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Katawhan, Simbahan ug Kagamhanan - Kasimbahanan, Combado, Maasin (2026)

19/06/2026

SERMON FOR FATHER’S DAY

Theme: The Heart of a Father

Scripture: “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.”
- Psalm 103:13

It was during one ordinary Sunday morning service that the pastor noticed Johnny, a young man of twenty‑one, sitting alone in the very last pew. His shoulders were slumped, his face buried deep in his hands, and his whole bearing spoke of a heavy burden - as if he carried the weight of the entire world upon his shoulders.

When the service ended, the pastor walked over, placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, and asked softly, “What troubles you, Johnny? Tell me what is in your heart. Perhaps I can help bear it with you.”

“Ah, Pastor,” Johnny sighed, his voice heavy with frustration, “I truly do not know what else to do! Every time I bring a new young woman home to meet my parents - no matter how kind, how bright, or how good her character may be - my mother looks at her, turns to me, and says right away: ‘Johnny, I do not like her, not even a little bit.’”

The pastor smiled knowingly. “I have heard this same story many times before. But do not worry - I have a solution that has been proven true. The next time you choose someone to bring home, make sure she does not only look like your mother, but speaks like her, laughs like her, cooks like her, and even dresses just as she does. If you find such a woman, believe me - your mother will surely love her.”

Johnny’s face lit up at once. “That is wonderful advice, Pastor! That is exactly what I shall do!”

Months passed, and Johnny searched far and wide - until, almost like a miracle, he found her. She looked exactly like his mother, spoke the same way, laughed with the same warmth, prepared meals just as she did, and wore clothes in the same gentle style. Even better, this young woman fell deeply in love with Johnny too. Confident that this time things would be different, he brought her home and introduced her proudly to his parents.

The following Sunday, the pastor glanced toward the back of the church - and there sat Johnny once more, in that same last pew. But this time, he looked even more broken‑hearted and forlorn than before.

As soon as the service concluded, the pastor hurried to his side. “Johnny! What has happened? Did you not find someone who is just like your mother?”

Johnny shook his head slowly, his eyes filled with sadness. “Oh, Pastor - I did indeed find one who is exactly like Mama. She looks like her, talks like her, laughs like her, cooks like her, and dresses just as she does!”

The pastor frowned, confused. “Then why this sorrow? Everything should have gone perfectly well!”

Johnny lifted his gaze and let out a long, weary sigh. “Well… it turned out that my father simply could not stand her!”

This story reminds us of a simple truth we often overlook: sometimes, life is not only about pleasing Mother - it is equally important to honor and listen to Father too.

A father does not always speak his feelings aloud in clear, flowing words. He may not express what lies deep in his heart through long speeches or show his emotions as openly as others do. Yet his quiet judgment, his wisdom, and his unique perspective hold far greater value than we often realize. He is the one who brings balance when things grow chaotic, who provides stability when life feels unsteady, and who offers that steady, final word that keeps the whole household moving in peace and order.

But this Father’s Day, let us look deeper than just his opinion or his authority. Let us reflect on what it truly means to be a father - and what his life is meant to reveal.
“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.”

This single verse stands as one of the most beautiful descriptions of fatherhood found in all of Scripture. It reveals two profound truths: first, God chose the image of a father to help us understand His own heart. Second, every good father on earth is called to be a living reflection of God’s love and provision.

Let us consider what this means for us today.

1. A Father’s Heart Is Rooted in Compassion

The Hebrew word “Reḥem” for “compassion” - means visceral, womb‑deep love - not just feeling sorry, but instinctive, protective, nurturing, self‑giving affection; it’s compassion that carries a meaning deep and tender: it speaks of a heart that is moved, a heart that feels the pain and the needs of those it loves.

