NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
Gawad Kalinga Founder Tony Meloto Faces Abuse Allegations From Former Beneficiaries
Photo credit: Ramon Magsaysay Award
Two men who were once beneficiaries of the NGO Gawad Kalinga have come forward, filing complaints with the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the organization’s founder, Antonio "Tony" Meloto. The allegations? Abuse that they say happened back in 2017.
Victims Speak Out
One of the complainants, identified as alias "Daniel," shared in his affidavit that while living at the GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan, he was called into Meloto’s room—where the founder allegedly touched his private parts.
“I felt helpless as I had to experience this trauma again in the hands of someone who I completely trusted and respected,” Daniel stated.
Another victim, alias "Michael," also recounted a disturbing experience with Meloto.
“I sat on the second bed, shocked, questioning how such a dastardly act could be rationalized as being ‘fatherly’ to me,” Michael said in his affidavit. He added that the psychological toll of what happened became too much to bear, pushing him to seek justice.
The two men formally filed cases of acts of lasciviousness, sexual harassment, and trafficking in persons against Meloto earlier this year.
“They had hope for a better future, a better life. But you can just imagine the pain and trauma of realizing that the person they trusted the most had allegedly used their poverty against them,” said their lawyer, Mary Jude Marvel.
Meloto Denies Allegations
Meloto, on the other hand, has completely denied the accusations.
“I strongly deny and refute under oath the allegations made by the complainants. These are baseless, false, and malicious. This case is nothing but harassment,” he said in his counter-affidavit.
He also maintained that he never invited the victims into his room at the GK Enchanted Farm or abused them. To back his claims, Meloto submitted testimonies from several witnesses to dispute the allegations.
On the same day he filed his counter-affidavit, he also went to the DOJ to submit a rejoinder affidavit, adding three more witnesses to his defense. However, neither Meloto nor his lawyer gave any public statements.
What Happens Next?
The DOJ’s National Prosecution Service is now reviewing the complaints, counter-affidavits, and evidence from both sides to determine if the case will proceed to court.
“We will evaluate the evidence fairly and base our decision solely on what is presented to us,” said Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon.
For now, the case remains under review, but with the victims finally speaking out after years of silence, all eyes are on how justice will unfold.
Victims Speak Out
One of the complainants, identified as alias "Daniel," shared in his affidavit that while living at the GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan, he was called into Meloto’s room—where the founder allegedly touched his private parts.
“I felt helpless as I had to experience this trauma again in the hands of someone who I completely trusted and respected,” Daniel stated.
Another victim, alias "Michael," also recounted a disturbing experience with Meloto.
“I sat on the second bed, shocked, questioning how such a dastardly act could be rationalized as being ‘fatherly’ to me,” Michael said in his affidavit. He added that the psychological toll of what happened became too much to bear, pushing him to seek justice.
The two men formally filed cases of acts of lasciviousness, sexual harassment, and trafficking in persons against Meloto earlier this year.
“They had hope for a better future, a better life. But you can just imagine the pain and trauma of realizing that the person they trusted the most had allegedly used their poverty against them,” said their lawyer, Mary Jude Marvel.
Meloto Denies Allegations
Meloto, on the other hand, has completely denied the accusations.
“I strongly deny and refute under oath the allegations made by the complainants. These are baseless, false, and malicious. This case is nothing but harassment,” he said in his counter-affidavit.
He also maintained that he never invited the victims into his room at the GK Enchanted Farm or abused them. To back his claims, Meloto submitted testimonies from several witnesses to dispute the allegations.
On the same day he filed his counter-affidavit, he also went to the DOJ to submit a rejoinder affidavit, adding three more witnesses to his defense. However, neither Meloto nor his lawyer gave any public statements.
What Happens Next?
The DOJ’s National Prosecution Service is now reviewing the complaints, counter-affidavits, and evidence from both sides to determine if the case will proceed to court.
“We will evaluate the evidence fairly and base our decision solely on what is presented to us,” said Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon.
For now, the case remains under review, but with the victims finally speaking out after years of silence, all eyes are on how justice will unfold.
Mar 11, 2025
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