INC officials no-show at DOJ probe

MANILA, Philippines - Preliminary investigation on the criminal complaint filed by expelled minister Isaias Samson Jr. and his family against officials of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) was concluded yesterday without the respondents appearing before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Assistant State Prosecutors Mark Estepa and Olivia Torrevillas decided to submit the complaint for resolution after Samson, his wife Myrna Dionela and son Isaiah had affirmed their charges of harassment, illegal detention, threats and coercion.

Respondents Glicero Santos Jr., Radel Cortez, Bienvenido Santiago Sr., Mathusalem Pareja, Rolando Esguerra, Eraño Codera, Rodelio Cabrerra and Maximo Bularan Jr. and their lawyers failed to appear at the preliminary investigation.

They were notified about the hearing, but failed to present their answer to the allegations, Estepa said.

Samson is hopeful that the DOJ would resolve the complaint with fairness.

“We’re happy that this case has finally moved,” he said. “We’re hoping for the best that the truth will come out.” 

Samson said the criminal complaint does not target the INC as an institution.

The church could weather the present challenges, he added.

Samson said the best solution would be for the ministers named in his complaint to resign from the Sanggunian to let the INC reclaim its old glory. – Edu Punay, Jose Rodel Clapano