Since 1980, there have been conflicts between Philippine-based Christian religious organizations Iglesia ni Cristo ("Church of Christ", INC) and the Members Church of God International (MCGI), when MCGI Overall Servant Eliseo Soriano started his radio program Ang Dating Daan (ADD). Through his program, he discussed biblical issues and "exposed" what he believes to be wrong doctrines of other religious groups, including those of INC. In 2001, after 20 years of reticence, the INC launched its own program, Ang Tamang Daan, as a direct response for the first time to Ang Dating Daan, featuring video footages and recordings of ADD hosts as issues were tackled. Over time, the animosity between the two groups has intensified and the relationship has been severely strained.
Background
Beginning with the broadcast of Ang Tamang Daan on June 11, 2001, INC (through SBN 21, and later Net 25, INC TV, and INC Cable TV) and MCGI (through SBN 21 and later UNTV Channel 37) aired their accusations and responses to each other's statements. Their television programs contributed largely to the aggravation of their relations.[citation needed]
On September 27, 2004, the MTRCB extended the suspension to three months. Soriano challenged the action in court, arguing that the suspension imposed by the MTRCB constituted prior restraint on the media and that his language during the show's August 10, 2004, broadcast was not obscene and offensive. The court dismissed his case in favor of MTRCB.[2]
In June 2005, Soriano filed a motion by recommendation of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), saying the MTRCB violated the "right to information, communication and religion" of every Filipino.[3] On April 29, 2009, The Supreme Court upheld the suspension imposed by the MTRCB, ruling that Soriano’s statements can be treated as obscene and cannot be considered as protected speech.[4]
Soriano filed a motion seeking the reversal of its April 2009 decision. The Supreme Court denied Soriano's motion and affirmed the decision with finality in 2010 by an 11-4 vote, noting that “it is a sanction that the MTRCB may validly impose under its charter without running afoul of the free speech clause." The high court reminded Soriano that his program, being aired on television, is accessible to children of all ages and therefore not appropriate for a program with a “G” or for general audience rating due to his use of vulgar language and invectives.[5][6] However, the Commission on Human Rights continued its administrative case against the Ombudsman, stating that the MTRCB had illegally extended the suspension and thus, created a "double suspension" effect.[7]
The case stemmed from a complaint filed by members of the Iglesia ni Cristo, including its minister Michael Sandoval, due to statements of Soriano aired on August 10 referring to the minister:
Lehitimong anak ng demonyo! Sinungaling! [Legitimate son of demon! Liar!]
Gago ka talaga, Michael! Masahol ka pa sa putang babae, o di ba? Yung putang babae, ang gumagana lang doon yung ibaba. Dito kay Michael, ang gumagana ang itaas, o di ba? O, masahol pa sa putang babae ‘yan. Sobra ang kasinungalingan ng mga demonyong ito. [You’re really stupid, Michael! You’re worse than a whore! ... These demons are lying too much.][8][9]
Debates
In attempts to end the conflict between the two groups, a number of debate arrangements had been in talks on different occasions. But while there were previous agreements made, no proper debate had actually materialized between the groups due to varying reasons.[citation needed]
In 2004, Manny Antonio, a worker (presbyter) of MCGI, and Abraham Cruz, an INC minister, had a signed agreement to meet for a debate conference on April 26 in the city hall of Capas, Tarlac. Present on the agreed setting was the mayor of Capas, Rey Catacutan, the representing ministers of INC, Abraham Cruz, Jose Ventilacion, Ramil Parba, Michael Sandoval, and the barangay captain of Pao, San Jose, Tarlac, who stood as the witness of the agreement signing. However, no representative from MCGI, including Antonio, turned up on the event and instead communicated through a phone call. The debate did not push through.[10]
On March 27, 2005, Soriano challenged Eraño G. Manalo, the Executive Minister of Iglesia ni Cristo, to a one-on-one debate on TV and internet. The Ang Tamang Daan hosts responded that Soriano should have a debate first with the "Pope in Rome using Latin," owing to a previous claim by Soriano that he would debate with the Pope, even in Latin.[11] Soriano views this response as an excuse, while the INC sees his challenge as a bluff. Jose Ventilacion, an INC minister and trained debater student to Manalo, subsequently called Soriano's challenge to a one-on-one debate. Soriano did not want to debate with Ventilacion.[12]
One of the hosts of Ang Tamang Daan, Ramil Parba, challenged Willy Santiago and Josel Mallari, both hosts of Ang Dating Daan, to a debate, in response to a challenge allegedly made by Santiago.[13]
Lawsuits
In August 2003, the Iglesia ni Cristo sued Soriano for libel after Soriano accused them of publishing explicit comic books depicting Soriano having homosexual sex.[14] In 2007, Soriano filed multiple petitions to stop the lawsuit to no avail.[15]
