WU-P Friends for Truth and Justice

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Who will stand for Truth and Justice?
(A Response to the Statement of Support for the Incumbent Bishops by the District Superintendents and the Chairpersons of the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Annual Conferences in the Philippines Central Conference of the United Methodist Church)

“A lie doesn't become truth,
wrong doesn't become right,
and evil doesn't become good,
just because it's accepted by a majority.”
― Booker T. Washington

November 28, 2023

To the esteemed District Superintendents and BOOM Chairpersons
UMC Annual Conferences in the Philippines:

Greetings of Grace and Peace!

We feel compelled to respond to your recent Statement of Support for the incumbent UMC Bishops in the Philippines, with the hope that we can help address the concerns raised and enlighten our UMC constituency so they can understand the issues objectively and we can all work together for its just resolution.

Prefatory

The turn of events in Wesleyan University Philippines (WUP) highlights a pattern of impunity, control, and disregard of due process as guaranteed in the Constitution of the Philippines and the fair process clause provided in the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. As we all know, the first disturbing move came from the three (3) incumbent bishops. They issued termination letters to WUP Corporate Members in violation of the terms of office to which they were elected. Some did not receive a termination letter at all but were nonetheless replaced.

The abrupt removal of WUP Corporate Members was followed by the Bishops constituting a Board of Trustees composed of their own people and the dismissal of University officials and faculty members without stating the cause and without an opportunity to contest the same. These violated due process; humiliated and destroyed the reputation of those affected and wounded, in a profound way, their families and children. So deep are the wounds that some of them have already refused to worship in a United Methodist Church.

Completely ignoring the pain of those who were adversely affected, what is more telling nay distressing are the most unfeeling attempts by the Bishops to consolidate support for what they have done in WUP, seemingly leveraging their influence through the conduct of seminars and workshops which resulted in the issuance of Statements of Support from the Committee on Episcopacy; and now from District Superintendents and Chairpersons of the Board of Ordained Ministry who attended a Communication Workshop a few weeks ago.

This pattern of impunity and control contradicts the fundamental principles in the Church of Jesus Christ, particularly in its duty to protect and defend individuals who suffer from the abuse of power. The actions of the Bishops demonstrate tyranny of those wielding authority, subverting the rights of the affected individuals which are guaranteed under the fair process clause of Church Law.

We have to raise our voice.

It is imperative for the Church of Jesus Christ to take a clear stance in this conflict between the power exercised by the incumbent Bishops and the fundamental rights to justice and dignity of those adversely affected. The Church must be defined in its ability to uphold principles of fairness, due process, and ethical conduct, ensuring that the individual rights of persons may be protected and respected, even in the face of authoritative actions. Such behaviors do not align with the teachings of Jesus Christ, which emphasize compassion, fairness, and justice for all.

Therefore, it becomes essential for us – as the Church of Jesus Christ – to critically assess and address these incongruities, safeguarding individual rights, ensuring due process, and holding accountable those in positions of authority to adhere to the principles of justice, dignity, and fairness as provided in the Book of Discipline.

Issuing Statement of Support - A Moral Choice

As District Superintendents and extensions of the Bishops’ Office, it is understood that alignment with the Bishops' decisions is expected from you. In some measure, this may also be the case with the BOOM Chairpersons. However, this obligation to align with the Bishops’ decisions does not exempt you from serious introspection and self-analysis. In life, we all know that the choices we make will define “who we are and whose we are.” If the dictates of your conscience clash with the Bishops’ decisions, a moral choice is set before you to make. You can choose to cling on to your position or take the moral choice to step down. It is all a question of moral choice – something between you and God.

The Case against the Bishops – an Act of Self Defense

Regarding the legal proceedings, we need to clarify that the case against the Bishops is still pending before the Court. An Omnibus Motion for Reconsideration has been filed and awaiting for its Resolution. This case was filed not by the former President of WUP but by the University itself, through its Board of Trustees, who were summarily removed by the Bishops. An examination of the Court records will readily show this. He is not a party to the case as the case is between the University Corporation and the Bishops. The intrusion by the Bishops left the Board of Trustees with no choice. Who else will stand to defend the University? Kung ang mga Obispo na mismo ang namumuno sa ganitong gawain – sino pa ang kikibo at magtatanggol sa autonomiya at integridad ng Pamantasan? The Bishops themselves have violated the sacred space and institutional autonomy of a University chartered as a separate educational corporation under Philippine laws. It forced WUP to seek legal recourse, as a means of self-defense. In a civilized society, Courts exist to ensure legal order so that people will not take the law into their own hands. The Board knew better. It did not resort to the use of force as was done during the forcible takeover on August 8, 2023 by those installed by the Bishops as new BOT Members.

Absence of Pastoral Move for Dialogue

History will not forget that the first move by the incumbent Bishops was not something pastoral nor caring. It does not reflect the spirit of coming to a responsible dialogue and “to reason out together” as members of one church – conveniently forgetting the paramount value of our collective witness to the public we serve. The first move was the resort to the exercise of a destructive power to remove all the Corporate Members of the WUP Corporation (except the President of the Alumni Association). Thereafter, the Bishops convened a meeting of their own people and constituted them as Board of Trustees. This was followed by a forcible take over, the breaking of padlocks, and the encampment of some trustees who started sleeping in the Office of the President. Then they started dismissing University Officials and Faculty Members and proceeded to run the day to day affairs of the University. There was no pastoral intervention at all.

The Core Issue

The core issue at hand is whether the Bishops wield absolute power and authority to remove WUP Corporate Members and Trustees considering that they are not Corporate Members. This issue is pending before the Court and it is best that we await the final resolution of this issue.

But even assuming that the Bishops have such power, is the exercise of that power beyond the reach of the due process clause of the Philippine Constitution and the provisions of fair process in the UMC Book of Discipline? The common thread in the Wesleyan issue is that the dismissal was issued by the Bishops in violation of due process. No reason or cause was given for the dismissal. No opportunity was given for those dismissed to contest and oppose the dismissal order, and the language used was humiliating and disrespectful. In fact, the poignant question was asked – Is this the Methodist way?

Do Corporate Members and Trustees serve at the pleasure of the Bishops?

If Corporate Members and Trustees serve at the pleasure of the Bishops – perhaps the first thing to do is to amend the By-Laws and remove the terms of Corporate members, BOT Members and the University President. The By-Law provision on terms of office is now more remembered in its being violated rather than in its being honored. And note that the violation is coming from no less than the three (3) incumbent Bishops.

In 2024, there will be an episcopal election for the Bishops who will serve for the period from 2025 to 2028. If a new set of Bishops will be elected – does it mean that WUP shall again have an entirely new set of WUP Corporate Members and Board of Trustees? Will history repeat itself? Will WUP Corporate and Board Membership be again one of the political spoils to reward the supporters of the winning bishops? God have mercy on WUP! God have mercy on us!

This arbitrary removal of Corporate and BOT Members, in essence, challenges the enduring force of the guarantees on due process in Philippine law and raises profound concerns on the exercise of arbitrary authority and a culture of impunity in the governance of a Christian University.

The Bishops’ Demand to be Seated in the WUP Board of Trustees

Not long after their election in November 2022, the three (3) Bishops expressed interest to be seated – all of them – in the WUP Board of Trustees.

This was conveyed in a letter which was politely declined by the Board of Trustees in a meeting attended by Bishop Ciriaco Q. Francisco and Bishop Ruby-nell Estrella. It was the sense of the Board that it violates the WUP By-laws which provides that only the Bishop of the Manila Episcopal Area shall be seated as Honorary Member without vote. It was also expressed that the presence of the three (3) Bishops in Board meetings can be overwhelming and can influence the votes on the crucial issues and yet – if something goes wrong – they cannot be held accountable because they are not members of the Corporation. The buck will stop on the lap of the Board members. Indeed, the letter of the Bishops speaks volumes. The two (2) other bishops have their own respective episcopal areas to oversee. Why do they want to be actively involved in the area of another bishop, specifically an educational institution outside their area of assignment? Are they aware of the Filipino value of delicadeza – a value sacred to many Filipino institutions that has endured the test of time? Is this not an intrusion into the episcopal responsibilities of the Bishop of the Manila Area? Why is the Bishop of the Manila Area not saying anything at all – not exerting effort to defend as sacred the integrity of her episcopal authority in the area assigned to her?

