to the CFC name and snipe its members. That letter should now be released by the IC, and if I may humbly suggest, an official letter to ABS-CBN to protest and demand a retraction/correction for the very misleading and obviously biased article.

At least one good thing has come out of this.

"Reyes has sided with the breakaway group of Padilla."

Why good, one might wonder? Well, it's one TRUTH that has come out in the open, proving once again that God works in mysterious ways. All this time he has acted as our official spiritual adviser. I'd now like to pose the question directly to the good Bishop, respectfully of course: Where does your heart belong?

Quo Vadis, Pontifex?

Is it true that you were asked to appoint another adviser for CFC considering your loyalties, but you refused, saying you will NEVER resign as the CFC's spiritual adviser? I am in no position to question your judgement dear Bishop, but how can you possibly remain an impartial party to both groups after such a public announcement of your loyalties?

Wouldn't that be a case of the shephard neglecting his flock?

In closing I'd just like to share something I got in my email. I was not able to get permission to reprint it, so if the author would prefer not to have it on the blog, please let me know and I'll remove it.

Re: GK enough or more....Are We a Church of the Poor?

Thank you, Dody, for your sharing. At this stage of our lives, we may be repositories of vast experiences and, hopefully, wisdom. This wisdom and the concern we have for mankind and the ensuing generations are the greatest gifts we can offer.

As I write this, media has already reported what was a private situation deliberately made public by some who wish to taint and destroy GK. It is the work of wolves in sheep's clothing, reminiscent of the high priests and pharisees who sought to destroy the truth and perpetuate their governance of hypocrisy. The news say that the Vatican has admonished Couples For Christ over Gawad Kalinga. Through Cardinal Rylko, triggered by Bishop Gabby Reyes, an instruction was given to CFC to publicly apologize for the sacndal caused over GK's partnership with a pharmaceutical company - and then terminate the concerned partnership.

There was an effort to keep the situation between those directly involved. Unfortunately, letters between Cardinal Rylko, Bishop Reyes and the CFC Council were leaked to media in a continuing efrfort to discredit both the leadership of CFC and the work of GK. The damage, contrary to what enemies of CFC or GK may think, is less on the CFC community or GK. CFC is a renewal community; adversity and trials are part and parcel of the spiritual journey of members. CFC may be shaken, but it will stand and then move on. The 26-year history of CFC was wisely guided to be autonomous of the Church in its operations. Frank Padilla who led CFC to pursue its mission with or without the approval and support of bishops and parish priests is the one now trying to force CFC to be under the full ambit and governance of the Church beyond matters of faith and dogma. It is too late, though, as most members are fully confident that they are not only good Christians but, through the mission of their community, go beyond the usual behavior of average Catholics.

The greater and more dangerous damage will be felt by the Church as an institution and its influence over the flock. The conflicting messages and actuation of the Church hierarchy among themselves and oftentimes in full viedw of the public contribute to the lessening of the credibility of this same hierarchy. Worse, the participation or intrusion of the Vatican in a controversy which it should keep away from can lessen its own credibility from the high point where the late charismatic Pope John Paul II had brought it. The Vatican should review history and how it lost its dominant primacy over Europe, and how Catholics in Brazil and trhe Philippines, two of the most populous nations contributing tens of millions of faithful to the global Catholic population, experience a constant losss of members to other faiths.

What is heartening, though, is the present trip of Pope benedict XVI to the United States. The US is one of the leading anti life nations of the world by definition of the Church of what anti life is. The US is host to almost everything anti life like abortion, divorce, contraception and aggressive global promotion of condoms and other contraceptives for population control . The Pope eagerly prepared for his US trip, and rightly so. Before global audiences, the Pope basked in the welcome of the leading anti life preseident of the world who has aggressively waged wars which the Church has declared anti life over and over again.

It is apparent and enlightening that the Pope chooses engagement over condemnation, that the Pope chooses evangelization over Inquisition and fundamentalism. The Pope has not ceded his crusade against anti life issues, but he is not afraid that his faith will be threatened by engaging those who believe otherwise. I am convinced that the Pope also believes that his witnessing the love of Christ to all people, and most especially to the lost and to the poor, is primordial and clearly superior to religious bigotry and fundamentalism.

Thank you, Dody, for strengthening my resolve for the mission I have embraced.

Boy

UPDATE: The IC response, and I have to say...THANK YOU. I believe I'm not alone when I say that I love the pro-active IC!

Dear brethren:

We view with concern reports that the brethren are being unduly disturbed by the article that appeared in ABS-CBN News Online on April 15, 2008 entitled "Vatican Admonishes Couples for Christ Over Gawad Kalinga."

We would like to inform you of the following actions that the International Council has taken in this connection:

1. We have brought to the attention of ABS-CBN News Online the fact that the article quotes out of context portions of the letter that Cardinal Rylko, President of the Pontifical Council of the Laity of the Vatican, wrote to Executive Director Joe Tale last March 11, 2008. Please see attached.
2. We have also written to the Cardinal apprising him of this article and seeking his guidance on how to address the confusion that has arisen because of this article.
3. We shall issue statements in the future as it becomes necessary.

In the meantime, we would like to assure you of one important thing: NOWHERE IN THE LETTER OF THE CARDINAL IS IT EXPRESSED THAT THE VATICAN HAS SIDED WITH THE GROUP OF FRANK PADILLA.

This is still part of the trials that the Lord has seen fit to allow us to undergo as a test of our humility and obedience. We ask everyone to pray for the community that we love so much and to continue to relate to everyone in love. We remind everyone that the Lord's message for each and every one of us is "Love one another as I have loved you."

May God bless us all.


THE CFC INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL

Here's the official response to ABS:

Download HERE.

Thank you again IC. For you I dedicate this song: