The former editor-in-chief of the Iglesia ni Cristo's official publication, “Pasugo”, on Friday alleged that the church's general auditor, Glicerio Santos Jr., was involved in corruption.
In a Facebook video posted by user "Sher Lock”, editor Isaias Samson Jr. called on Iglesia ni Cristo spokesperson Edwil Zabala and general evangelist Bienvenido Santiago to stop covering up for Santos.
"Hindi ko lamang maintindihan kung bakit ang katulad n'yo na mga ministro, at isa pa nga ay napakatagal na na ministro at anak din ng isang pioneer sa Iglesia, ay hindi masabi ang tunay ninyong niloloob at tunay ninyong nakikita. Alam ninyo na sa ating pag-uusap, kahit noon, kayo rin ang bumabanggit ng mga katiwalian na ginagawa ni Glicerio Santos Jr.," Samson said in the video.
Samson added that Santiago had even admitted to him that he knew Santos was involved in corruption, but said they could not do anything about it because he Santos was the “apple of the eye” of church authorities.
"Sana kung kayo (Zabala and Santiago) ay magsasalita pa, maging spokesperson kayo ng Diyos. Hindi ng mga taong inyong ipinagtatangol,” Samson said. “Tandaan iyong katiwalian, hindi naman ito makakaila. Liliataw at lilitaw iyan. Itinuturo natin iyan na hindi natatago ang lihim... Ihahayag iyan ng Panginoong Diyos."
Samson had claimed during a Thursday press conference that he was detained by the religious group and that other ministers had also been abducted.
Samson also detailed how corruption allegedly thrived inside the church, though he did not name those responsible.
That same Thursday Santiagio denied all Samson's allegations, and by Friday morning the chruch announced the expulsion of Samson and his family. Zabala said that the former Pasugo editor was expelled because of his refusal to submit to the authority of the church.
“Ang totoo, meron talagang departamento ang Iglesia na nakaukol lang sa auditing, napakatagal nang panahon kaya nga siguradong-sigurado kami na walang bahid ng katotohanan itong sinahabi nila,” Zabala explained.
"Meron silang mga hinahangad na mapasa kanila, na marahil hindi pinagbigyan, sapagkat lagi pong ikino-consider ni Brother Eduardo Manalo ay hindi family corporation," he added. — Trisha Macas/DVM, GMA News
Just a short sampler of the BIG ONE airing on Sunday is this short but already in-depth feature of Fifth Estate Investigative Team with Diana Swain. See how The Investigators clearly documented the harassment they experienced in the hands of people who profess to be Christians but showed hate-filled behaviors to intimidate with the intent to harm others.
This is the same church that shows love and compassion towards its fellow men through their highly publicized turned controversial Aides To Humanity and other so-called Community Services where they display overwhelming generosity towards strangers while they hail their Executive Leader who is exemplary in denying love and compassion to his own mother and family! This is the same church who proudly bears the name of Christ in the hopes that the public will not see through the motives behind their blatant propaganda. What is becoming clearer and clearer is that they propagate their faith as people who want their fellowmen to achieve salvation, but their actions deny the basic principles of being Christ’s disciples.
Such a barrage of lies will be exposed and more and more secrets of the current leaders of this institution shall be revealed in the whole story, Church of Secrets…
A. E.
While investigating Iglesia ni Cristo, a Filipino church with dozens of congregations in Canada, a Fifth Estate crew felt intimidation that went beyond the usual. Diana talks to host Bob McKeown and producer Timothy Sawa about how they dealt with it. Watch ‘The Investigators with Diana Swain’ Thursdays at 7:00 pm on CBC Television; Saturdays at 9:30 pm ET and Sundays at 5:30 pm ET on CBC News Network.
This happened outside the town hall where a legion of INC members were waiting. Moments later, they started slamming the car window and forced to open the door to get Atty. Rosal. Thank God they managed to escape. [Video Source: Religious Espose]
Pangangaral ni G. ERAÑO G. MANALO Talumpati ng yumaong Pangalawang Punong Ministro, Anak ng Tagapag-tatag ng Iglesia Ni Cristo® na si Felix Y. Manalo sa ika-75 na anibersaryo nang pagkakatatag ng INC™, Hulyo 27, 1989.
Papaano natutustusan ng Iglesia Ni Cristo ang lahat at ang iba pang mga proyekto nito? Masasabi natin na ang Iglesia Ni Cristo na nagsimula rito sa Pilipinas, at sinimulan ng isang Pilipino, at itinataguyod ng mga angaw-angaw ng mga Pilipino, ay tumayo sa kanyang sariling paa.
Wala pong tumutustos na dayuhan. Wala pong foreign aid. Sa madaling sabi ang Iglesia ho Ni Cristo ay walang utang kahit saang bangko.
Ang Iglesia Ni Cristo ay hindi po nagsasangla ng mga titulo ng lupa para lamang makakuha ng pondo. Bukas... bukas ang opisina ng Iglesia [Ni Cristo]. 'Pag nakakita kayo ng kahit isang titulo na may gravamen, o mayroon marka ng pagkakasanla, MAGHIWA-HIWALAY NA TAYO!