Consequences of the Forcible Takeover on August 8, 2023

The forcible takeover of WUP on August 8, 2023 paved the way for the Bishops to assume actual control over the university's funds and day-to-day operations, resulting in the termination and dismissal of several university officials. Furthermore, this takeover led to the dismissal of two clergy appointees of the Bishop of the Manila Area. What is most telling is the lack of any form of intervention or offer of protection by the Bishop of the Manila Area, causing profound distress and pain to them and their respective families. These appointees were former Wesley Divinity School Dean, Dr. Carmen M. Scheuermann and the dismissed Dean, Dr. Cristine Carnate-Atrero.

Conclusion

Your Statement demonstrates an alarming degree of insensitivity. It came at a time when those impacted, the WUP Corporate and BOT Members, University Officials, Faculty and Staff, and their families and relatives are still pained and grieving. It ignored the seriousness of the issues and disregarded the valid concerns of those suffering from the consequences of the Bishops’ action. Your expression of support to the Bishops on one hand and your deafening silence and absence of compassion to those who suffer on the other hand, exacerbate the anguish experienced by those affected who are contending with the consequences of arbitrary action.

The statement also exhibits a disconcerting display of arrogance suggesting a failure to discern the ethical obligations inherent in the role of spiritual leadership. Through avoiding the complex and grave ethical ramifications of the Bishops’ actions regarding legal and constitutional infractions, the District Superintendents’ statement foster an environment of callous and unfeeling attitude within the ecclesiastical hierarchy. By neglecting to confront the ethical aspects of the situation, the statement not only disappoints faithful members but also erodes the foundational values of fairness and responsibility that guide every Christian organization.

A further insult to injury is the expedient disregard of the complex moral concerns surrounding the legal and constitutional violations. It means that the denominational leadership prioritizes the preservation of its own interests and power dynamics over the observance of the church’s foundational values of compassion and preferential option for the oppressed. This dismissive stance deepens divisions within the church of Jesus Christ, as it alienates those seeking transparency, fairness, and ethical conduct from the leadership. The failure to grapple with the moral implications of the situation not only exacerbates growing discontent but also undermines the confidence that faithful members place in the church’s leadership.

And so we ask each of you – will your statement of support make the Bishops’ actions lawful and justified?

While we acknowledge your right to make a choice, we implore all members of the Church to advocate for justice, transparency, and righteousness. Let us collectively pursue “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable” (Philippians 4:8) and pray that our gracious God will “grant us wisdom and courage for the living of these days.”

Sincerely,

WUP Friends of Truth and Justice

IN DEFENSE OF ACADEMIC FREEDOM AND INSTITUTIONAL AUTONOMY OF WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY PHILIPPINES

We, the undersigned academic leaders, scholars and advocates of higher education, unite in a resolute stance to uphold and defend the sacred principles of academic freedom and institutional autonomy as foundations of all Christian Higher Education Institutions. In light of recent events that have transpired at Wesleyan University Philippines, wherein the very essence of academic integrity and independent thought has been seriously challenged, we affirm the vital importance of securing and preserving the sanctity of higher education institutions as spaces for learning, free inquiry, and diverse discourse.

Academic institutions hold a unique place in society, serving as bastions of knowledge, critical thinking, and enlightenment. Central to their mission is the unfettered pursuit of truth, the nurturing of intellectual curiosity, and the cultivation of well-rounded individuals who can contribute meaningfully in making our world a better world. This was the vision that inspired Rev. Carlos K. Mañacop and the Methodist lay leaders in the Province of Nueva Ecija to establish in 1946 the Philippine Wesleyan College, now the Wesleyan University Philippines.

ON ACADEMIC FREEDOM

We firmly assert that academic freedom is the bedrock upon which a vibrant and dynamic intellectual community is built. The freedom for scholars, researchers, educators, and students to explore diverse viewpoints, challenge prevailing norms, and engage in rigorous debate is essential for the advancement of knowledge and the building of a just and free society.