Mothers often express their love through words, through constant care, and through their ever‑present warmth. Fathers, in their own way, express love through compassion made visible in action. He works long hours not because he wishes to be away, but because he desires to provide for his family. When troubles come, he stands firm so that his children will not have to carry the weight of the world alone. He may not say “I love you” every hour of every day, but his hands, his sweat, and every sacrifice he makes shout that love far louder than any words ever could.

Just as God looks upon us with mercy and gentleness - knowing fully our weaknesses and limitations - so does a father look upon his children: not with harsh judgment, but with understanding. He knows they are still learning, still growing, and still bound to make mistakes. Yet through it all, he remains steady, constant, and true.

2. A Father’s Life Is Defined by Love and Provision

This verse ties directly to what a father does. Love without provision is incomplete; provision without love is empty and meaningless.

● He provides for the body: He ensures there is food on the table, clothing to wear, and a safe roof over every head. This is not merely a duty - it is an act of love. Every peso earned, every journey taken, every burden he bears, speaks this quiet promise: “You matter. You belong here.”
● He provides for the mind and character: He teaches what is right and what is wrong. By his own example, he shows integrity, honesty, goodness, and faith. He is the one who teaches his children how to stand tall when life knocks them down.
● Most importantly, he provides a picture of God: When a father is faithful, his children learn to trust God. When he is quick to forgive, they begin to grasp the mercy of the Lord. When he is strong yet gentle, they see the perfect balance between God’s power and His grace.

Psalm 103:13 teaches us that fatherhood is far more than just a biological title or family position - it is a sacred calling to reflect the very nature of God. He chose this image because He wants us to understand: I am your Father, and My love surpasses even the love of the finest father you could ever imagine - for it is boundless, endless, and perfect.

To every father like me: We may feel you are not perfect. We may think you have not done enough, or fallen short in many ways. But remember this: God does not ask us to be a flawless father. He only asks that we become a faithful one. Our children and grandchildren do not need a superhero; they need us - with our wisdom, our patience, our provision, and our steady love.

And to all children and families: Let us honor our fathers not only today, but every single day. Let us listen closely to their quiet wisdom, respect the hard work that wears them out, and cherish the strength and stability they bring into our lives. Remember the lesson of our story: their voice matters, their guidance is precious, and their place in our hearts can never be replaced.

Above all, let us look beyond our earthly fathers to our Heavenly Father. He is the source of all true fatherly goodness. His love never fails, His provision never runs dry, and His compassion has no end. Every good father here on earth is only a reflection of His great, loving heart.

Today we celebrate every father - those still walking among us, and those who have gone ahead - for the quiet strength they possess, the steady guidance they give, the wisdom to know what is right, and the love that remains even when we make mistakes. Thank you for your patience, your protection, and the irreplaceable place you hold in our lives.

May the Lord bless every father with renewed strength, fresh wisdom, and abounding joy. May He reward every sacrifice, soothe every weariness, and fill your homes with lasting peace and unity.

Happy Father’s Day to every dad, every grandfather, and every one who stands as a father‑figure to others, near and far! May your home be filled with joy, your heart with peace, and your favorite chair always waiting just for you.
“As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear Him.” - Psalm 103:13

15/06/2026

📢 A PASTORAL INQUIRY
UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST IN THE PHILIPPINES

UCCP EVANGELICAL FELLOWSHIP

Date: June 15, 2026

Subject: Concerns Regarding the Status and Representation of the Cebu Conference and Other Districts

✍️ STATEMENT OF CONCERN

With deep sadness, pastoral care, and a heart for truth and unity, we bring these matters before the leadership and the whole Church.

During the 13th Quadrennial General Assembly held May 25–27, 2026 at Madison Park Hotel, Tacloban City, neither the Council of Bishops nor the National Executive Council discussed or addressed the situation of the Cebu Conference. This oversight affects nearly 40 local congregations - including well‑established churches like Bradford, Cirila Uy, Lapulapu, among others.

This uncertainty began under the administration of former WVJA Bishop Ka Ciana. Instead of finding resolution, the issue was set aside, leaving these churches confused, unsettled, and unsure of their standing.

We therefore ask for clear, honest answers:

1. What is the current status and standing of the Cebu Conference within the UCCP?
2. Why was the Cebu Conference denied representation at the recent General Assembly?
3. Most seriously: Does this silence and exclusion mean that congregations raising concerns - such as those in Cebu, Bukidnon, Butuan, Surigao, Bohol, Leyte, and Samar - are being pushed to separate and formally withdraw from the UCCP?

🙏 PASTORAL REFLECTION

We ask these questions out of love, not division. We grieve that faithful churches - built over decades of prayer and service - are treated as if their voices no longer matter, their witness no longer counts, and their presence no longer has a place in our fellowship.

Is our unity only for those who agree with every decision? Is silence the new way to deal with those who seek faithfulness?

If this path pushes brothers and sisters to leave, we must ask:

• Is this the way of Christ, who prayed “that they may all be one”?
• Is this how we follow the call to “speak the truth in love” and “bear one another’s burdens”?
• Is this the heart of the Good Shepherd, who seeks the lost rather than turning away the hurting?

The Church is the Body of Christ, not just an organization. As Scripture reminds us: “If one member suffers, all suffer together” (1 Corinthians 12:26). Unity is not uniformity imposed from above - it is the fruit of truth, justice, and grace.

We call upon our leaders to respond with integrity and compassion. Let us not lose what God has entrusted to us: one flock, one faith, one Lord.

📜 Submitted for Record:

UCCP Evangelical Fellowship

Shared for information, prayer, and reflection by all members and congregations.

11/06/2026

Those Who Forget the Past Are Doomed to Repeat It

There is an old saying that bears repeating: “Those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.” When we look at what is unfolding in Japan today, we would do well not to erase from our collective memory what happened during World War II - the occupation, the suffering, the atrocities committed across Asia, and the devastation that finally brought that dark chapter to a close. To ignore this history is not only disrespectful to the millions who suffered and died; it is to blind ourselves to patterns that may be re‑emerging.

The Numbers and the Shift

It was said plainly: “Japan is on the loose and will do everything to catch up.” And the facts bear this out.

Japan is set to become the world’s third‑largest military spender, surpassed only by the United States and China. There is no attempt in Tokyo to disguise the purpose of this buildup. Its official security strategy openly identifies China as its greatest strategic challenge.

The figures tell a clear story:

• Over $6 billion allocated for long‑range strike missiles.
• Domestically built Type‑12 missiles with a 620‑mile range being deployed to southern islands - one full year ahead of schedule.
• Funding approved for new warships, strike‑capable submarines, and fleets of defensive drones.

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi describes this as “the minimum needed.” But for a nation that spent decades maintaining a strictly limited military posture after the war, this marks a fundamental break from the past. The era of restraint is clearly over.

Remembering Who Japan Was - and What It Is Becoming

Japan is a nation of remarkable discipline, resilience, and determination. History shows that once it sets its mind to a goal, few obstacles stand in its way. But we must also remember that Japan was once a warrior nation whose expansionist ambitions brought terror and suffering across East Asia for decades.

The horrors of World War II - and the ultimate shock of the atomic bombings - halted that march. For generations afterward, Japan relied heavily on the United States for its defense, embodying a commitment to peace that earned it respect. But now, the mood is shifting: “they are ready to take back their destiny in their own hands.”

While every nation has the right to defend itself, we must ask: What kind of destiny is this?

The Balance Between Security and History

There is a fine line between legitimate self‑defense and the reawakening of old ambitions. The concern is not merely about the size of a budget or the range of missiles - it is about whether the lessons of history have truly been learned.

Japan’s neighbors, including the Philippines, Korea, China, and others, carry the scars of the past. When a nation that once brought so much destruction begins rapidly rearming, without full, unreserved reckoning with its historical wrongs, it naturally raises alarm.