Kaya ho sa atin eh, walang gigipit na World Bank. Kahit na ang IMF (International Monetary Fund). At lalong hindi tayo kontrolado ng mga dayuhan.
Hindi naman tayo kumukuha sa kinikita ng Casino. Wala tayong pasugal, paperya, walang loterya, walang binggo, para lang makalikom ng pera. Wala ho niyan.
Lalo namang hindi tayo tumatanggap ng pera mula sa mga kandidato o sa sinumang pinuno ng gobyerno.
Eh saan ho nanggaling ang salaping itinutustos sa napakaraming proyekto ng Iglesia? 'Yan po ay sa tulong ng Diyos at sa pamamagitan ng boluntaryong kontribusyon ng mga kaanib sa mga araw ng pagsamba na ang karamihan sa mga kaanib na 'yan na siyang sumusuporta sa Iglesia...
* * *
Over P1B bank loans for the Iglesia ni Cristo’s Philippine Arena?
The late INC executive minister Eraño Manalo once said, 'Ang Iglesia ni Cristo ay walang utang kahit na saang bangko. Ang Iglesia ni Cristo ay hindi nagsasanla ng mga titulo ng lupa para lamang makakuha ng pondo.' -Rappler
* * *
Iglesia property in The Fort sold for almost P1B
Three high-end condominium towers – all part of Fort Victoria in upscale Bonifacio Global City in The Fort – stand on prime property of the INC acquired in March 1998. That property, located on 5th Avenue corner Rizal Drive in Taguig City has, however, been sold by the INC for close to P1 billion ($21.62 million) to NSJB, Rappler has learned. -Rappler
These are but a small sample among the hundreds of properties owned by “Iglesia ni Cristo” which were used as collateral for loans with Metrobank and AUB. In particular, the ones shown below are among a very long list of properties used to secure an ADDITIONAL P3 BILLIONLOAN with Metrobank and an ADDITIONAL P2 BILLION LOAN with AUB. Remember the word “ADDITIONAL” because that’s significant and I will get back to that later.
This is the same LTO that was gung-ho in awarding the vehicle license plates contract to a Dutch firm for millions of dollars. The making of these vehicle plates used to be done by a local company with links to an influential religious sect. Being a crucial voting bloc in local elections and national elections, the Iglesia ni Cristo did not have to shell out kickback money to certain LTO officials. [CONTINUE READING]
The long road to safety for ex-INC refugee claimants
Two years after the controversy in the Iglesia ni Cristo broke out, ex-members Lowell Menorca II and Rovic Canono have filed refugee claims in Canada. One has been successful so far.
For Menorca, the road for his refugee claim has been a long one. Since he fled the Philippines with his family, Menorca said he had had to be careful as he went from country to country, first to Vietnam, then to Thailand.
Fearing that he was being followed and monitored – photos of him and his family in Vietnam had earlier surfaced on social media – Menorca took precautions on his way to Canada, wearing a face mask and a hat to avoid being recognized.
From some of his relatives in Canada, Menorca learned that he was already being expected at the airport. When he arrived in Vancouver in April 2016, he waited until the crowd had passed before making his way to immigration authorities and said he was applying for a refugee claim.
Menorca was led to a different room, where the initial interview took around 10 hours.
“They were trying to see how cohesive the story is, trying to look for lies, deception in whatever I’m saying. They were trained to detect if there is malicious intent with those claiming asylum,” he said. READ MORE
TWO scions of Iglesia Ni Cristo founder Felix Manalo appealed to Red Cross chairman Senator Richard Gordon for humanitarian assistance to ease their living conditions at a disputed property in Quezon City.
Felix Nathaniel “Angel” Manalo and his sister Lottie Manalo, estranged siblings of incumbent Iglesia Ni Cristo Executive Minister Eduardo V. Manalo, wrote Gordon seeking assistance in alleviating their current living conditions at the disputed number 36 Tandang Sora residence.
The two Manalos claimed inhuman conditions are being imposed on them and their household staff, such as the limitation of food and water supplies, the cutting of electricity and water supplies and the setting up of high walls of corrugated sheets around their respective homes and around their compound.
They said their freedom of movement and right to meet with their counsel lawyer Rene Saguisag have been impeded by the security that were positioned around the compound.
The Commission on Human Rights, headed by Chairman Chito Gascon, has been powerless against the lawyers of the Iglesia Ni Cristo despite repeated calls for their assistance in the matter.
Homes of former Executive Minister Erano G. Manalo and other relatives living in the compound have been demolished by the Iglesia Ni Cristo, leading to speculations that the property in dispute is set to be sold by the Church.
Supporters of Angel and Lottie have been trying to provide food, water and medicines for the incarcerated Manalo and household staff but have been prevented by strict security policies enforced by the Iglesia.
They also cited that only a 71-year-old man, the father-in-law of Angel Manalo, is allowed to supply both homes the limited supplies allowed in by the security people within and around the Tandang Sora compound.
Currently, the property is being claimed by both Lottie Manalo Hemedez and the Iglesia Ni Cristo.
In their letter to Gordon, they sought the urgent and immediate assistance of the Red Cross based on humanitarian grounds to alleviate the conditions within the compound where electricity and water utilities have been absent for nearly four months.
This despite an order from a Quezon City Judge to transfer the possession of the meters for the immediate reconnection of the basic services.
In a recent radio interview with Senator Gordon, regarding the plight of the Manalo siblings, he said “that he will seek into the matter and will try to help them.”
Rovic Canono is arrested over a case allegedly instigated by the INC. Canono is suspected to be behind the critical blogs against the powerful church, an allegation he denies.
By Katerina Francisco @kaifrancisco Rappler.com / 11/30/2016
DETAINED. INC member Rovic Canono is detained in Camp Karingal over a case filed by his ex-wife. Sourced photo
MANILA, Philippines – An expelled member of the influential homegrown church Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) has been arrested over a case filed by his wife, allegedly under the instigation of the church leadership.
Rovic Canono was arrested and detained in Camp Karingal, Quezon City, on Friday, November 11, for violation of Republic Act 9262, or the anti-violence against women and children act.
Canono is accused of violating Sections 5(h) and (i) of RA 9262, which refer to causing emotional or psychological distress to the woman or her child, and causing mental or emotional anguish, public ridicule, or humiliation.
Canono is reportedly suspected of being behind social media accounts critical of the church leadership.
Over the past year, the Facebook account "Sher Lock" and the blog "Silent No More" have been running stories alleging corruption within the church's ranks. The blog and Facebook page have also posted stories on the alleged abductions of church ministers and harassment of the estranged siblings of INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo, in an ongoing issue that has rocked the church since July last year. (READ: Revolt in the Iglesia ni Cristo)
The bench warrant of arrest against Canono was issued by Judge Jacqueline Martin-Balictar of the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 9.
The charge against Canono was filed by his wife, with whom he has been separated for several years. Rappler learned that Canono was taken from his condominium in Eastwood, Quezon City by armed operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit wearing civilian clothing.
Instead of being brought to the nearby police station inside Eastwood, however, Canono was taken to Camp Karingal in Sikatuna Village, about 5 kilometers away from the Central Temple of Iglesia.
According to a joint affidavit of arrest filed by the arresting police officers, Canono allegedly violently resisted arrest and had tried to call for help from his friends instead of contacting a lawyer. SPO1 Luisito Ubias and PO1 Mario Morales allegedly sustained injuries from the incident.
Canono is now facing an additional complaint of direct assault and resistance and disobedience to a person in authority.
Wilfredo Santos from the INC's legal department has taken on the case against Canono. The INC-run news network Net25 was already in Camp Karingal when Canono arrived.
Lawyer Rene Saguisag – also the counsel for the estranged Manalo siblings – is handling Canono's case.
Rappler contacted Bro. Edwil Zabala, spokesman for the INC, for comment, but there has been no reply as of Sunday afternoon. This story will be updated once a statement or comment from the INC is released.
Similar to Menorca?
According to the "Silent No More" blog, the circumstances of Canono's arrest were similar to those of expelled member Lowell Menorca II. In July 2015, Menorca was illegally detained for nearly 3 months under alleged orders of the church's leaders, and was previously arrested in Dasmariñas, Cavite, for alleged illegal possession of an explosive. The charge is a non-bailable offense.
Menorca at the time pointed to the INC's Sanggunian or Council as the perpetrators behind his arrest and illegal detention. Later an adultery case was filed against him.
In March 2016, Menorca left the country with his family, citing an alleged death threat and continued harassment from his critics.
In a message to Rappler, Menorca said that Canono's arrest was "all too familiar" to him, and that the operation had "all the fingerprints of the well-coordinated and influenced efforts of a very powerful institution."
"I know that the pattern will emerge soon enough to reveal the powerful hand behind these series of seemless events and circumstances that can only be possible, as orchestrated by a very influential force that has perfected this craft of inquisition against those whom they consider enemies for being critical of the church," he said.
Menorca added that since Canono's case can be resolved by posting bail, he may be charged with numerous other cases to either keep him in jail or exhaust his financial resources.
The "Silent No More" blog also posted a photo of a letter supposedly written by Canono in July 2015. According to the letter, Canono had been told that he was being "hunted down by a group of men" upon the orders of the INC leaders.
INC TO BLAME? The "Silent No More" blog posts a letter supposedly written by Rovic Canono in July 2015. Photo from Silent No More blog
The letter contained a list of names "[to] be held accountable if harm/death" happens to him or his family.
The list included the INC executive minister, his wife, Babylyn; INC auditor Glicerio Santos Jr, and other church officials. – Rappler.com
Note: We initially referred to Rovic Canono as a member of the INC. We have since updated the story to reflect his status as an expelled member.
Sapat ang video na ito upang magsalarawan kung gaano na kasama ang pangangasiwa ni ka Eduardo at ang naging bunga nito sa pag-uugali at moral ng mga kapatid sa Iglesia.
Maging ang mga taong hindi Kristyano at hindi naniniwala sa Diyos na nasa katinuan ng pag-iisip ay nalalaman kung ano ang tama at mali.
