Rappler: INC and the mentality of exclusivity

A young member of the Iglesia Ni Cristo questions the teachings she has grown up with

by Malaya dela Cruz* [Rappler]

Published 12:00 PM, August 14, 2014 

I’ve been an Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) member since I was born and my father is a minister. My siblings and I were raised to behold as absolute truth all doctrines without question. As kids, we’re brazen to tell our friends “Mag-Iglesia ka na kundi mapupunta ka sa dagat-dagatang apoy.” (Convert to Iglesia; otherwise, you'll end up in hell)

We’re flying with wings of righteousness holding the light to guide those lost in the darkness, we call sanlibutan; completely convinced that we’re indeed the chosen ones come judgment day. All we have to do is follow like sheep and salvation is certain. This is my myopic reality.

Into the darkness

Coming of age, I learned our creationist view is indubitably wrong given the insurmountable evidences against it, yet I find this mistake tolerable; assuming perhaps a scientifically-informed interpretation of the bible isn’t necessary for salvation. I was indifferent about this just as I am in overriding any of my rights for the sake of unity; trusting that it’s always for the good of the church.

What became unbearable is having my consciousness raised about the multi-dimensional causes of poverty. I cannot unlearn what I know now - that the terrible social realities we dismiss right before our eyes as normal is caused by injustice from existing power structures in society.

It was alarming for I was undeniably guilty of being part of a church responsible for reinforcing structures that sustain poverty through our social attitude and practice of ‘unity.’

We are INC first before we are Filipinos

It is our faith, albeit fatalistic, that the world will inevitably perish and no developmental agenda by man could prevent it; we are only travelers here for our true residence is the kingdom of heaven. Hence, we resign concern about matters outside our kingdom unless it might undermine doctrines or the church administration.

We show power in numbers through bloc-voting and secure key positions in the government in order to protect the interests of the church, never mind whether it’s a corrupt official as long as the church is secured. This is why INC was indifferent during the People Power I despite all the atrocious harm done towards the Filipino people - all because we allied with former president Ferdinand Marcos, the dictator.

Culture of apathy

Since our primary concern is the good of the church and not of the people in general, an apathetic attitude towards social issues is fostered among members.

We’re prohibited to participate in any form of social mobilization or unions because it’s against the unity of the church, even if such actions addresses concerns that directly affect the welfare of members.

Greedy corporations who operate with inhumane policies are fortunate as INC members are willing allies to preserve an unfair system. We abstain claiming accountability from power-holders in the name of ‘peace.’ - a peace that is oblivious of its implications.

Yes, we’re an obedient flock of docile sheep but we’re also subtle criminals and dignified perpetrators of injustices against our fellowmen. With brilliant pride we take the side of the oppressors.

Our brand of humanitarianism

The provision of generous aid to millions of non-members through medical missions, relief distributions and housing projects are token gestures, for “conversion” is our utmost motivation by exploiting the sense of utang na loob (debt of gratitude).

INC’s brand of humanitarianism does not involve championing the interest and welfare of the poor by addressing root causes of social issues. Our humanitarian cause is the 'noblest' of all: to save your soul from damnation by converting you to the one true Church of Christ.

Masters of mobilization

We’re taught that hardships and misfortunes in life are either caused by sin or are trials we must endure. However, evidence suggests that societal structures and how its citizens participate in shaping it in the course of history is the concrete reason for the everyday struggles of today. Poverty is avoidable, development is a choice.

The public witnessed INC’s power to amass more than a million people in its administrations’ behest. If the church could use its clout to truly help the nation by addressing long term needs and root causes of perennial social issues – such as lobbying and supporting genuine agrarian reform, a fair wage and other issues that affect the marginalized majority, where many of its own members come from, we shall contribute to societal change.

Aren't we humans first?

My conscience is disturbed when I saw my fellow brethren exalte upon news of famine, war, destruction and calamities where thousands of people lay dead. Some even said, “Makasalanan kasi ang sanlibutan, matuwa tayo dahil nalalapit ang kaligtasan natin.” (The people are sinful. We should be happy because our salvation is near.) They seem to forget we’re humans first before we even subscribe to any religion.

