The INC’s Unholy Alliance: Examining Eduardo Manalo’s Re-appointment as Special Envoy

In a startling turn of events, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo as Special Envoy for Overseas Filipinos Concerns. This news raises eyebrows and elicits a slew of pertinent questions. Is this appointment based on merit or is it a political maneuver? What does this mean for the Filipino overseas community? And most importantly, can the Filipino trust an organization with a history of questionable practices to look after the welfare of our countrymen abroad?

A Questionable Track Record

The appointment of Eduardo Manalo, a vindictive religious leader with no proven track record in personal public service, is baffling to say the least. His tenure as Special Envoy in the past has shown no significant achievements. One might wonder if this decision is based on merit or political expediency?

The INC under Eduardo Manalo’s leadership has been embroiled in a series of controversies. Allegations of smuggling, corruption, and violence have marred its reputation and all of those who dared expose these anomalies all met the same fate: relentless persecution, oppression, injustice and even unexplained deaths. How can we entrust the welfare of our overseas workers to someone who has failed to demonstrate transparency and ethical behavior within his own organization? If for example one of our Filipino overseas workers is unjustly in jail for a crime he did not commit in a foreign land, will Eduardo Manalo exercise prudence and advocate for justice when he himself used his power and influence to put to jail his very own brother, Nathaniel “Angel” Manalo and his companions? And how about those who stood against alleged monetary corruption in this institution? Most of them were expelled for simply speaking up. This is a conflict of interest in a whole other level that many people may not be aware of, especially the Philippine President.

A Closer Look at INC’s Doctrines

The INC’s doctrines and operations during the reign of Eduardo Manalo, reveal a disturbing trend of prioritizing business and authoritarian agenda over the welfare of its members and pristine biblical doctrines. The church’s intrusive involvement in the personal lives of its members, the pressure exerted to donate large sums of money, and the alleged misuse of these funds for personal enrichment paint a grim picture that others have come to realize ever since this blog came into existence back in 2015 and others that followed suit. Most recently, brethren sent us information about fundraisings, supposedly for the FYM Foundation which solicits monetary  donations with designated amounts, ranging from $500 and above. Instead of voluntary donations, they also created the Money Tree Game, in which members choose an item hanging on a tree with a secret designated amount. Affluent members have always had big hearts but now they are openly being taken advantage by this corrupt administration. What about the latest controversy about the hoarding of rice amounting to billions of Pesos and causing the shortage of rice for the common Filipinos only to gain profit from the already marginalized Filipino people. Needless to mention, the persecution and threat to life of bold bloggers and reporters who expose these atrocities.

Can we expect an organization that has been accused of exploiting its own members to genuinely care about the plight of overseas Filipino workers? Yes, this is a rhetorical question.

The Impact on Overseas Filipino Workers

Overseas Filipino workers are among the most vulnerable groups in our society. They are often exposed to exploitation, abuse, and neglect. Appointing a Special Envoy who lacks the necessary experience and whose organization has a history of questionable practices does nothing to alleviate their predicament.

This appointment seems to serve the interests of Eduardo Manalo and his administration more than those of the overseas Filipino community. Because Eduardo Manalo has existing cases in Canada [Church of Secrets], his plan is to travel under the cover of diplomatic immunity that will not only allow him to go in and out of countries but also enable him to continue to smuggle cash from its churches abroad without any scrutiny of international custom and anti-money laundering laws. It allows the INC to extend its influence, consolidate its power, and continue its questionable practices with impunity.

A Call to Action

It’s time for us to demand for a more logical and merit-based approach in appointing government officials. Our overseas workers deserve a Special Envoy who is not only qualified, but also genuinely committed to their welfare. We must raise our voices against the manipulation of Philippine politics and government appointments by organizations such as the INC.

It’s time to demand accountability from our leaders and transparency in their decisions. Let’s put the welfare of our overseas workers above political convenience and personal gain. After all, isn’t that what being a public servant is all about?

 

For more info:

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Rappler

Manila Standard

Manila Times

Politiko

~ Antonio Ramirez Ebangelista