Ang lahat ng ito ay nag ugat nang patuloy na magpailalim si ka Eduardo sa kaniyang asawa na si babylyn ventura na hinuluaan ng kapatid na Erano G. Manalo na bababa sa kaniya ang espiritu ni Jezebel, isang babaeng mapakiapid. (Video mula kay alias "Kelly Ong")
Hindi ito karapat-dapat itawag sa Ka Babylyn kundi kay Gng. Cristina “Tenny” V. Manalo sapagkat natupad sa kanya ang pagkakahalintulad kay Jezebel.
Tulad ni Jezebel, si Gng. Tenny ay nagdulot ng isa sa mga pinaka malubhang suliraning pagka-bahabahagi.
Tlad ni Jezebel, si Gng. Tenny ay nanghikayat sa mga lingkod ng Diyos na lumabag sa kautusan ng Diyos nang siya ay manawagan sa Youtube.
Tulad ni Jezebel, si Gng. Tenny ay nakikialam sa Pamamahala ng Kapatid na Eduardo V. Manalo dahil tumatangap at sumasagot si Gng. Tenny Manalo ng sulat ukol sa Ordenasyon ng mga Manggagawa.
Tulad ni Jezebel, si Gng. Tenny ay nakikialam sa Pamamahala ng Kapatid na Eduardo V. Manalo dahil tumatangap at sumasagot ng sulat ng mga nagbabalik na na-disiplinang Ministro at Manggagawa.
Tulad ni Jezebel, pinakikialaman ni Gng. Tenny ang mga gawain at pasya ng ating Tagapamahalang Pangkalahatan, ang kapatid na Eduardo V. Manalo dahil sa kanilang hindi pagpapasakop at pangunguna sa mga kapatid na sila ay tulungan dahil sila ay diumano’y nasa panganib.
Tulad ni Jezebel, ang ginawa ni Gng. Tenny ay humantong sa pagpatay ng mga inosenteng tao at mga propeta na maaaring ihalintulad sa pagkapamahak ng kaluluwa ng mga ministro at mga kapatid na natiwalag dahil sa ginawa nilang paghihikayat upang lumaban sa Pamamahala.
Tulad ni Jezebel, pinarusahan si Gng. Tenny ng Panginoong Diyos at siya ngayon ay Tiwalag.
Tulad ni Jezebel, ang ginawa pananawagan ni Gng. Tenny ay nagbunga ng paglabag ng ilang mga kapatid sa mga aral ng Diyos.
Samakatwid, kitang kita natin kung kanino natupad ang nasusulat sa Biblia tungkol kay Jezebel sa katauhan ni Gng. Cristina V. Manalo at ito ay kailanman hinding hindi ang kapatid na Babylyn V. Manalo.
Tanong ko lang: Bakit di nila SINABI sa Ka Eraño G. Manalo noong nabubuhay pa ito na ang asawa pala niya, at ina ng mga magiging anak nila (at ina mismo ng nakaupong Executive Minister) ay isa palang 'JEZEBEL' sa makabagong panahon?
REDWOOD CITY, California - A video recently surfaced that reportedly showed residents of No. 36 Tandang Sora Avenue in Quezon City, Philippines pleading for help.
In the disputed property, expelled members of the influential Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), including Lottie and Angel, siblings of INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo, are reportedly living in deplorable conditions.
Rolando Dizon, former INC pastor said, "When you cut off the supply of food and water and medicine, you only have several days to live especially given their condition. There's no generator that produce electricity. You can only imagine how hot it is inside and so we're very concerned. Time is of the essence."
Dizon and Louie Cayabyab are among the so-called US-based "defenders" – former INC pastors and members who are speaking up against alleged abuses within the INC leadership.
They asked that their location be not identified.
They are calling on the INC to leave the residents of No. 36 Tandang Sora alone, which they said include children, the elderly and the sick.
The property is reportedly surrounded by masked guards who allegedly attacked the lawyer for Angel and Lottie, when she and her companions tried to help those inside the house recently.
"We are supposed to be the church of Christ but we are not following our lord Jesus Christ anymore," said cayabyab.
Last month, a Manila court has ordered the Manalo siblings to leave the compound and give up the property to the INC. They’ve sought refuge there since being expelled from the church last year.
Still, defenders said these former members should not be harassed and denied of basic needs.
Dizon expressed, "Even if they are not members of the church of Christ anymore because they were expelled by the leadership, they're still human beings."
They are now appealing to the new Philippine President Rodrigo Durterte to step in and do something because they said lives are at stake.
"Our brethren there are helpless and if something happens to them, that might also be not good for your image and for your administration," pleaded Cayabyab.
Balitang America tried to reach out to the INC leadership in North America but they have yet to respond to the latest conflict.