ON INSTITUTIONAL AUTONOMY

We uphold the principle of institutional autonomy as a safeguard for the integrity of a university to grow “on its own steam” which means a self-sustaining development unhampered by external political influence. The ability to govern oneself, develop curricula, set academic standards, and foster a culture of open inquiry is essential for nurturing an environment where intellectual exploration flourishes without external interference or control.

ON THE BISHOPS' ACT OF COLLAPSING THE CORPORATE STRUCTURE AND GOVERNANCE OF WESLEYAN UNIVERSITY PHILIPPINES

We deeply lament even as we condemn the series of actions taken by the three (3) incumbent Bishops of the United Methodist Church in the Philippines which resulted to collapsing the corporate structure and governance of Wesleyan University Philippines.

Such intrusion trampled upon the academic freedom of the University and violated its institutional autonomy. The arbitrary dismissal of Corporate Members and the Members of the Board of Trustees before the end of their term for no reason at all, the use of force to gain entry into the Administration Building so as to take over the management of the University, the interrogation of academic officials by a panel presided by one of the incumbent Bishops, and thereafter the overhaul of academic officials followed by the appointment of people of their choice altogether undermine the fundamental values and principles of a Methodist University. Since these actions were carried out upon the direct orders of the incumbent Bishops; it would be necessary to ask the following questions: What is the source of the Bishops’ power to collapse, for no reason at all, the corporate structure and governance of a University? Is this the way a Christian Church should treat its academic institutions?

ON DEFENDING THE SACRED SPACE OF LEARNING

A university is not just a physical place; it is a sacred space where the pursuit of truth and knowledge is revered. It is a space where diverse voices should be welcomed, where ideas can be freely exchanged, and where the nurturing of critical thinking transcends dogma and narrow agenda.

CALL TO ACTION

We, as academic leaders, scholars, and advocates, stand united in our call to protect the sacred space of Wesleyan University Philippines and all other higher education institutions facing similar challenges. We urge all stakeholders, church people, and friends of the United Methodist Church and Wesleyan University Philippines to stand on the side of truth, protect the hallowed traditions of Wesleyan education, and honor the vital importance of academic freedom and institutional autonomy as cornerstones of a thriving education ecosystem.

In the advent of the Second Congressional Commission on Education [EDCOM 2] which will undertake a comprehensive assessment and evaluation of the performance of Philippine education, may we raise our collective voice to echo the sentiments of countless scholars and visionaries who have learned the transformative power of education to defend the autonomy of the academia. Let us stand together in defense of the university as a sacred space for learning, a crucible for critical thought, and a beacon of intellectual exploration that will guide our society towards progress and enlightenment. We ask our United Methodist Bishops to spare Wesleyan University Philippines from church politics and personal agenda.

04 September 2023

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Dear Friends of WUP,
Good afternoon!
You may share this advisory. Thank you!
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So the WUP Community May Know
An Advisory from the Board of Trustees

As the duly elected and lawfully constituted members of the Board of Trustees of Wesleyan University-Philippines (WUP), we find it necessary to inform our university community of the actions taken by the United Methodist Bishops in the Philippines in removing almost the entire membership of the WUP Corporation and in replacing them with their own people.

Subsequently, the Bishops who are not members of the WUP Corporation proceeded to constitute a “new Board of Trustees” for WUP. The actions taken by the Bishops represent a significant violation of various laws, Constitutional principles, and specific WUP By-Law provisions, including the “fair process clause” enshrined in the Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church. Specifically, we reference Sections 105 and 106 of the Revised Corporation Code, which state:

CHAPTER I
EDUCATIONAL CORPORATIONS
Section 105. Incorporation. - Education corporations shall be governed by special laws and by the general provisions of this Code.

Section 106. Board of Trustees. - Trustees of educational institutions organized as nonstock corporations shall not be less than five (5) nor more than fifteen (15): Provided, That the number of trustees shall be in multiples of five (5). Unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, the board of trustees of incorporated schools, colleges, or other institutions of learning shall, as soon as organized, so classify themselves that the term of office of one-fifth (1/5) of their number shall expire every year. Trustees thereafter elected to fill vacancies, occurring before the expiration of a particular term shall hold office only for the unexpired period. Trustees elected thereafter to fill vacancies caused by expiration of term shall hold office for five (5) years. A majority of the trustees shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. The powers and authority of trustees shall be defined in the by laws. For institutions organized as stock corporations, the number and term of directors shall be governed by the provisions on stock corporations.