Soriano had since been indicted on rape charges at the regional trial court of Macabebe, Pampanga, following a complaint filed by former MCGI productions (ADDCIT) staff Daniel Veridiano that he was sexually assaulted in Apalit, Pampanga on two occasions, along with other members of MCGI. The initial provincial prosecutor of Pampanga dismissed the case due to lack of evidence, but Raul M. Gonzalez who was then the secretary of the Philippines' Department of Justice, had the prosecutor removed from position and reinstated the case.[16][17] The new provincial prosecutor of Pampanga rejected Soriano's defense that the accusations against him were “fabricated, baseless and malicious.” He claims that the new prosecutor was backed by the Iglesia ni Cristo.[18]
Soriano and two others were charged with falsification of public document at the Manila City Prosecutor's Office for allegedly faking the certificate of detention in order to post bail for his rape charges. Investigation showed that Soriano never surrendered nor was he arrested or detained at the Pandacan station on June 21, but a certificate of detention was still issued on his behalf by Pandacan Police Officer June 3 Gumaru, said Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-Manila chief Superintendent Joaquin Alva. Soriano was indicted for the rape of his male follower at the regional trial court of Macabebe, Pampanga, was sued for violation of Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code, along with a Pandacan police officer and a bondswoman.[19]
Conflict with Muslims
On April 3, 2005, Muslim leaders in Manila filed a 1-billion peso libel suit against Soriano for allegedly disparaging Islam and Muslims in general, citing videos of him released to members of MCGI. The video was characterized as malicious, showing Soriano making irresponsible remarks and imputations of crimes against Muslims, exposing the Islamic religion "to public contempt and ridicule".[20][21] Soriano claimed the conflict was caused by the videos aired in Ang Tamang Daan, saying the videos were not his.[citation needed]
Incident in Apalit
2005 Apalit Brawl
Part of Conflicts between Iglesia ni Cristo and Members Church of God International
On April 18, 2005, MCGI members headed by former INC member Marcos Mataro scuffled after a scheduled religious debate with members of INC in a Jollibee outlet in Apalit, Pampanga. Apalit Mayor Tirso Lacanilao said "scores were injured", but that there were no serious injuries. The MCGI radio program Ang Dating Daan (ADD) and Iglesia Ni Cristo had been trading accusations in their respective television programs. This had even led to an exchange of lawsuits. It was reported that the clash began when an ADD follower identified only as "Mataro" provoked INC followers.[22]
Local police, on orders of the town mayor had gone to the restaurant and tried to stop the debate for lack of a mayor's permit. The police had been instructed to transfer the venue of the debate either at the ADD convention center or at the INC chapel in an effort to prevent any trouble. Mataro insisted on pushing through with the debate, however, assuring no trouble. Leaders of the MCGI group said they do not trust the local policemen. Mataro shouted, which reportedly provoked the INC members to a confrontation, and led to a free-for-all.[23][24]
On April 27, 2008, Mataro was shot dead by two unknown assailants in San Simon, Pampanga.[25] Murder charges were filed against Nickson Icao and Felizardo Lumagham, both of Macabebe, Pampanga and alleged members of INC, before the San Fernando prosecutor's office.[26] Mataro's killing could also be linked to his pending attempted homicide case before the Apalit Municipal Trial Court and Quezon City Regional Trial Court.[27]
Current relations
After the suspension of Ang Dating Daan and following multiple court cases, MCGI programs eased in criticizing the INC and slowly started focusing on general preaching. Soriano went into exile arising from charges of sexual assault[28] in Brazil where he would succumb to his death on February 10, 2021[29] never to have returned to the Philippines. The Ang Tamang Daan in turn changed its format and has since introduced new hosts, currently focusing on criticizing the beliefs of other religions rather than to explain their own doctrines.[citation needed]
In August 2015, Soriano expressed his support for Former Justice Secretary and former Senator Leila De Lima on his Twitter account, during the protest held by the INC urging De Lima to resign due to alleged VIP treatment to former INC Minister Isaias Samson during the controversy in the church brought about by Eraño's widow Cristina and son Angel Manalo who were then expelled from the INC.[30] In October 2015, Daniel Razon did an interview with Atty. Trixie Cruz-Angeles about the case filed by Lowell Menorca II.[31]
Bong Go's double event
On May 6, 2018, Former Special Assistant to the President (now Senator) Bong Go attend the double event in two rival religious groups with a coincidence opposing two senators on a separate events. INC's Worldwide Walk to Fight Poverty (with Senator JV Ejercito)[32] and MCGI's UNTV Cup Executive Face Off 2018 (with Senator Joel Villanueva, who is a member of JIL Worldwide).[33]
Ang Tamang Daan returns the original format
After a 12 year hiatus, in October 2018, Ang Tamang Daan returned to its original format along with the original hosts of the program including Michael Sandoval.[34]
Related Research Articles
The Members Church of God International, abbreviated as MCGI, is an international Christian religious organization with headquarters in the Philippines. It is popularly known in the Philippines as Ang Dating Daan, the title of its flagship radio and television program and the longest-running religious program in the Philippines which was hosted by Eli Soriano, MCGI's "Overall Servant" until his death in 2021.