'Saving your soul' as a single mission is quite selfish in the face of human suffering. I understand it stems from fear and existential uncertainties, but It’s wrong to choose a convenient personal escape and say “kung gusto niyo rin maligtas, umanib na kayo” (if you want to be saved, join us) instead of engaging in collective action driven by empathy and compassion.

We glory over the Philippine Arena, Guinness records, and the thousands of congregations we’ve built like the elite ruler gloating over his empire.

There is harm in a mentality of exclusivity when we operate in the context of a larger society. Imagining a fragmented reality wherein we are only travelers goes against the truth that we have a responsibility to contribute and cooperate in facilitating change in the world. We can do this by renouncing apathy and using our power to mobilize for the good of people. - Rappler.com

*Malaya dela Cruz is a pseudonym. Rappler verified the identity of the writer, who asked her real name be concealed for her protection. She is a university student.

iSpeak is Rappler's platform for sharing ideas, sparking discussions, and taking action! Share your iSpeak articles with us: move.ph@rappler.com.

Iglesia Ni Cristo: The controverisal Filipino sect targeting Africa (Asia by Africa)

Article from Asia by Africa

Described as a cult by its detractors, Iglesia Ni Cristo has been implicated in criminal activity, including assassinations in the Philippines: now it’s setting its sights on Africa.

Just the Basics

• Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) is a Filipino megachurch founded over a century ago whose founder claims to be God’s last messenger
• The INC has been implicated in criminal activities and murders and maintains strict control over the lives of its adherents
• The church has spread across the world and is focusing its attention on Africa, presenting potential dangers to local communities

On Sunday mornings in South Africa churches across the country are packed with the faithful. In one neighbourhood in Cape Town, parishioners make the journey to the local church. Devoid of a steeple and surrounded by a white picket fence, the church exudes an unassuming air. Donning their Sunday best, worshippers file into the church, passing under a large seal emblazoned with the words Iglesia ni Cristo.

To anyone casting a casual glance, the phrase might be in Latin, a common enough occurence in many churches. Closer observation reveals something surprising: the writing is not in Latin, not even in Spanish - it’s Tagalog, the main language of the Philippines. Inside, the Southeast Asian hints are even more visible - the preacher leading the congregation is Filipino; one of many who have travelled to South Africa (and beyond) to spread the good news.

Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) - or the Church of Christ in English - is a sect from the Philippines that has set its sights on global expansion, with Africa seen as a key growth market. Despite being relative newcomers to Africa, back in the Philippines, the INC is a force to be reckoned with, boasting millions of followers and wielding considerable ecclesiastical and political power. The first INC congregation in South Africa was founded in 1977 by Rogelio M. Rafals, a doctor with the UN Development Program. Initially seeking out fellow Filipinos in the area, Rafals eventually received permission from the INC back in the Philippines to minister to the local population as well.

By 2015, the INC had a presence in nine African countries, with that number jumping to sixteen just a year later. 2018 has seen further rapid growth, with INC General Auditor Gilcerio B. Santos Jr. stating that “we’re sweeping both Northern and Southern Africa as we reach out to INC members and non-members alike.” Whereas the activities of Iglesia Ni Cristo look like yet another wave of foreign missionary work in Africa, the INC’s controversial reputation makes their expansion into Africa of particular concern.

Iglesia Ni Cristo and the personality cult of its Executive Minister

In order to understand the INC’s background and why its overseas expansion is viewed with suspicion by some, we need to leave Africa for the time being and return to the Philippines. The brainchild of one Felix Y. Manalo, the INC came into being in 1914 with Manalo as the church’s executive minister. INC teaching exalts Manalo as God’s last messenger, and that only members of the Church will be saved come the Rapture, for (in the INC’s view) all other Christian denominations have watered down Christ’s teachings.

“It’s comforting to know that we have salvation already promised because we are part of [Iglesia Ni Cristo],” says Johannesburg INC member Jabulile Mbonambi. “If I was told tomorrow that I have to go to a very deserted area just so that I could be a part of anything to do with the Church, it doesn’t matter. I won’t even think twice. I’ll just go because my membership mean my life to me.”

INC Exposed by CBS News (Canada) ~ How The Fifth Estate dealt with intimidation | The Investigators with Diana Swain

"INC run by one family..." -CBS News

INC church members accused of kidnapping, murder in Philippines - The Fifth Estate

Then an unidentified assailants murdered Fr. Richmond Nilo for being critical of INC®?

INC™-1914 has only 2.3 Million follower?

Bragging they have more than 10 million followers, the Iglesia Ni Cristo®-1914 couldn't hide the fact that they only have more than a million die-hard supporters who are ready to defend their disobedient Executive Minister who kicked-out his own mother and siblings from the INC™-1914 founded by their grandfather Felix Y. Manalo.

"The Catholic Church in the Philippines counts at least 80,304,061 followers or 80% of the entire Philippine population, according to data from the Philippine Statistics Authority. Also in the millions is the home-grown Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) which has about 2.3 Filipinos followers." [Source: Rappler]

When both religious institutions were criticized by Rappler, their journalists get two different reaction. From the Catholic Church, there were no vicious threats against their writers. In fact, their criticisms were all respected. Ironically, this “church” that boasts on its historic “return” (daw) to Rome (PASUGO God's Message February 2014, p. 7), the INC™-1914, its administration and their supporters did the unthinkable dipping their group to a cult-like religion.

"We weren't spared. We were attacked relentlessly and accused of being biased. We were targets of calls for a boycott. But we persisted."

May bago nang 'Jesus' ang mga INC™-1914 sa katauhan ni Felix Y. Manalo

Hindi nakapagtataka kung bakit ang turing ng mga kaanib ng INC™-1914 kay Felix Manalo at kahalintulad ni Cristo Jesus ay sapagkat ito ang kanilang paulit-ulit na ikinakabit sa pangalan ng kanilang 'huling sugo' sa kanilang mga pangangaral, maging sa pananalita o sa imprenta.

PASUGO Hulyo 1965, p. 12:

“Parehong-pareho ang espiritu ni Cristo sa diwa ni Kapatid na Felix Manalo sa pamamaraan ng pagdadala ng tungkuling tinanggap sa Dios."

PASUGO Mayo 1964, p. 1:

“Inihandog ng Dios ang kanyang sarili sa kanyang huling sugo upang dumiyos sa kanya. Samakatuwid, ang tanging may Dios na huling araw na ito'y ang huling sugo -- si Kapatid na Felix Manalo."

JUAN 10:16 - SI FELIX MANALO ANG TINUTUKOY NA PASTOR

PASUGO Mayo 1961, p. 22:

“Papaano magiging kawan o Iglesia ni Cristo itong mga tupa ni Jesus na nagmumula sa Pilipinas, hindi naman naparito si Cristo noong 1914? Ang sabi ni Jesus, Juan 10:16, 'magkakaroon sila ng isang Pastor'. Sino itong isang Pastor ng Iglesia na lilitaw sa Pilipinas? Ang pinagsabihan ng Dios: 'Huwag kang matakot, sapagkat ako'y sumasaiyo: (Isaias 43:5).

“Sino itong pastor ng Iglesiang lilitaw sa Pilipinas? Ito ang huling tinatawag o sugo na kasama ng Dios. Ito ang Kapatid na Felix Manalo. Noong sabihin ni Cristo na siya'y mayroon pang ibang mga tupa na wala sa kulungan at sila'y gagawing isang kawan at magkakaroon ng isang pastor, noon pa'y mayroon na siyang karapatan."

VS.

JUAN 10:16 - SI CRISTO ANG TINUTUKOY NA PASTOR

SULO pahina 58:

“Itinuturo din ng Iglesia Katolika na ang Papa ang siyang "Kataas-taasang Pastor". (Question 169). Ito ay salungat din sa turo ni Jesus at ng mga Apostol, sapagkat sinabi ni Cristo: "Ako ang tanging Pastor" (Juan 10:16)".

A Challenge of Bro. Duane to INC's Top Defender Mr. Jose Ventilacion!

My Message for Joe Ventilacion (INC™) Regarding His Education At Harvard University

Source: The Splendor of the Church Blog

When Kuya Adviser posted his article on his FB page, Ventilacion posted comments on his FB page about me. He said I was challenging him and asking questions about textual criticism and that I have to study more about this topic.

He is simply boasting that he studied at Harvard University. He posted this on his FB Page conspicuously.

I am just wondering who among bible and textual scholars from Harvard University favor the interpretation made by Jose Ventilacion.