The aforementioned provisions of law are specifically provided in Section 3, Article VI of the WUP By-Laws. Therefore, it is clear that, under existing laws, the mass removal of trustees by the Bishops is a blatant violation of the law.

Considering the magnitude and long-lasting implications of these actions by the Bishops on the life and witness of Wesleyan University Philippines, we, as trustees, believe that it is our legal and moral duty to defend its institutional autonomy and integrity as an academic institution. If we, do not stand up to protest such intrusions, then who will? The university in whose interest we serve has a life of its own and a mandate which is imbued with public interest. The right of every citizen to quality education is enshrined in the Philippine Constitution (Note 1). And Wesleyan University Philippines as a private university shares with all the educational institutions in the country the mandate to deliver quality education to our respective constituencies. It is for this purpose that we have authorized the filing of a complaint in court on behalf of WUP to challenge the acts of the Bishops in dismissing corporate members who were elected for specific terms. We submit that the actions of the Bishops are illegal. By dismissing the corporate members, the Bishops violated the terms granted to these members. The termination letters also failed to state the grounds for termination and did not provide the terminated members the opportunity to question the dismissals, hence a clear violation of their constitutionally guaranteed right to due process.

It must be noted that the three (3) new Bishops (Rodel Acdal, Ruby-Nell Estrella, and Israel Painit) were elected during the Special Session of the Philippines Central Conference of the United Methodist Church in November 2022 to serve for the remaining two (2) years of the quadrennium 2021-2024. This means that in November 2024, their present positions shall again be the subject of election for the ensuing quadrennium 2025-2028.

The United Methodist Church in the Philippines is currently facing a multitude of problems, including disaffiliations and other serious leadership issues. The situation at WUP and the undue intervention of the three (3) Bishops who are now running its day-to-day operations have effectively eroded the morale of United Methodists who expected the Bishops to address the urgent problems of the Church. The Bishops’ focus on Wesleyan University Philippines and their undue intervention in collapsing its corporate governance structure leaves a legacy of wounds, pain, and injuries not only on the individual lives, reputation, and future of the affected corporate members, trustees, officials, faculty, students, and stakeholders but, more importantly, on the collective witness of WUP as a Christian educational institution. This will be long remembered in the history of the United Methodist Church in our country.

The issue at WUP and the behavior of the Bishops also raise a broader question that we must address: What is the power of a United Methodist Bishop in relation to educational institutions which are organized as separate corporations under the laws of the Philippines? In the case of Wesleyan University Philippines, the Bishops have wrongfully acted as if they possess the absolute and plenary power to control and manage the university by terminating its Corporate Members and replacing them. Do WUP Trustees serve at the pleasure of the Bishops? Can the Bishops dismiss corporate members of WUP without cause? Can the Bishops remove trustees of a non-stock, non-profit, and non-sectarian educational corporation (of which they are not even members) before the terms of office of the former expire and without cause? Are the Bishops beyond the reach of the due process clause of the Philippine Constitution, allowing them to take whatever action they want based on their whims? If this is the first time that this “black eye” has been inflicted on an educational institution, shall we allow it to happen again in the future? The answer to all these questions is NO. That is why we have gone to court to seek redress of grievances and to invoke the power of the Court to nullify the void, illegal, and unenforceable acts of the incumbent United Methodist Bishops. These actions are not only illegal, void, and ineffective; they are also unjust, unkind, and unprofessional, to say the least.

Therefore, we reaffirm our position that unless and until the Court shall have resolved with finality that the actions of the Bishops are legal and in accordance with the law, we shall continue to fulfill our duties as the duly constituted Board of Trustees of WUP. We also direct the President of the University, Judge Benjamin D. Turgano (Ret.) to stand and remain firm, resolute and unbending in continuing to exercise his duties and responsibilities, most importantly, in defending the institutional autonomy and integrity of WUP from any form of meddling or unlawful incursions.