We do not seek hostility, but we insist on remembrance. Peace is not secured by military might alone - it is secured by truth, accountability, and a clear commitment that the mistakes of yesterday will never be repeated.

Final Thought

Let us not be naive. Japan is rising again as a major military power. But let us also never forget what happened before. As the saying goes: “Those who forget the past, repeat the tragedy.”

We watch not out of malice, but out of vigilance. The world once saw what Japan could do when it chose the path of aggression. May this time, its determination be directed toward peace, cooperation, and respect - and may the rest of us never let our guard down, nor our memory fade.

11/06/2026

Walking with Jesus: Journeying with the Anawim - A Theological Reflection

A Reflection on the 13th Quadrennial General Assembly of the UCCP

The theme chosen for this gathering is both beautiful and challenging: “Walking with Jesus: Journeying with the Anawim.” It calls us back to the very heart of our faith - to walk in the way of the humble, the dependent, the faithful ones who trust not in their own strength or status, but only in God. To understand this theme deeply, we must first return to its biblical roots: the meaning of Anawim and Shalom, and what it truly means to embody them.

1. Who Are the Real Anawim?

Anawim (plural of anaw) comes from the root ‘anah - meaning “to be bowed down, lowly, or humbled.” But biblically, it is far more than being poor or powerless.

The True Meaning
The Anawim are the “poor of Yahweh”:

• They may be materially poor, oppressed, or marginalized — but their defining mark is humility before God and radical dependence on Him.

• They do not trust in wealth, status, power, or their own goodness; they trust only in God’s mercy.

• They are meek, not weak: gentle, non-violent, willing to suffer rather than inflict harm, and committed to truth even when it costs them.

Common Misconception
Not all poor are Anawim; not all rich are excluded.

• The Aniyyim are the economically poor; the Anawim are those - rich or poor - whose hearts are lowly, contrite, and fully surrendered to God.

• The opposite of Anawim is not wealth - it is pride, arrogance, exploitation, and self‑sufficiency.

Biblical Portrait

• Moses is called very anaw (Numbers 12:3) - the humblest man on earth.

• The Psalms constantly affirm: “The Lord lifts up the Anawim” (Psalm 147:6; 37:11).

• Jesus identifies them directly: “Blessed are the poor in spirit… blessed are the meek” (Matthew 5:3,5) - the Anawim made visible.

2. Shalom: Far More Than “Peace”

Shalom comes from shaleim - “to be whole, complete, unbroken.” It is not merely the absence of war or conflict.

Full Biblical Definition
Shalom means total well‑being:

• Right relationship with God, self, others, and creation

• Justice, truth, healing, safety, and prosperity for all

• Harmony where every person is valued and no one is exploited

• The prophets declare: “Righteousness and peace kiss each other” (Psalm 85:10) - no justice = no true shalom.

False “Peace”

The prophets condemn those who cry “Peace, peace!” while injustice reigns - that is only a truce, not shalom.

3. The Deep Bond: Anawim Are the True Peacemakers

There is an unbreakable link: Anawim are the only ones who can bring true Shalom.

Why?

• Humility is the soil of peace: The proud demand their own way; the Anawim lay down power to seek what is good for others.

• They carry the same mercy they received: Because they know they are saved by grace, not worthiness, they do not judge harshly or retaliate.

• They refuse shortcuts: They will not accept “peace” built on lies, oppression, or silence. They speak truth gently and work for justice - even when it is difficult.

The Real Peacemaker

• Not passive: They do not ignore evil or let the vulnerable suffer.

• Not violent: They do not use force or hatred to win.

• Active and restorative: They work to mend broken relationships, correct wrongs, and rebuild wholeness - just as God did for them.

4. Reflection on the Assembly: Walking the Talk?

When we hold up these biblical truths against the recent 13th Quadrennial General Assembly held May 25–27, 2026, at the Madison Park Hotel in Tacloban City, we are confronted not only with irony but with a painful contradiction that calls for honest reflection.