I asked Dr. Eugene Ulrich, a former professor at Harvard University who among his colleagues do not agree with King Cyrus referring to “Bird of Prey” in Isaiah 46:11. It is clear that Ventilacion does not concur with this and instead, he makes it appear that Felix Manalo is the one just like what his Church is doing.

Here is the email response of Dr. Eugene Ulrich:

By the way, Dr. Eugene Ulrich is one of my mentors in Biblical Languages.

Now, you studied at Harvard but you did not follow your professors and mentors in textual criticism who said explicitly that Cyrus is really being referred to as the Bird of Prey in Isaiah 46:11 and yet, it is Manalo whom you are pointing at.

It is clear you studied at Harvard University not to learn from the experts and it is not for you to boast about it. So, you do not follow what you learned.

You attended the SBL Annual Meeting and you were given the go-signal by your Executive Minister, Eduardo V. Manalo.

If it was Dr. James Richard Saley who delivered the lecture and you attended that, participated and listened; is it not a slap on your face as a result of what is written in your Pasugo Magazine?

I asked Dr. Eugene Ulrich if he knows Dr. James Richard Saley. Dr. Eugene Ulrich told me they are good friends and he presumes Dr. Saley is a Protestant.

Does Dr. James Richard Saley know that you taught your listeners that Felix Manalo is the Bird of Prey in Isaiah 46:11? Can you ask him if he agrees with your interpretation? 🙂

So, Joe Ventilacion listened to a Protestant whom you addressed as Devil. And, you studied at Harvard University wherein some professors are Protestants.

I give you 2 weeks to answer my post at splendor that INC members can read. I pray that you will be enlightened as well as them someday or they will soon realize your false teachings.

Answer the following because you studied textual criticism at Harvard University:

1. Who are the Bible Professors and Textual Scholars from Harvard University favor your interpretation that Felix Manalo is the Bird of Prey in Isaiah 46:11?
2. Who are the textual scholars from Harvard University who taught you that you translated Mizrach in Isaiah 43:5 of Aleppo Codex as “Far East”? Give me the names of at least 3 textual scholars.
3. Who are the textual scholars from Harvard University whom you can prove translated the Greek word (Logos) in John 1:1 to “idea” as you did?
4. Who are the textual scholars (at least three) from Harvard University who can give testimonies that your LAMSA Translation is Accurate?

I will wait for your reply, Joe Ventilacion.

And, if you are boasting that we need to square off in a debate, do not give me any conditions that I should pay for the venue rental since there are many public venues which are free.

Just tell me when and I will submit my proposal to the nearest INC Local.

Prove that the LAMSA is accurate using Greek text and testimonies of Aramaic scholars if you are really intelligent in textual criticism and that I still need to study.

Sincerely,

Bro. Duane

Iglesia Ni Cristo® not bowing down Against expelled Iglesia Ni Cristo® members

Eduardo V. Manalo registering the all-Filipino church Iglesia ni Cristo® (Church of Christ) in Rome, Italy in 1997

Known for their sneaky strategy, anyone who picks a fight against the sect founded by Felix Manalo in 1914 the Iglesia Ni Cristo®, is met with bullying, coercion and oppression to pressure him/her to withdraw the case. To such desperate extent, they would mount massive paid-rallies to ensure everyone gets the message “DO NOT MESS WITH THE IGLESIA NI CRISTO®”. But who is afraid of them anyway? The lawyer of the expelled INC™ members will not be cowed even Ka Eduardo V. Manalo would face them squarely mano y mano!
Source: Inquirer.net

Iglesia counsel hits back at Angel Manalo lawyers

A COUNSEL of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has turned the tables on the lawyers of expelled member Felix Nathaniel “Angel” Manalo, blaming them for the recent death of Manalo’s driver.

Wilfredo Santos, who also represents the INC in another case against the expelled siblings of INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo, sued Trixie Cruz Angeles and Ahmed Paglinawan for criminal negligence over the death of Benjamin Arellano Jr.

Before his death, the driver was staying with Angel at No. 36 Tandang Sora, Quezon City, where Angel and sister Lottie Hemedez had been holed up since July, when the religious group’s leadership crisis became public. The INC has a pending petition in court seeking to bar unauthorized persons from entering the property.

