Justice Prevails: Canadian Court Junks Iglesia Ni Cristo’s Defamation Case Against CBC and Exposes its Global Intimidation Tactics

On February 7, 2025, in a landmark judgment delivered by Justice Champagne of the Court of King’s Bench in Winnipeg, Canada, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) faced a resounding defeat in its defamation lawsuit against the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) and other defendants. This defining decision reverberated far beyond the courtroom as it not only dismissed the INC’s claims but also exposed the organization’s deliberate and reprehensible abuse of the legal system to silence their critics and suppress dissent. INC once again found itself exposed and rebuked in a country where justice cannot be bought or manipulated.

This ruling is a turning point, a precedent, and a beacon of hope for those who have long endured the INC’s oppressive strategies. Canadian Justice Champagne’s ruling is a testament to the resilience of the justice system and a beacon of hope for those targeted by the INC’s acts of tyranny. The “Church of Secrets” is once again exposed!

A Scathing Judgment: Dismissing the INC’s Claims

The judgment handed down by Justice Champagne was remarkable not only for its legal implications but also for the tone of the decision, which reflected visible frustration with INC’s conduct. This led the judge to intricately dismantle the INC’s attempts to use legal action as a weapon to silence dissent, exposing a strategy that has been alarmingly successful in the Philippines but utterly ineffective in Canada and the United States.

 “The totality of the evidence supports one conclusion: INC continues to engage in this litigation strategy. This conduct is unacceptable and reprehensible as it diminishes the court’s integrity and undermines confidence in the administration of justice.”

The court dismissed the action under multiple legal rules, citing the plaintiffs’ persistent failure to comply with court orders, their deliberate obstruction of the discovery process, and their broader strategy of using litigation to intimidate critics. Justice Champagne also struck the plaintiffs’ claim without leave to amend, calling it “an abuse of the process of the court.”

The Role of “Brother Rvy Medicielo: A Sacrificial Lamb

One of the most striking aspects of the case was the INC’s decision to present “Brother Rvy” as their representative for discovery. Justice Champagne described Brother Rvy as a “sacrificial lamb” who lacked any meaningful knowledge about the litigation or the organization he was supposed to represent.

“I read the transcript and concluded Brother Rvy was nothing more than a sacrificial lamb. He knew little, if anything, about matters in this litigation… His knowledge on important matters was virtually non-existent.”

The court found that Brother Rvy’s examination resulted in over 50 undertakings, many of which were either not answered or answered in a generic and unhelpful manner. This calculative strategy to obstruct the discovery process was deemed unacceptable and further justified the dismissal of the case.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) believed that by presenting one of their compliant and unquestioning young ministers as a representative would circumvent the Canadian justice system and mislead the judge. However, their actions only succeeded in unmasking their true motives and the church’s chronic strategy of using its members and officers as sacrificial lambs to protect its leadership. This approach, which prioritizes shielding Eduardo Manalo and other leaders at the expense of their members when facing prosecution or conviction, backfired spectacularly. The court saw through this blatant legal manipulation, and the evidence of their intent is unmistakably reflected in Justice Champagne’s decision.

The Weaponization of Litigation: A Global Pattern

The court’s ruling also highlighted the INC’s chronic and systemic strategy of using litigation to silence critics worldwide. Justice Champagne provided examples of the INC’s history of filing lawsuits against former members, whistleblowers, and journalists in multiple jurisdictions, including the Philippines, the United States, and Canada.

Examples of INC’s litigation abuse:

• • Against Lowell Menorca: INC targeted Menorca with legal proceedings in the Philippines (of more than 40 libel cases), in Canada and the United States, contributing to his bankruptcy. Menorca, a former INC evangelical worker, provided critical and substantial information to the CBC’s investigative reports, which exposed allegations of financial corruption, kidnapping, and murder within the church.
  • Against Deocampo: In California, INC filed harassment, defamation and libel actions against Liezl Deocampo and other individuals, all of which were dismissed by the courts. Deocampo also provided compelling information that served as the groundwork for the CBC documentary about the INC.
  • Against Rovic Canono: INC filed 13 criminal cases against Canono in the Philippines, five of which have already been dismissed. Canono, like Menorca, was granted refugee protection in Canada after the Immigration and Refugee Board concluded he would face persecution if returned to the Philippines.

Justice Champagne’s conclusion on the INC’s litigation strategy:

“This action is not about damages or an apology; it is about punishing and silencing the critics of INC…Whoever is calling the shots for INC has previously made a determined effort to use the court process to silence their critics… INC continues to engage in this litigation strategy.”

The court emphasized that this pattern of conduct undermines the integrity of the justice system and erodes public confidence in the administration of justice.

