In the heart of the Philippines, a religious institution has been garnering attention not for its dynamic spiritual guidance but rather for its disturbing practices and questionable leadership. I am talking about the present Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC), under the rule of Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo.

The Cult-Like Environment of the INC

Under Eduardo Manalo’s administration, the church has cultivated an environment that suppresses free will, inhibits expression, and persecutes anyone who questions his authority. This cult-like atmosphere emanates from the leader himself, trickling down to his ministers and to the members, fostering a culture of fear and fanaticism that silences critics within the church, members and non-members alike. Not all members of the church are like that, of course.

The Scandals and Controversies

Since Eduardo Manalo assumed his position, the church has been entangled in numerous controversies. From billion-peso bank loans and commercialization of the church to government meddling, corruption, and even alleged murder and kidnapping. The list is disconcertingly long and continues to lengthen as time goes by.

One scandal that gained significant attention was the alleged acceptance of bribes from political aspirants in exchange for support during elections. This not only tarnishes the image of the church but also undermines the democratic process in the country.

The Cover-Up Culture

As one can remember, these are also the same truth that we have tried to expose from the beginning. But instead of being heard, evaluated and acted upon, our pleadings were met with persecution, prosecution and oppression. Yet, despite Eduardo Manalo’s denial of accepting bribes and involvement in government corruption, time finally revealed that his administration and council of ministers have been deeply involved in extortion and corruption. There were some high-ranking Ministers who were expelled from the church for accepting bribes from politicians, but no public admittance or apology was made by the prideful Executive Minister nor any legal prosecution was made against these perpetrators. It further proves that Eduardo Manalo and his administration developed an expertise in covering up their corrupt practices. They became proficient in silencing anyone who expose the truth and they became thick-skinned, callous and insensitive as they stand behind the pulpit holding the Bible with such a high-level of hypocrisy.

The Rice Hoarding Scandal

The most recent scandal involves the alleged hoarding of rice supplies in warehouses linked to the INC. By creating artificial scarcity, the price of rice skyrocketed, causing undue hardship for the Filipino people while illicitly profiting those involved.

The Case of Epipanio Labrador

Epipanio Labrador, a video blogger, initially exposed this rice hoarding scandal. However, he recently recanted his statements after being contacted by his family members who are members of the church. While I admire Labrador’s initial courage to expose such grave misconduct, I do not condone his generalized negative sentiments against the INC, its  members and its former leaders. Not all members of the INC are bad, many are still good but scared of voicing the truth for fear of being targeted by their present vindictive leaders.

It is essential to remember that the church, once noble and respected, has only deteriorated under Eduardo Manalo’s rule. Labrador, like others who criticize the church, should be cautious due to the hostile history of some INC members towards its critics.

A Call for Accountability

The church, under Eduardo Manalo’s leadership, has indeed strayed from its original purpose. It is high time that this toxic culture is exposed and those responsible are held accountable. The church should exist to uplift its members spiritually, not to exploit them or to manipulate the political landscape of the country.

But…what seems to be stopping others…?

The Scare Tactic – A Sinister Silencing Strategy

Imagine, if you will, that you are standing on the precipice of truth, ready to expose the corrupt underbelly of an organization you once held dear. But just as you’re about to speak out, they strike where it hurts most – your family. This is not a dystopian novel plot but the grim reality faced by critics of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) under Eduardo Manalo’s rule.

The church administration has perfected the art of intimidation, using loved ones as pawns in their game of silence. Brave souls who dare to reveal the church’s anomalies often find themselves in a heartbreaking dilemma when their families are put at risk. But ask yourself this: Who gives them this power? The answer is simple. We do.

By succumbing to their threats, we inadvertently fuel their scare tactics. But what if we refuse to cower? What if we stand firm, unyielding in our pursuit of truth and justice? Their power to intimidate and suppress would crumble like a house of cards.

Indeed, it is crucial to bear in mind that fear is the weapon wielded by those who seek to maintain their power and control. However, in this battle for justice, let courage be our shield and sword. We must not allow ourselves to be silenced or cowed into submission.

In the face of corruption and injustice, unity becomes our strength. When we unite in prayer, we unite in our trust in God who is powerful and just. When we stand shoulder to shoulder, our collective resolve becomes a formidable force that can overcome any scare tactic employed against us. The power of fear dissipates when met with unwavering solidarity.

It’s a choice we face- to continue to allow fear to dictate our actions or to rise above it. Let us not forget that our faith can be a source of great strength. Placing our trust in a higher purpose, in the divine will of God, empowers us to act in accordance with justice and righteousness, rather than personal desires. By aligning our actions with God’s will, we ensure that in our pursuit of justice, we find the courage to stand firm, unwavering in our resolve to see justice prevail!

~ Antonio Ramirez Ebangelista 

Sources:

1. WordPress
2. Reddit ?
3. Rappler ?
4. Wikipedia ?
5. Facebook ?
6. Britannica ?
7. INC Media ?