In a complaint filed in the city prosecutor’s office on Tuesday, Santos said Angeles and Paglinawan apparently knew as early as Oct. 17 about Arellano’s condition but did not report it to the court or other authorities.

The complaint noted that the respondents went to the compound on Oct. 17 together with two doctors, but were prevented from entering as Santos told them to first seek permission from the INC or the court.

Santos recalled: “Considering the lack of prior notice to the INC as owner of the property, the very unusual time of their visit, and the failure of the alleged doctors to present their PRC (Professional Regulation Commission) ID to prove their medical qualification, I told attorney Trixie and company that they could not enter the INC property at that time.’’

On Nov. 9, an unconscious Arellano was brought out of the compound and was later pronounced dead.

“In a span of three weeks, no attempt was made to bring Arellano to the hospital for checkup and appropriate medical treatment,” Santos said in the complaint.

“No occupant of the INC property has ever been prevented or barred from going out,” he said. “(They) did not call an ambulance when he was taken out and did not bring him to the nearest hospital.”

In an interview, Santos said he had not spoken with Arellano’s family members, who were also tightlipped about his death when approached by the Inquirer during his burial.

Angeles earlier blamed the INC leadership for denying medical attention to Arellano when it barred visitors. She said the driver collapsed and was later pronounced dead in a hospital—a narrative now disputed by Santos who said he was taken directly to a funeral home.

She deferred comment on Tuesday regarding Santos’ complaint, saying would want to see a copy first.

Gapangan sa Department of Justice (DOJ) at Court of Appeal (CA) ng mga Ministro ng Iglesia Ni Cristo® (INC™), ayon sa kanilang mga kaanib!

"[K]asama kayong mga CFD na mapapahiya sa pagsakay nniyo sa mga malisyosong paratang ng mga dinisiplinang manggagawa (Boyet Menorca) o ministro na gaya ni Isaias Samson dahil sa kanilang mga masamang gawain. Dismiss na yong kaso na isinampa ni Samson laban sa pamamahala ng Iglesia..." komento ng isang kaanib ng INC™ na pinamumunuan ng suwail na anak ng Ka Erdy Manalo na si Ka Eduardo V. Manalo (EVM).

Heto ang balitang tinutukoy niya mula sa Inq.Net

"THE Department of Justice (DOJ) has dismissed the criminal complaints against the leaders of Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) for lack of probable cause.

In two separate resolutions, the DOJ dismissed the separate complaints of expelled INC Minister Isaias Samson and expelled INC member Jose Fruto against the members of Sanggunian, the INC’s highest administrative body.

In dismissing Samson’s complaint, the DOJ said the “complainant failed to offer proof that he was compelled to do something against his will when he was allegedly forced by respondent to execute a written statement admitting his culpability and complicity in the Ebangelista blog.”

The DOJ added that Samson failed to present an “iota of evidence” on his allegation of intimidation and confiscation of his passport, service vehicle, laptop, mobile phone and other personal effects.

'There is nothing in the recitation of facts made by complainant which show that respondents resorted to threat, violence and intimidation when the said articles were taken allegedly upon orders of the Sanggunian,' the resolution stated..."

Ayon sa isang nagngangalang Nelson Maranan, ang pagbasura raw sa kaso laban sa mapaniil na Sanggunian ng INC™ na ipinagtatanggol ni Ka EVM, ay hindi naaayon sa batas dahil GINAPANG daw ito ng mga Ministro ng INC™ sa pangunguna ni BENDITO SANDOVAL. Narito ang kaniyang pahayag...

IPAALAM ITO SA LAHAT
BAKIT MAY GAPANGAN KUNG WALANG KASALANAN!

Benito Affleck with Gard Ener and 38 others.