Ang Dating Daan is a religious radio and television program produced by the Members Church of God International. It is primarily hosted by Brother Eli Soriano that began in the last quarter of 1980. It has been recognized as one of the longest-running religious television programs in the World. The name of the program is based on Jeremiah 6:16 of the Bible.
Eliseo "Eli" Fernando Soriano was a Filipino preacher and televangelist. He was the "Overall Servant" of the Members Church of God International (MCGI), an international Christian religious organization with headquarters in Apalit, Pampanga, Philippines. He was the main host of the radio and television program Ang Dating Daan, which is considered as the longest-running religious program in the Philippines.
Daniel Soriano Razon is a Filipino television and radio host. He is currently the Overall Servant of the Members Church of God International, succeeding Eli Soriano after the latter's death on February 11, 2021.
Ang Tamang Daan is a program produced by the Philippine-based religious organization, Iglesia ni Cristo, and aired over their television stations, Net 25 and Iglesia ni Cristo Television. Originally, the Iglesia ni Cristo debates and rebukes claims made by fellow Philippine religious organization Ang Dating Daan or MCGI and their presiding minister, Eliseo Soriano, about the beliefs of the Iglesia ni Cristo, primarily regarding the deity of Jesus Christ.
Southern Broadcasting Network, Inc. (SBN) is a Filipino media company based in Mandaluyong, Philippines. SBN is a subsidiary of Solar Entertainment Corporation, a Filipino-owned television company managed by the Tieng family.
D’X-Man is a 30 minute expository-religious program emanating from the Philippines. It was conceptualized by Bro. Eli Soriano and Kuya Daniel Razon, Overall Servants of the Members Church of God International, Everynight at 11:30 PM.
Ramon "Mon" Teshiba Tulfo Jr. is a Filipino TV host, radio broadcaster and newspaper columnist.
Net 25 is a Philippine television network owned and operated by the Eagle Broadcasting Corporation. The network is named for its flagship station in Metro Manila, DZEC-TV, which is carried on UHF Channel 25 on analog terrestrial TV and UHF Channel 28 on digital terrestrial TV and has carried by major cable operators in the country. The station's broadcast facilities are located at the EBC Building, #25 Central Ave., New Era, Quezon City.
The Members Church of God International (MCGI) Convention Center also known as Pasalamatán and ADD Convention Center in Tagalog is an open-type, multi-purpose convention center owned by the Members Church of God International (MCGI), a Philippine-based Christian religious organization. It is located inside the 58-hectare MCGI Compound along MacArthur Highway in Brgy. Sampaloc, Apalit, Pampanga, Philippines. MCGI is also known in the Philippines as Ang Dating Daan or "ADD", the title of its flagship radio and television program.
Itanong mo kay Soriano, Biblia ang Sasagot! also known as Ang Dating Daan:Bible Exposition is a religious radio and television program in the Philippines produced by the Members Church of God International and hosted by Bro. Eli Soriano. Unlike its sister program, Ang Dating Daan: Bible Study and Mass Indoctrination, the program features a question and answer format in which any visitor in the show can ask Soriano about biblical teachings. In the Philippines, the broadcast of this program takes place right after Ang Dating Daan and it became a separate show in 1993. In the other countries, however, this show is part of the TV program O Caminho Antigo which is also hosted by Soriano. He regularly conducts "Bible Expositions" in specific venues where the people can ask him personally on biblical issues, the Exposition is then recorded and broadcast as this show.
A dispute between senior members of the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in the Philippines occurred in July 2015. It was reported that the INC had expelled some of its ministers, along with high-profile members Felix Nathaniel "Angel" Manalo and Cristina "Tenny" Villanueva Manalo, the brother and mother of current INC Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo, respectively.
TV Verdade is a multinational Brazilian-based religious broadcast station of the international Christian organization, Members Church of God International for the Portuguese-speaking countries.
The Truth Channel, originally The Old Path (TOP) Channel, is a religious broadcast station of the Members Church of God International (MCGI), an international Christian organization with headquarters in the Philippines. Formerly called as TOP Channel, The Truth Channel carries the 24/7 English broadcast of Ang Dating Daan, the longest-running religious program in the Philippines, hosted by international televangelist and MCGI's Overall Servant Bro. Eli Soriano for English-speaking countries in North America, Middle East, Europe and Asia. The MCGI leadership decided to air The Old Path program using several satellites to increase its reach and expand the propagation efforts of the church on a global scale.
Truth Channel is a Philippine religious television network. It is the flagship television network of the Members Church of God International (MCGI), together with UNTV News and Rescue, the network's carrier on free-to-air digital terrestrial television (DTT). It broadcasts 24 hours a day on Ultra High Frequency (UHF) Channel 38 (617.143 MHz) in Metro and Mega Manila, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna, Cavite and some parts of Tarlac.
The Iglesia ni Cristo Centennial was an event dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Iglesia ni Cristo, a denomination originating in the Philippines.
↑ Ang Tamang Daan (2018). Iglesia Ni Cristo EVangelical Mission YouTube Channel. October 31, 2018. Archived from the original on December 12, 2021. Retrieved October 31, 2018.
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