AKSYON | Nangangamba ngayon ang isang ginang na tumulong sa itiniwalag ng Iglesia Ni Cristo na si Angel Manalo. Niratrat kasi ng bala ang kanyang bahay sa Rizal. Ulat ni Jay De Castro. (Video uploaded by Melquezedek Ariola; Manuscript edited by Pepher Operio. For any concerns, you may Panoorin ang VIDEO
By Eric Rankin, Gavin Fisher, CBC News Posted: Jun 14, 2016
Lowell Menorca says he fears persecution from the Iglesia Ni Cristo. They say his claims are 'fabrications''
Lowell Menorca holds the image he claims a family member found on his car in the Philippines. He says the note prompted him to leave the country, and he is now seeking refugee status in Canada. (Gavin Fisher/CBC)
A Filipino man has applied for refugee status in Canada claiming the lives of his young family have been threatened by members of what he calls a "cult-like" Christian church in the Philippines — and he alleges to CBC News he's still being stalked in Metro Vancouver.
Lowell Menorca, 39, a former un-ordained minister in the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), or Church of Christ, brought his allegations to the CBC in his first major English language interview.
His case has generated headline news coverage in the Philippines.
Iglesia Ni Cristo is the third largest faith in the Philippines after Catholicism and Islam, and it has hundreds of churches around the world, including many in Canada.
The INC preaches these are "the last days," and only its members will be saved. According to the church's doctrines, to be expelled means losing your salvation.
Menorca says the INC expelled him after a split developed among descendants of the man who founded the church. He says he was suspected of being an anonymous blogger who had accused INC leaders of overspending and corruption.
Menorca believes the leadership has wasted vast amounts of money on things such as a private Airbus jetliner (since sold) and the construction of the Philippine Arena, the biggest covered stadium in the world, built to celebrate the INC's centennial in 2014.
He alleges he was illegally detained by Church officials, arrested by police and then hit with more than 40 lawsuits for libel for speaking out about his alleged treatment from the church.
"This is an orchestrated effort by the church to intimidate me," says Menorca, "to put me behind bars, ultimately to silence me."
Menorca says a family member found this note on his car in the Philippines on March 6, the night before he was to appear at a court hearing against the INC. (Lowell Menorca)
But officials with the Iglesia Ni Cristo call Menorca's claims "fabricated" and "devious."
They say he's fleeing prosecution, not persecution, in the Philippines, and they expect the Canadian government to deny his refugee application.
The INC flew its San Francisco-based supervising attorney to Vancouver to answer the CBC's questions about the case.
Iglesia Ni Cristo supervising attorney Rommel V. San Pedro says that Menorca's claims about the church are "fabricated." (CBC)
"It's so obvious to see that he's fabricated this whole story", says Rommel V. San Pedro.
"In the end, the Canadian government is going to see through all of these allegations, and see there's no threat here."
"We can tell you there is no corruption inside the Iglesia Ni Cristo."
But Menorca claims he has proof church supporters have threatened his life and the lives of his pregnant wife and two-year-old child.
Alleged Threat to Daughter
Menorca's battle with the church came to a head three months ago in the Philippines.
On March 6 — the night before he was to appear at a court hearing against the INC — he claims a family member discovered a photo on the windshield of his car, parked at a safe house.
The family portrait, possibly lifted from Menorca's social media postings, had a red "x" through the face of his two-year-old daughter Yurie — and the warning "March 7, 2016, Say Goodbye."
It was signed "Mandirigma," Tagalog for "warriors"— a term often used online by some who purport to be defenders of the church.
"When I saw it, it literally crumbled my world" says a tearful Menorca.
"I really didn't want to stand by and watch if they're really going to push through with it, so that moment we decided that we would leave the country."
That night, he flew his family to Vietnam.
But he claims the intimidation continued.
Within hours, Menorca says photographs were posted on a Facebook site that appears to target those expelled from the INC, showing his family on the plane and at the airport terminal.
Comments in Tagalog and English accompanied the pictures. Among them: "You can run but you can't hide" and "You will not be able to escape, you are an animal, you are evil!!!"
Intimidation continues in B.C.: Menorca
Menorca said his family next fled to Thailand, seeking a safe haven.
But while he had a valid Visa to the US, his daughter and his pregnant wife Jingky did not.
Menorca says he eventually made the difficult decision to board a flight to Seattle that routed through Vancouver. When he landed on Canadian soil he immediately approached immigration officials and sought refugee status in the hope he can bring his wife and child here.
However, he claims he has continued to be harassed by INC members here in Metro Vancouver, where there are nine congregations, according to the church's website.
Photographs of Menorca recently shopping in a local shopping mall were posted by another Facebook user who appears to be an INC follower.
Again, accompanying comments — seen by CBC News — said things such as:
"Watch your back, someone is behind you".
One poster writes: "Exact location(?)"
The response: "Guildford and Metrotown".
CBC News messaged the Facebook users who had posted images of Menorca in the mall.
One poster referred all questions to the western Canada ecclesiastical division of the INC.
Menorca also has video he says is of four burly Filipino men from Washington State who arrived unannounced at a recent Burnaby prayer meeting organised by dissidents of the church — including Menorca.
Church says Menorca "fabricates"
When asked about these incidents, including the apparently secretly-taken photographs of Menorca, the INC's North American lawyer again dismisses Menorca's version of the events.
"He makes up all these stories. He fabricates them … He's very ingenious. I mean, very devious" says Rommel V. San Pedro.