First: The setting
To speak of “journeying with the Anawim” while gathering in such luxury is not merely ironic - it is shamefully disturbing. The Anawim know what it means to live simply, to be content with what is enough, and to prioritize the needs of the vulnerable over comfort and display. When resources meant for the whole church are spent on lavish accommodations, we turn our backs on the very ones we claim to walk with. We cannot claim to stand with the lowly while choosing the places of privilege.

Second: The exercise of power

The theme calls us to the way of Jesus, who came not to be served but to serve. Yet reports from the assembly raise grave concerns: the election of officers was described as brazenly manipulative, with only pre‑selected nominees expected to win. Even more alarming was the decision not to elect a Vice Chairperson simply because the candidate was absent. This is not the way of the Anawim - who value fairness, transparency, and the common good over control or pre‑determined outcomes. True leadership among God’s people is not about securing positions; it is about humility, accountability, and allowing the Spirit to move freely, not being bound by rigid or self‑serving arrangements.

Third: The silence on truth and transparency

Before the General Assembly, a Constitutional Convention was held May 21–23, 2026, at the same venue - yet no updates, no report, and no discussion of what transpired was shared with the delegates. Everything was kept hidden, shrouded in mystery. But Shalom cannot exist where truth is hidden. The Anawim are people of integrity; they do not operate in secrecy. When decisions that shape the life and future of the church are made behind closed doors and kept from those they are meant to serve, we create not wholeness, but division and distrust. As the prophets remind us: there is no true peace where there is no openness and honesty.

5. Conclusion: Returning to the Way of Jesus

Real Anawim are those who know they have nothing to boast of, trust God alone, and walk in humility and compassion - in how they gather, how they use resources, and how they exercise power.

Real Shalom is God’s wholeness - where truth, justice, and love prevail for everyone, even in the processes and decisions of the church.

Real Peacemakers are those who, having received grace freely, choose to live simply, lead with transparency, and serve with integrity - not just in words, but in every action.

“Walking with Jesus: Journeying with the Anawim” is not just a slogan. It is a call to examine ourselves: Are we choosing the way of the humble, or the way of privilege? Are we building up the church in truth, or operating in secrecy? May this theme not remain only in our declarations, but become the very pattern of our life together.

09/06/2026

A Theological and Institutional Commentary: Power, Legitimacy, and Faithfulness in the UCCP

Based on the framework and observations of Mr. William Adan

I. The 2026 Constitutional Convention: Truth Laid Bare

Mr. William Adan - veteran of the 1993 Constitutional Convention and two-term member of the National Commission on Discipline and Conflict Resolution - speaks not with idle opinion, but with the weight of institutional memory and firsthand witness. His post vis-a-vis the May 21–23, 2026 Convention in Tacloban was unflinching: clear, brilliant, and brutally honest, pulling back the curtain on what many have long feared but dared not name. What stands exposed is nothing short of a moral and spiritual rot festering beneath the church’s formal façade - a crisis so deep it threatens to consume the very soul of this body of believers.

The core issue is terrifyingly simple: When the structures of the church no longer serve the Gospel, but become tools to hoard power and enrich the few, that body ceases to be a witness to Christ and becomes something else entirely. Mr. Adan does not merely cite rules; he unveils a deliberate slide toward cold corporatism and oppressive centralization - acts so calculated and brazen that even the devil himself might pause, for such deceit wears the robes of faith while trampling upon its very heart.

II. The Legal and Theological Void: A Foundation Built on Fraud

The ongoing litigation between UCCP Crossroad Davao and the National Executive Council (NEC) has unearthed a fact so shocking it defies belief: the 1993 Constitution and Bylaws was never properly registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

This is no minor technicality - it is a direct, willful violation of a provision personally mandated by former Senator Jovy Salonga, then President of the 1993 Convention. The spiritual horror of this cannot be overstated:

• The church sought legal standing not to become a worldly enterprise, but to safeguard its sacred mission, its properties, and its freedom to serve God without corruption.