May we draw strength and fortitude from the words of the Apostle Paul: “Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” (Note 2)

Note 1:
The “State shall protect and promote the right of all citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.” (Section 1, Article IV, Philippine Constitution)

Note 2: Philippians 4:18

Sincerely,
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Wesleyan University-Philippines
15 September 2023

Signed by:
Atty. Ephraim B. Cortez, Chairperson
Dr. Priscilla C. Viuya
Dr. Fernando A. Astom
Mr. Rene G. Simbulan
Mr. Allan L. Yap
Mr. Carlito A. Fernando
Atty. Gideon C. Salatan

PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY NO. 3

On the Unlawful Use of University Funds

Today I received an email from Mrs. Lourdes S. Pallarca, CPA, Head, WUP Internal Audit Office, reporting to me (a) the non-depositing by the Treasury Office of cash collections for several days; and (b) the taking of One Million (P1,000,000.00) Pesos from such cash collections for the expenses of the group of Atty. Juanito Carlos, Jr..

It must be emphasized that in safeguarding the cash collections of WUP, it is mandatory that all cash transactions should be properly documented and properly accounted for. It is also necessary that cash receipts by cashiers be recorded properly and deposited on the date of collection. A cash count is also necessary at the end of the day to ensure that what was recorded as total cash collections are, actually, deposited to the bank. In no case should cash collections be used for disbursements, as it is the policy of every corporation to disburse through checks. The cashier is entrusted the duty to safekeep and deposit intact all collections, and shall not keep funds in his/her custody. To use the daily cash collections is considered a misappropriation of funds, as the cashier is obligated to ensure that all cash received is deposited to the bank. This taking of funds in breach of this control standard violates internal policies and may be considered theft or swindling. In fact, the By-Laws of WUP specifically prohibits such practice as it requires that all withdrawal of funds shall be by check.

We commend the Internal Auditor, Mrs. Lourdes S. Pallarca, for her commitment and fortitude to stand on the side of truth. We call upon the University community to lift her up in prayers for her physical protection and safety.


(SGD.) Judge BENJAMIN D. TURGANO (Ret.)
President of the University
25 August 2023

PRESIDENTIAL ADVISORY NO. 2

Statement of Concern and Solidarity on the State of Fear,
Threats, Intimidation and Bullying that have Pervaded and Overwhelmed
Wesleyan University-Philippines Community since the
Unlawful and Forcible Takeover on August 8, 2023

We wish to express concern, compassion, and solidarity with all WUP officials, employees and staff who were called individually to appear for interrogation by inquisitors which included a Bishop, members of the purported BOT, and some individuals designated by them. As mentioned in Presidential Advisory No. 1, the legitimacy of that Board is the pending issue before the Court.

The state of fear, intimidation, and bullying that has engulfed the interrogation that started from August 8, 2023, and continuing, speaks volumes. And many cannot comprehend why the same is happening in a United Methodist University. How can this happen in an academic community which is supposed to champion Academic Freedom and the Wesleyan Philosophy of merging vital piety and learning?

The way Dr. Cristine C. Atrero, Elder of the United Methodist Church, Dean, Wesley Divinity School, and concurrently, University Chaplain, has been oppressed, humiliated, and arbitrarily removed from office by the purported BOT without cause and regard of fair process, is a classic example of the “gestapo” style under which the Bishops now operate WUP. Let it be stated that the removal of Dr. Atrero coming from a Board, the legitimacy of which is being questioned, is illegal. For all intents and purposes, she continues to be the de jure dean of Wesley Divinity School and University Chaplain. We call the entire University Community to rally behind her, pray for her and protect her and her family from all threats of violence.

Dr. Atrero and her family are now forced to leave their University Residence because her children no longer feel safe in the University. The case of Dr. Atrero is not an isolated case as it has been replicated in the case of other University Officials.

In this difficult time, let us draw strength from Deuteronomy 3:22, “Do not be afraid of them; the Lord your God himself will fight for you.”

(SGD.) Judge BENJAMIN D. TURGANO (Ret.)
President of the University
24 August 2023