"Who's not to say Menorca didn't get his friends to take a picture, "X" out his daughter's face, put it on the car, and allege that members of the church did that."
"You can easily make up identities on Facebook and then create a scenario or create an image of something like that happening. But who's to say that's members of the Church of Christ?"
San Pedro says the numerous libel cases launched against Menorca in the Philippines are from individuals, and church leaders "don't really care about Menorca."
"We care about our members. Our Lord Jesus Christ said if one sheep goes off, the shepherd goes after that lost sheep. And we have members who have been affected, confused by his rhetoric, confused by his fabrications," he said.
"What we're doing is we're visiting the members and we're explaining to them what he's doing, and we're encouraging our members to stay strong in the faith."
Controversy within the church
The INC was founded in 1914 by Felix Manalo, who claimed to be the last messenger of God.
The founder's grandson, Eduardo V. Manalo, is now the executive minister of the church.
The Philippine press has reported his siblings have raised issues over his authoritarian leadership, and have been fenced off within the church's central compound. The internal dispute remains on-going.
Eduardo V. Manalo, known as "EVM", is revered by his supporters.
A Youtube music video, produced by INCMedia Services, is entitled "I am One with EVM", and includes the lyrics, "Appointed by God in these last days, is our Church Administrator," and "For the church he will give his very life, and so we will remain on his side."
Leonora Angeles, associate professor at the University of BC's Institute of Social Justice, says the INC has encouraged a cult-like veneration of its leader.
"Observers of the church might say it has some cult-like characteristics ... you also have a very authoritarian leadership. What the inner circle dictates, everyone must follow."
Church lawyer Rommel V. San Pedro denies the INC is a cult.
"To label an organization as a cult is unfair. Why do we say we're the one true church? Our teachings ... every single doctrine can be found in the Bible."
Church has 'vast influence': expert
CBC News also sought out an expert on the INC in the Philippines.
Ramon Casiple, executive director of the independent nonprofit Institute for Political and Electoral Reform, has studied the church's influence on its members and on Philippine politics.
He says he doesn't discount the possibility the church's leadership has come down "swiftly and hard on whom they thought were the propagators of those stories" alleging corruption and lavish spending by the INC's leaders.
"There is a definite division," he says, referring to the split within the church, "But we don't know how far the division is going because the church is basically secretive and that's one of the basic tenets — that they don't go public on anything internal," says Casiple.
This is Iglesia Ni Cristo church in Burnaby, B.C., is one of hundreds around the world. (CBC)
He believes the fears of Menorca and other alleged INC church members who have been expelled are "well founded because of the vast influence of the church on the politicians here, and on the military and police and even local officials."
Menorca has claimed to Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board that he's not safe in the Philippines, because he alleges police and government officials are often INC members, or heavily influenced by the church, since the INC encourages its parishioners to "block vote" — delivering key votes in tight races.
That gives the small church a large influence, according to his refugee claim.
Menorca hopes the Canadian government will take all of this into account, when the Immigration and Refugee Board hears his application for refugee status.
Through tears, he remembered how he was treated here, when he arrived at Vancouver airport.
"The officer told me, 'You came to the right country.' I just felt some kind of relief, that hopefully this country will protect people like me, can protect my family, my wife and my daughter."
"I'm hoping that Canada can be a safe refuge for people who have been oppressed, by a church of all things."
The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada will rule on the validity of Menorca's claims and allegations, later this summer.
Patuloy pa rin ang lumalalim na sigalot sa pamilya ng yumaong Ka Eraño G. Manalo (EGM). Simpleng tubig na inumin ay ayaw pang palusutin ng mga bantay. Ayon naman kay Edwin Zabala, ang opisyal na tagapag-salita ni Eduardo V. Manalo (EVM), ginagawa lamang daw nila ang karapatan ng 'Iglesia Ni Cristo' (INC) bilang legal na nagmamay-ari sa nasabing tirahan ng mga Manalo. Pero KANINO nga ba ang Iglesia Ni Cristo? Hindi ba't ito ay ITINATAG ni FELIX MANALO na AMA ni EGM na LOLO naman EVM at nang kanyang mga kapatid sa ama? Wala bang KARAPATAN ang mga LAHI ni FELIX MANALO upang ARIIN ang kanilang kinatitirhan?
Guards posted by the Iglesia ni Cristo are barring the delivery of food and water to a disputed property in Quezon City, where the expelled siblings of INC executive minister Eduardo Manalo remain holed up almost a year after a leadership crisis rocked the influential religious group. This was according to lawyer Trixie Cruz Angeles, who said the property’s occupants—led by her clients, siblings Angel Manalo and Lottie Manalo-Hemedez—were being deprived of supplies since Thursday at No. 36, Tandang Sora Avenue. Told of the lawyer’s complaint, INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala issued a statement saying the church was just exercising its right as the legitimate owner of the property. He also cited “the unauthorized presence of unknown armed men” inside it. The Tandang Sora address has served as the home of the church’s founding family since the 1970s, but the internal feud that went public in July 2015 has since led to a legal battle between Hemedez and the INC over the property’s ownership. The INC then asked a Quezon City court to bar visitors to the property, citing security reasons, while Hemedez filed a complaint saying a 2015 document bearing her signature and affirming the sale of the property to INC was falsified. The city prosecutor’s office on May 6 dismissed Hemedez’s complaint for lack of evidence.