KA BENDITO B. SANDOVAL tigilan nyo na po ang PANGGAGAPANG sa DOJ at CA kalat na kalat na po sa mga STATE PROSECUTORS at mga JUSTICES ang ginagamit nyo para gapangin ang mga kaso... WRIT of AMPARO po sa CA ay para kung implementahin pang HABANG BUHAY para kina Ka Lowell Menorca II Seikootsuka Menorca, Abegail Yanson at Yurie Menorca... wala pa pong CRIMINAL CASES diyan... may hearing pa sa Dec. 1.
Yang paggapang para gawing PONENTE si JUSTICE YNIGUEZ dahil sa utang na loob na naman ay nakakasira na po ng TODO sa IGLESIA ..
MAINGAY na po na si TOM CABRIDO ang nilalapitan nyo na tauhan ni BINAY...
Si TOM CABRIDO , former city councilor of PASAY CITY, senior consultant of VP Binay, SR consultant of SC Justices of CA (Court of Appeals) and SC ((Supreme Court)
BAKIT kailangang GAPANGIN kung walang KASALANAN ??? PARA ALISIN SA KASO SI EVM at ang gawin nyong SACRIFICIAL yun lang mga inutusang PULIS???
NAGTATAKA ka kung bakit alam ko at bakit may ACCESS ako para malaman??? FYI, apo ako ng isa sa MAGITING na
DATING CHIEF OF JUSTICE ng SUPREME COURT na hangga ngayon ay KINIKILALA at NIRERESPETO ng mga JUSTICES sa CA at SC...
Tandaan mo maraming MATA ang nakasubaybay sa INYO na di nyo kayang BAYARAN

Hindi naman kataka-taka ang ganitong bintang ng mga dating kaanib nila sapagkat ALAM na ALAM nila ang KALAKARAN ng kanilang mga Ministro. Sino pa ba ang magbubulatlat ng kanilang mga baho kundi sila-sila rin. Isa pa, ang Iglesia Ni Cristo® ay isang "MAKAPANGYARIHANG SEKTA" ayon sa mga mamamahayag. Malakas ang kapit sa mga kapulisan, sa hukuman at maging sa paghahanap-buhay at pananalapi. Halos pinapasok na nila lahat ang iba't ibang sektor ng pamahalaan sa pamamagitan ng pagla-LOBBY sa Pulitika. 

Hindi po "himala" ang pagkaka-dismiss ng kaso ng mga tiwalag na Ministro kung totoong ginapang ng mga Ministro ng INC™ ang pagkaka-dismiss nito.

Kahiya-hiya pero ito na marahil ang normal na kalakaran sa loob ng INC™ ni Felix Y. Manalo.

Ipagdasal na lamang nating mga Katoliko na sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga pagsubok ay malukuban sila ng Banal na Espiritu at maliwanagan upang sila'y BUMALIK sa TUNAY na IGLESIA NI CRISTO na TATAG ni CRISTO at hindi ng taong si Felix Manalo-- walang iba kundi ang IGLESIA KATOLIKA (Pasugo Abril 1966, p. 46).

Ex-INC minister's house help: Leaders force my family to lie -Rappler

Kung ang KASINUNGALINGAN ang sinasaligan ng pamunuan ng Iglesia Ni Cristo®, marapat lamang na hindi karapat-dapat na na ikabit ang pangalan ni CRISTO na Panginoon at Diyos sa kanyang pangalan sapagkat sila ay mga alagad ng KASAMAAN at KADILIMAN! Naghahari na ngayon si Satasa sa INC™ in Manalo! Panalangin sana namin na lisanin na ito bago pa man kayo mapahamak sa kasamaan nito.

Halina't bumalik na kayo sa tunay na Iglesia ni Cristo-- ang IGLESIA KATOLIKA!

Ex-INC minister's house help: Leaders force my family to lie

(2nd UPDATE [Source: Rappler]) 'Napakasakit po. Nagagalit ako sa mga Sanggunian,' says Abegail Yanson, house help of ex-INC minister Lowell Menorca, in a video obtained by Rappler

MANILA, Philippines (2nd UPDATE) – Abegail Yanson, the house help of former Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) minister Lowell Menorca, insisted she was not abducted by her boss as she denied the claims of her own parents.

In a video obtained by Rappler, a tearful Yanson belied claims that Menorca abducted her. She added that the INC’s Sanggunian (Council), or top leadership, is forcing her family to lie.

“Walang katotohanan na hindi ako pinapayagang umuwi,” Yanson said in the video provided by incdefenders.org. (It’s not true that I'm not allowed to go home)

Reacting to the video, INC spokesman Brother Edwil Zabala said in a text message to Rappler: "As stated earlier, we are confident that the truth shall prevail in this current controversy and that our officials will be vindicated by our judicial system. We continue to pray for all those affected by, and involved in, these cases."