The Role of the CBC: A Voice for the Voiceless

The CBC’s investigative journalism in the “Church of Secrets” series did more than uncover allegations of financial corruption and abuse within the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC)—it gave a voice to the voiceless. In a landscape where the INC’s influence has silenced critics and suppressed dissenting voices, the CBC stood firm in its principles of fair journalism and truth-telling, ensuring that the stories of those targeted by the church were heard.

In the Philippines, where the INC wields significant political and social clout, the media has faced immense pressure when attempting to report on the church’s alleged misconduct. Journalists who dared to expose the truth often became targets of harassment and intimidation. The closure of ABS-CBN, a long-standing and well-respected television network, is a stark example of how the INC’s influence has extended to silencing even the most prominent media institutions. Reports revealed that the INC played a role in lobbying for ABS-CBN’s shutdown, leveraging its power over government entities that oversee broadcasting franchises. [Read more about ABS-CBN’s closure and the INC’s alleged involvement here]

Similarly, Rappler, another major media outlet in the Philippines, was targeted and ordered to close down by the government. Rappler had been a vocal critic of powerful institutions, including the INC, when it boldly reported on the INC controversy when all other media entities decided to be silent about it [Read more about Rappler’s report on the INC controversy]. The INC-influenced government under Duterte ordered Rappler’s closure, which was widely seen as a blow to press freedom in the country. [Learn more about Rappler’s battle for survival here].

In this hostile environment, where even the most established media outlets have been silenced, the CBC’s work stands out as a beacon of hope. By providing a platform for whistleblowers and victims of the INC’s alleged abuses, the CBC ensured that their stories reached a global audience. The plaintiffs’ inability to debunk CBC’s defense only inadvertently highlights the CBC’s reporting as responsible and fair commentary, further underscoring the importance of its role in championing the truth.

Without the CBC’s dedication to investigative journalism and its commitment to being a voice for the voiceless, the cause of those targeted by the church might have remained hidden. The CBC’s work serves as a testament to the enduring power of the press to hold even the most powerful institutions accountable. It is a reminder that in the face of intimidation and suppression, truth and justice can still prevail.

The Iglesia Ni Cristo’s Strategy: Prevalent in the Philippines, Ineffective Abroad

The INC’s ability to manipulate the legal and political systems in the Philippines is well-documented. With deep ties to influential figures and institutions, the organization has created an environment where it can operate with near-impunity. Critics are silenced, dissent is crushed, and the leadership remains untouchable.

However, this Canadian court decision highlights the stark contrast between the INC’s dominance in its home country and its inability to wield the same power in nations with robust legal systems. In Canada, the INC’s tactics were not only ineffective but also exposed for what they truly are: a form of institutional bullying.

Faced with the stark reality of its waning influence over first-world nations and their well-established justice systems, the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) is now intensifying efforts to shield itself from foreign scrutiny. Drawing lessons from the recent detention of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte in The Netherlands, where he faces charges of crimes against humanity before the International Criminal Court (ICC), the INC is proactively mind-conditioning its members to defend their leadership at all costs. This includes preparing for the possibility of Eduardo Manalo and his cohorts being held accountable for the church’s long-standing acts of persecution and oppression.

https://youtu.be/2xqaOXnTcoI

In a calculated move, the INC’s General Evangelist recently issued an official announcement urging members to protest any attempts by international courts to hold Philippine nationals accountable. This directive is emblematic of the church’s reliance on manipulation and fear-mongering to maintain control. These protests are not acts of genuine faith and devotion but rather deliberate strategies designed to shield the leadership from justice. By exploiting blind loyalty, the INC is effectively conditioning its members to oppose not only international accountability but also the rule of law itself, prioritizing the protection of its leaders over truth, justice, and moral integrity.

The Decline of a Once-Respected Christian Church

Under Eduardo Manalo’s leadership, the Iglesia Ni Cristo has strayed far from the principles established by its founder, Felix Manalo, and his successor, Eraño Manalo, which were all based on the pristine scriptural doctrine taught by Jesus Christ and ushered the church into its golden era. What was once a respected religious flock, revered and admired worldwide, has devolved into a global syndicate entangled in politics, commercialism, and allegations of smuggling, money laundering, graft and corruption persecution, oppression and even murder.

Eduardo Manalo has adulterated the doctrines of Christ, which originally center on loving God above all and loving others. This has transformed the church into a money-driven cult, luxurious lifestyle and power-hungry religious mafia. This shift has not only tarnished the INC’s reputation but also alienated many of its members, who now see the church as a shadow of its former self.

Fanaticism and the Threat to Public Safety

The court’s decision also highlights a deeply troubling aspect of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC): its growing potential to become a threat to public safety.