• By refusing to register its own foundational charter, the leadership deliberately undermined its own legitimacy. Worse still, it planted a seed of lawlessness: if the highest rules can be ignored, what principle remains sacred?

But the deception goes deeper still. As Mr. Adan reveals, the creation of the NEC was inserted surreptitiously into the text - no date, no record, no proof of approval by any lawful body. It simply appeared, like a counterfeit stamp on a holy document, granting unchecked authority to a tiny circle of leaders.

Consider the monstrosity of this structure: The General Assembly meets only once every four years; the National Council but once a year. In between, this unaccountable NEC wields nearly absolute power. While its actions are theoretically subject to review, the delay is so great that irreversible harm - financial ruin, stolen heritage, crushed congregations - can be done long before anyone notices. This is not governance; it is a masterclass in theft of authority. It treats the church not as the Body of Christ, but as a private estate to be ruled as one pleases.

III. Deadly Silence and a Pattern of Betrayal

If the 2026 Convention was meant to bring renewal, what followed was a chilling act of concealment. The NEC did not breathe a word of what transpired during the sessions when the entire General Assembly gathered just days later - May 25–27, 2026. This silence is not neutral; it is the silence of those who have something terrible to hide.

The questions raised by the UCCP Evangelical Fellowship are not mere curiosity - they are cries of alarm:

“What happened and what became of it? Is this another strategy and tactic of the NEC to ensure only a privileged few know what amendments they secretly crafted?”

This fear is rooted in a bitter history. It echoes the dark events of 2015 in Magugpo, Tagum City, where over 30 sweeping amendments were made to the Constitution - then proclaimed ratified - while deliberately bypassing the required two-thirds approval of 42 conferences. It was an act of breathtaking arrogance: treating the voice of God’s people as a nuisance to be avoided, not a sacred trust to be honored.

The pattern is sickeningly clear: Amendments are cooked up in secret, power is grabbed, rules are discarded, and information is locked away until control is absolute. It is a cycle so shameless that even the father of lies might look upon it and marvel at how thoroughly it has disguised itself as religion.

IV. Theological Reflection: When the Church Becomes a Den of Thieves

Mr. Adan names the two plagues eating away at the church: corporatism and unaccountable episcopacy - and their fruits are nothing short of abominable.

The Scandal of Corporatism

The church is not a business. It exists not to accumulate wealth, but to share the love of Christ. Yet today, the NEC operates like a ruthless corporate board: selling off sacred lands, entering into questionable business deals, disposing of the people’s inheritance without so much as a by-your-leave. It reduces the “household of God” (Ephesians 2:19) into a mere asset to be managed, traded, and exploited. It swaps the cross for a ledger, service for profit, and discipleship for domination.

These acts are not just illegal - they are spiritually void, born of darkness rather than light. To see leaders sworn to serve the poor instead hoarding control over resources meant for ministry is a sight so grievous it makes heaven weep. It is a betrayal so complete that even the devil, who deals in temptation, might find such cold, calculated greed almost too brazen to imitate.

The Tyranny of False Episcopacy

Equally alarming is the drift toward a cruel, unaccountable hierarchy that strips local churches of their God-given freedom. The UCCP was founded on the belief that all believers are priests, that the Spirit moves among all the faithful. Yet now, power is clamped tightly in the hands of a few, turning vibrant congregations into helpless subordinates. This is not the spiritual oversight taught in Scripture - it is ecclesiastical tyranny, a system designed to centralize control and disenfranchise the very people Christ died to set free.

V. The Urgent Question: What Have We Become?

The question that must haunt every conscience is stark and unavoidable:

“Is this Convention meant only to entrench the NEC and transform our Church into a business corporation ruled by a handful of powerful men? Is this the final step to turn our church into a fiefdom, robbing local congregations of their birthright and autonomy?”