Zabala added: “Mahirap na pag-usapan ito sa media dahil ang mga taong nasasangkot lalo na ay nakapagbigay na ng kanilang mga judicial affidavits sa Court of Appeals. Ang mga bagay pong ito ay sub judice na. Ang sinuman na mangangahas na gumamit ng anumang mga pahayag na kasalukuyang dinidinig ay maaaring ma-contempt."

(It is difficult to talk about this in media because the persons involved, most especially, have submitted their judicial affidavits to the Court of Appeals. These cases are now sub judice. Whoever dares to use any statement that is being heard, can be cited in contempt.)

Menorca faces a serious illegal detention complaint for supposedly prohibiting Yanson from seeing her family since being brought to Manila from Bulan, Sorsogon, last July. (READ: INC minister Lowell Menorca: The story of my kidnapping)

But Yanson said it was her own decision to stay. “Sinasabihan na po ako ni Ka Jinky [Menorca, wife of Lowell Menorca]: 'Ano Abby, uuwi ka na ba?' Pero hindi ko po kayang iwan si Ka Jinky dahil nararamdaman ko po, may mangyayaring hindi maganda sa akin o sa kay Ka Jinky kaya hindi ko po sinunod na uuwi ako. Nanatili ako sa kanila,” she said.

(Ka Jinky told me: 'Abby, are you going home?' But I couldn’t leave Ka Jinky behind because I already felt that something bad was going to happen to me or to Ka Jinky. That’s why I didn’t go home. I chose to stay with them.)

'Takot silang matiwalag'

Yanson said her family, including her parents who filed the case against Menorca, are being used by the Sanggunian. “Sana palayain na po silang… hayaan 'nyo po silang pasalitain na wala pong bantay… Masakit po para sa akin na makita ko 'yung mga magulang ko sa TV na puro kasinungalingan ang sinasabi laban sa mag-asawa,” she said.

(Let them go. Let them speak without someone guarding them. It’s painful for me to see my parents on TV spewing lies against the Menorcas.)

Yanson added: “Napakasakit po. Nagagalit ako sa mga Sanggunian. Sobrang nagagalit po ako kasi magulang ko na po 'yung hawak, kapatid ko… tapos po kung anu-ano po ang salitang pinagsasabi nila na alam nilang hindi totoo. Kaya po nila sinasabi 'yun dahil tinatakot sila. Tinatakot silang matiwalag.”

(It pains me. I am angry at the Sanggunian. I am very angry because they’re controlling my parents, my sibling… and they force them to tell these lies under threat. They’re threatening to kick them out of INC.)

“Tiwalag” is a term that refers to those expelled from the INC.

Yanson ended her video with a message to her parents and the INC's leadership.

"Ma, Pa… alam 'nyo namang hindi magagawa sa akin 'yan ng mag-asawa. Na kidnapin ako, i-detain ako, pilitin nila akong isama. Napakabait nila sa atin, sa mga kapatid, sa akin… alam 'nyo na alam ko na hindi nila kayang gawin 'yan sa akin. 'Wag kayong magpagamit, sabihin 'nyo ang totoo. Nananawagan ako sa INC, sa Sanggunian. Hayaan 'nyo po ang magulang at kapatid ko, hayaan 'nyo na silang magsalita ng katotohanan. Huwag 'nyo po sanang pilitin pa sila sa mga kasinungalingan lalo na’t hindi totoo dahil ako po mismo ang kusang sumama kay Ka Jinky, sa mag-asawa."

(Ma, Pa, you know that the Menorca couple would never do that to me – kidnap me, detain me, force me to go with them. They've been so kind to us, to our brethren, to me. You know that I know they would never harm me. Don't allow yourselves to be used, tell the truth. I call on the INC, the Sanggunian, to let my parents and sibling be. Let them speak the truth. Don't force them to lie because I chose to stay with Ka Jinky out of my own will.)

Detained minister

Menorca is among the former INC officials who were supposedly ordered detained by the local church’s top brass, over a scandal that has rocked the influential religious group. His detention was allegedly because of his criticisms of the INC’s leadership, which is being accused of pocketing the group’s funds for their own benefit.