"No water, no electricity – and now, even sewage water is flooding the residence of the estranged siblings of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) executive minister Eduardo Manalo."
Iyan po ang ulat ng Rappler sa panibagong hamon sa pamilya ni Eduardo V. Manalo matapos na sila ay itiwalag.
Ayon sa mga kapatid ni Eduardo V. Manalo, ang mga pagsubok na ito ay hindi na bago mula nang ITAKWIL at ITIWALAG sila MISMO ng kanilang KADUGO sa AMA at ANGKAN (daw ng SUGO).
Ano kaya ang maramdaman ng mga kaanib ng INC™ kung sila mismo ay itakwil ng kanilang anak? Si Felix Manalo na kanilang tagapagtatag (at sugo raw) ay HINDI man lang niya itinakwil ang kanyang ina sa kabila ng pagiging debotong Katoliko nito.
Sa katunayan, HINANGO pa ni Felix ang apelyido ng ina upang maipakita ang kanyang PAGSINTA sa kanya. Itong si EVM naman ay kabaligtaran. Hindi niya matanggap na ang kanyang ina (Tenny) ay mapagsabihan siya sa di umano ay MAANUMALYANG PAGGAWA sa PHILIPPINE ARENA na halos ikabaon sa utang ng kanilang samahan ayon na rin sa pagsisiwalat ng nagngangalang Antonio Ebangelista.
Hindi matapos-tapos ang sigalot na dala ng mga isyu sa loob ng iglesiang tatag ni Felix Manalo noong 1914. Ayon sa blog na INC Silent No More naging daan sa pagsisiwalat sa mga di umano'y maaumalyang pagpapatakbo sa PANANALAPI sa loob ng Iglesia Ni Cristo-1914, narito na naman ang isa pang expose ng may-ari ng blog na si Ka ANTONIO EBANGELISTA (hindi niya tunay na pangalan) tungkol sa di-umano'y gamit na collateral ng INC™ para makapangutang sa bangko.
INC PROPERTIES USED AS COLLATERAL TO SECURE MULTI-BILLION LOANS
Finally… the proof that everyone has been waiting for is here. The infamous documents that will prove what I have been saying all along. No more Abangan… The time has finally come.
But before that…, do allow me a moment to gloat. After all, I got bashed a lot for my FB posts. Some even went all out and created an entire blog site in my honor! On and on they went and called me names, really vicious names. In the future, make sure “liar” ain’t one of them, eh? Ref. https://youtu.be/KltsajVjgDA
Access the Truth, Iglesia ni Cristo blogspot, OWE ministers and followers, did you really think I was just bluffing? Why did you think no one took me up on my challenge? I could wait for that elusive bank waiver until I grow roots and it still wouldn’t come. Know why? Because the loans are real, as everyone else will see now. I can tell you who didn’t think of my jabs in FB as bluff – the people who took out the loans themselves! Come on, people… You know who you are. I was holding out, waiting for you to come to your senses to avoid this embarrassment. But you chose to keep silent. You chose to ignore. And now, my patience has run out.
In all seriousness, my findings did not make me happy. Actually, I almost felt sick reading these loan documents. I felt as though the Administration has sold the very soul of the Church. They knew what they have done, yet they continued to deny, mislead, and deceive the brethren. Do they think they could take their secrets to their grave? Do they think they could hide them from God? In a verse read during a recent lesson where they try to intimidate the thinking voters who plan to silently express their defiance of the “sold” bloc vote on Election Day, it says:
Read on and let’s confirm to whom this verse really applies.
Evidence of Church Properties Used as Collateral
These are but a small sample among the hundreds of properties owned by “Iglesia ni Cristo” which were used as collateral for loans with Metrobank and AUB. In particular, the ones shown below are among a very long list of properties used to secure an ADDITIONAL P3 BILLIONLOAN with Metrobank and an ADDITIONAL P2 BILLION LOAN with AUB. Remember the word “ADDITIONAL” because that’s significant and I will get back to that later.
Let’s study the first one.
TCT RT-113559
Take note that this property was purchased during the time of God’s Last Messenger, Bro. Felix Y. Manalo back in 1944 and preserved by his successor, Bro. Erano G. Manalo. The property is now worth close to P10 million! Under the Administration of the current Executive Minister, Bro. Eduardo V. Manalo, this property, along with many others, are at risk of foreclosure if obligations under the loans with Metrobank and AUB secured by this property are not paid in full and on time by INC!
This is the Encumbrances Page on this property.
Let‘s take a closer look. Here’s the top portion of the Encumbrances Page:
Ulat mula sa isang blogger na nagngangalang ANTONIO EBANGELISTA sa INC Silent No More na siyang nagsiwalat ng mga girian sa loob ng INC™ ni Manalo 1914.
