BACOLOD City’s pride, Antonio “Tony” Meloto, Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Community Leadership in 2006, is in the hot seat.
Founder of the renowned Gawad Kalinga (GK), a Philippine-based movement and non-profit foundation with the noble goal of eradicating poverty, he was indicted by the Department of Justice (DOJ) on September 10 – two counts of sex trafficking.
The case stemmed from complaints filed in 2017 by two minor brothers who claimed they were sexually molested at the School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) inside the GK Enchanted Village in Angat, Bulacan.
SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS
The allegations are grave. Yet, Meloto remains innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Wary of trial by publicity, Meloto recently laid down his cards to defend his person and integrity as a devout Catholic and leader of Couples for Christ (CFC). He denied the charges.
In a recent interview with Manila-based media, he made these categorical statements:
“I have never been unfaithful to my wife of 36 years.”
“I have never had any sex with anyone.”
“Never kissed another man.”
“Not had oral or anal sex whatsoever.”
ENVY
Meloto claimed the accusations were rooted in envy. However, he declined to identify who might be behind the complaints of the two boys.
Instead, he firmly declared: “I will face the case.”
Such confidence is, indeed, admirable.
STORM TO WEATHER
But whether he likes it or not, the case is a storm Meloto must weather. Figuratively, he may well be at the cross now.
As founder of GK, his mission was daunting: to eradicate poverty by building cohesive, self-sustaining communities through housing, education, health, and livelihood programs. This mission was laudable and, in fact, earned wide international support.
With funds pouring in, envy is hardly a remote possibility. And given his active role in CFC and other church activities, challenges were bound to come his way. But, as they say, a clear conscience and a pure heart are stronger than any allegation.
In the beginning, he may endure public shaming and distrust. Yet at the end of the day, God — his “Big Brother” — could guide him toward vindication, perhaps even what he calls the “sweetest vengeance.”
‘SATYAGRAHA’
A reading of satyagraha, Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of non-violent resistance, offers a line that seems apt for Meloto’s case: “Truth never damages a cause that is just.”
I agree. Today, Meloto’s storm of faith and life may appear overwhelming. But if God knows he is innocent, He will never abandon him.
Leading a movement like GK is not easy. If Meloto truly follows Jesus’ way of truth and life, he cannot expect to be greater than his Master. He may be stoned, humiliated in public, even “crucified” like Jesus. But God is good. Trust is essential.
On the other hand, the two boy complainants also have their own story. The question is: are they telling the truth?
If Meloto is correct in saying they were merely coached to fabricate lies, then another disturbing narrative emerges — this time of minors’ innocence being exploited for malicious ends.
Thus, this case could reflect two possible abuses against children: sexual abuse if he is found guilty, or exploitation of their innocence if the accusations are proven false.
Either way, it is tragic. So sad./PN