The Menorca family – Lowell, Jinky, and other members of their household – were rescued late October after months of supposedly being held against their will inside the INC compound in Quezon City.

The Supreme Court later on issued writs of habeas corpus and amparo for Menorca, his wife, Yanson, and Yurie Keiko Otsuka.

Menorca's lawyer, Trixie Cruz Angeles, previously told the Court of Appeals that a woman, supposedly from the police's Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, had tried to force Yanson to come with her during the hour-long recess in the proceedings. Angeles said this was proof that her clients need the protection offered by a writ of amparo.

The INC's lawyer belied those claims, saying the commotion was only because Yanson's mother was stopped from approaching her daughter. Yanson herself said she did not know the woman who approached her.

The serious illegal detention case against Menorca was filed the day after Menorca faced the CA for the first hearing on the former minister's petition for writs of habeas corpus and amparo. – Rappler.com

Eduardo V. Manalo (EVM), Iglesia Ni Cristo®'s Executive Minister, who is expected to appear before the Court of Appeals leaves for Japan

Source: Rappler

Trip to Japan for Iglesia ni Cristo's Eduardo Manalo?

Was the trip intended to celebrate his 59th birthday or was it to speak to relatives of Jinky Otsuka-Menorca, wife of expelled minister Lowell Menorca?

REVERED LEADER. Iglesia ni Cristo Executive Minister Eduardo V Manalo, the church's third leader, follows in the footsteps of Iglesia founder Felix Manalo. File photo by Mark Cristino/Rappler

Will they or won’t they? That is, show up at the Court of Appeals (CA).

Many are guessing whether the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) leaders led by no less than the executive minister Eduardo V. Manalo will follow the orders of the Supreme Court to appear before the CA on Tuesday, November 3.

On October 23, Manalo and Iglesia officials Radel Cortez, general evangelist Bienvenido Santiago, and Rolando Esguerra were the recipients of writs of amparo and habeas corpus from the High Court, following a petition filed by Anthony Menorca and Jungko Otsuka, brother and sister-in-law respectively, of expelled minister Lowell Menorca.

Some Iglesia brethren were enraged by the SC order, perceiving it to be interference by the state in the affairs of the influential church. Why include the executive minister himself, they asked. Isn’t this politically motivated? But lawyers explain that as a “corporation sole,” the Iglesia as a legal entity can only be represented by a “sole” person or its head.

In the case of the INC, it is the highest ranking official or executive minister himself, Manalo. Nothing personal, no specific targeting even by the High Tribunal. The court would have issued the same order to Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, had the Catholic Church been involved in a writ of habeas corpus or amparo petition.

Shorn of the legalese, a writ of amparo is a recourse for any person whose right to life, liberty and security has been threatened or violated. A writ of habeas corpus on the other hand is a legal remedy sought on behalf of a person illegally detained.

Menorca was released from alleged “illegal detention” by Iglesia leaders and was, according to some reports, rescued by government operatives. The INC itself has denied any hand in the alleged abduction and detention of its minister, whom it has expelled.

Insiders said Manalo and other church leaders went to Japan and missed the big event over the weekend that recognized Excellence in Visual Media (EVM, also a clever play on the initials of the executive minister himself) among Iglesia brethen.

The event, which was a recognition of the best films produced by INC members, coincided with Manalo’s 59th birthday. It also marked the over 3 months of seclusion of the Eraño G. Manalo children, Angel (Felix Nathaniel), Marc (Marco Eraño), and Lottie (Lolita Manalo-Hemedez). Their brother Eduardo has completely ignored them, despite pleas from their mother Cristina “Tenny” Villanueva for him to speak to them. In a video posted late evening of July 22, Angel appealed for help and said their lives were in danger.

But why travel to Japan? Perhaps just to celebrate a birthday? Or perhaps to speak to the parents and relatives of Jinky Otsuka-Menorca and her twin sister Jungko to try to convince them to withdraw what they had filed with the Supreme Court?

During the Sunday press conference of Menorca on October 25, a tearful Jinky quietly sat beside her husband, while he recounted his harrowing experience being abducted from faraway Sorsogon and being brought by land to Dasmariñas, Cavite. – Chay Hofileña/Rappler.com