EXPOSE #1 – Going back to the Scene of the FIRST Crime
What does this man, Bro. Benefrido C. Santiago, a Minister even, a worker for our Lord Jesus Christ, have anything to do with a sinister and serious act of forceful taking or kidnapping of an evangelical worker of the Iglesia Ni Cristo?
Is it true? Or are these just lies concocted to make them look bad? Why don’t we let him be the one to tell us exactly what his over-all participation in the kidnapping of Bro. Lowell Menorca II. Let the very words of Bro. Benefrido C. Santiago reveal exactly what happened, how he is trying to downplay it and how the whole church administration is desperately trying to cover it all up. Featuring: Bro. Benefrido C. Santiago’s sworn affidavit, duly notarized and submitted to the Court f Appeals as evidence. But after realizing how weak his defense was, he tried to “tweak” his affidavit, not knowing it did more damage to him than good with his supplemental affidavit: Bro. Benefrido C. Santiago’s Supplemental Affidavit.
And for the few remaining blind followers of the INC, who have judged and condemned Bro. Lowell with so much contempt, this is the part where you will have to burst your own bubble and eat your own words.
This is what Bro. Lowell has to say about the whole issue of kidnapping and the cover up of the INC Church Administration. Enjoy because this is JUST THE BEGINNING.
~ Antonio Ebangelista
“they tried to bury us… they didn’t know we were seeds”
==========================================================================
My name is Lowell Robosa Menorca II. I swear before the Almighty God and our Lord Jesus Christ that I will speak the truth and nothing but the truth, believing that it is only by God’s grace and mercy that I and my family are still alive today despite the countless persecutions that have been thrown our way. It is my faith that in revealing the truth, I fulfill my humble part in God’s overall design to restore His Church back into a state that befits His glory, pristine and unblemished. What comes after this, only He knows because He and only He can bring about whatever change is required to get it there. In fulfilling my part, I pray, my God help and protect me and my whole family.
It is not that I have completely lost confidence in our Justice system. However, the reality is even that is not immune to the clutches of the rich, the powerful and the influential. There are instances also where debts of gratitude must be repaid, to people or institutions who put them to positions that now empower them to influence or decide on the outcome of a case.
I have a lot of respect for my lawyers who have tirelessly worked on my cases and sacrificed so much for me, my family and the truth which we are fighting for. I have so much respect for the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Justices who have done their part to be impartial so that people like me who have been victimized for speaking the truth can have a little taste of justice. The problem I see with my petition for writ of amparo though was that its dragged on for so long from the many delaying tactics and attempt by the other side to block my appearance in court. The petition was filed on October 19, 2015. It is now March 2016. A petition for a writ of Amparo is defined as a remedy available to any person whose right to life, liberty and security is violated or threatened with violation by an unlawful act or omission of a public official or employee, or of a private individual or entity. I was probably naïve for expecting that justice will be achieved swiftly with these types of cases. Instead, 6 months later, we’re still not done. I do not blame my lawyers or the Justices. I feel they’ve done they’re job. It was the system that failed me. As the saying goes, “Justice delayed is justice denied”.
And because of this, with all due respect to all the people who have helped us seek justice in the proper forum, I have now decided to seek justice somewhere else and for that, I will now release to the public all evidences I have regarding the crimes that the INC Church Administration has done to me and my family and their aggressive efforts to cover it up and silence me for good.
If you can recall, in any of the court proceedings, not once did any of the Respondents appear in court to give respect to the Justices and the institution which they represent. If they wont respect the court, do you think they will respect the rights of a common person like me? So now, let me tell the public exactly why the Iglesia Ni Cristo Church Administration is desperately trying to silence me.
Going back to the Scene of the First Crime
The crime is kidnapping. The place is Butag, Bulan, Sorsogon. The date was July 16, 2015. I was the victim. INC was the offender. The leader of the kidnappers, I will disclose here, along with proof.
In order for everyone to understand and accept the bitter, unimaginable truth about the Iglesia Ni Cristo Church Administration’s dark side, it is necessary to show everyone where it all started, where they committed their first crime against me and my family, a day which will be forever etched in the dark history of the church, the day they kidnapped me and my family…
From the day I was rescued, I have maintained that I was kidnapped by INC << Video Link>>. I provided details about this kidnapping at a press con two days later <<Press Con>>. Now I will prove to you that what I had said happened actually happened, but not in my own words but from the Minister who led the kidnapping operation, none other than, Ka Benefrido C. Santiago. Let his own admission, baseless excuses and carefully woven lies tell the tale of their crimes.
INC’s Denial
There were several INC member and non-member witnesses to the kidnapping who were in the area at the time. There were local law enforcement officers and village officials, too, who would attest to the arrival of men in a convoy of several vehicles in the small town of Butag. They were able to witness how I was escorted out of the church compound in handcuffs with a jacket over my head after a worship service in my locale congregation in Butag. See http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/707550/go-figure-cops-escort-bicol-minister-who-ends-up-in-cavite-jail-for-carrying-grenade .
, do allow me a moment to gloat. After all, I got bashed a lot for my FB posts. Some even went all out and created an entire blog site in my honor! On and on they went and called me names, really vicious names. In the future, make sure “liar” ain’t one of them, eh? Ref. 