Originally established by Eduardo Manalo with the noble intention of providing communication and information assistance, SCAN International (Society of Communicators and Networkers) was designed to emphasize the importance of amateur radio communication. Its volunteer members underwent rigorous training in communications, emergency response, and disaster preparedness, enabling them to respond quickly and effectively in times of crisis.

However, what began as a well-intentioned initiative has since evolved into a powerful and aggressive arm of the INC Church Administration. Over time, SCAN became a stronghold for church members with ties to law enforcement and security services, gradually transforming into an underground private security group, some of which are sanctioned vigilantes. Now operating as an extension of the INC’s power, SCAN has the ability to mobilize its members worldwide, just like sleeper cells, targeting and neutralizing individuals perceived as threats to the church. This shift from a community-focused organization to a covert enforcement arm underscores the troubling extent of the church’s control over its members and its willingness to leverage this influence for questionable purposes.

The existence of such an organization, coupled with the INC’s ability to manipulate its members, raises significant concerns about the church’s capacity for extremism. Within the INC, an environment of intense loyalty and obedience has been cultivated, where members are conditioned to prioritize allegiance to the church and its administration above all else—even above the law. This blind loyalty creates a dangerous dynamic, turning otherwise law-abiding citizens into potential operatives for the church’s agenda. They are willing to disregard legal and ethical boundaries, and even sacrifice their lives to protect or serve the interests of the church leadership. They consider this a divine service to God, making them worthy of eternal salvation.

This evolution of SCAN International from a disaster preparedness group to an alleged private security force not only threatens public safety but also reflects the broader issues of fanaticism and authoritarian control within the INC. The court’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the risks posed when loyalty and faith are weaponized to serve institutional power, further emphasizing the need for vigilance and accountability in the face of such troubling developments. The Iglesia Ni Cristo, if left unchecked and unaccountable, is a ticking time bomb.

One such alarming example involves a church member in Manitoba, Canada, who served as a SCAN International President. This individual brazenly recorded a video with the explicit intention of expressing his anger toward someone deemed an enemy of the church for making jokes about the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) and its leader, Eduardo Manalo. In the video, this member, showing blatant disregard for any laws he might violate, issued bold and direct threats against the individual. Tragically, these threats were not empty words—the video effectively served as a death threat, which culminated in the horrifying murder of comedian, Gold Dagal. This chilling incident highlights the dangerous extent of fanaticism within the organization and the potential consequences of weaponized loyalty. [Read more about this here.]

A Call to Action: Breaking the Shackles of Fear

This groundbreaking ruling should serve as a wake-up call to all silent defenders of the faith. It is a reminder that justice can prevail, even against powerful institutions that seek to suppress the truth. It is truly a triumph likened to David and Goliath. The ruling is a victory for those who continue to uphold the true teachings of Christ and refuse to be silenced by fear or intimidation.

The court’s decision is also a call for unity among those who have been oppressed by the INC. It is a reminder that the fight for truth and justice is far from over. By standing together, the oppressed can break free from the shackles of fear and oppression, reclaiming their faith and their freedom.

A Precedent for Justice and a Call to Action

This ruling sets a powerful precedent for future litigation involving the INC. It is a beacon of hope for critics, former members, and anyone who has been persecuted for speaking out against the organization. It affirms that no institution, no matter how powerful, is above the law.

The Canadian court’s decision is more than a legal victory; it is a moral triumph that exposes the Iglesia Ni Cristo’s oppressive tactics and restores hope to those who have been silenced for too long. It is a reminder that justice, though often delayed, will ultimately prevail. Let this ruling inspire others to stand against oppression, to speak out against injustice, and to uphold the values of truth and integrity in the face of adversity.

Mis-stating the law or raising irrelevant issues is at best unhelpful and at worse, deliberately misleading. This type of advocacy is to be discouraged…I find the explanation offered for its inclusion in this motion disingenuous. ~ Justice Champagne

This Canadian Justice’s remarks cut to the heart of the matter with clarity and precision, labeling their approach as disingenuous and unworthy of the court’s time. As the judge firmly stated, this behavior is not only unhelpful but undermines the principles of justice itself—a fitting reflection of what the INC has become…DISINGENUOUS.

Together, let us continue to fight the good fight for our faith and help those who are persecuted and oppressed. One small step towards this goal is to sign these petitions.

1. Revoke the Appointment of Eduardo Manalo as Special Envoy for Overseas Filipinos
2. Investigate Philippine Justice Department’s Handling of Nathaniel “Angel” V. Manalo’s Case
3. Revoke the Bloc Voting Law that Fosters Religious Manipulation in the Philippine Politics

For those who wish to have a copy of the Canadian Court Decision of the Court Case of INC vs. CBC you can download your copy here:

~ Antonio Ramirez Ebangelista