This is not politics - it is a matter of salvation. The church exists to proclaim the Gospel, care for the needy, and be a light to the world. When it becomes a tool for self-gain, it ceases to be God’s instrument. The corruption is so deep, the methods so deceptive, that they stand as a perversion of everything holy - so twisted that even the devil, who knows darkness, might find such misuse of faith almost too shameless to devise.

Conclusion: A Prophetic Warning

Mr. Adan’s testimony is a clarion call. It exposes that the problems we face are not merely legal or administrative - they are spiritual. Unregistered charters, secret changes, ignored laws, and the steady erosion of the people’s voice are not just mistakes; they are acts that mock the very name of Christ. They are deeds so repulsive that they make the schemes of evil seem almost innocent by comparison, for they are committed in the name of the Lord.

The choice is clear: continue down this path of self-interest and corruption, or return to the way of Christ - who came not to be served, but to serve. The future of the UCCP hangs in the balance: will it remain the faithful, transparent, and united Body of Christ it was meant to be, or will it be remembered as a warning of how power can corrupt even the most sacred calling?

05/06/2026

THE MASTERS OF REFORM: How UCCP Leadership Outpaced Malacañang in "Modern Governance"

If there were an Olympic event for "Institutional Engineering and Financial Invisibility," let me tell you who would be taking home the gold medal right now: The UCCP Council of Bishops (COB) and the National Executive Council (NEC).

While our national government is currently embroiled in a loud, messy, and highly publicized debate over Charter Change - arguing whether to amend the Constitution through a Constitutional Convention or a Constituent Assembly, fighting over elections vs. appointments, and bickering before the Supreme Court - it appears they are simply amateurs compared to the seasoned tacticians within our beloved Church.

The UCCP National Leadership has already done what the government can only dream of doing.

Lesson One: "Charter Change" Without the Fuss

The administration and its allies are struggling mightily to change the rules of the game. They want to shift powers, change how leaders are chosen, and consolidate control - but they still have to deal with pesky things like debates, votes, and public scrutiny. They are trying to do it by appointment, but they are getting pushback from people demanding elections.

Compare this to the COB and NEC:

While the government is still arguing about "People’s Initiative" or "Congressional Vote," our national church leaders have quietly, efficiently, and effectively revolutionized their own system. They have successfully transitioned the selection of key leaders and decision-makers away from the Conference in Session - where duly elected delegates representing the people have the final say - and moved it into the comfort and privacy of appointive powers.

Who needs the tediousness of elections and majority votes when you can simply appoint the people who will agree with you?

Brilliant! Why wait for the voice of the delegates when you can streamline the process by handpicking those who will steer the ship exactly where you want it to go? The government is just talking about bypassing the electoral process; the UCCP leadership mastered and operationalized it on May 21–27, 2026 at Madison Park Hotel, Tacloban City. They are years ahead in the art of consolidating power away from the floor and into the boardroom. Truly, a masterclass in "efficient governance."

INTERLUDE: The Master Class of Captivity

(Infiltration is too mild a word)

If controlling the rules is impressive, the ideological capture is nothing short of genius. Let us be blunt: "Infiltration" is an understatement. What has happened within the highest echelons of the UCCP is total, absolute captivity to the ideology and strategy of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

It is no longer a matter of a few sympathizers; it is a system where the leadership has fully embraced, accommodated, and platformed the very personalities and agenda of this group, treating them as honored guests and primary educators of our youth and leaders.

Exhibit A: The Curious Case of Teddy Casiño at CYF-NESCON

Ask any concerned member: Why is Teddy Casiño - a known figure identified with the leftist movement and NOT even a member of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines - given the platform as the main Resource Speaker for the CYF-NESCON?

Think about it. We have thousands of pastors, educators, theologians, and lay leaders within our own fellowship who know our doctrines, our history, and our mission. Yet, the organizers deliberately chose an outsider representing a specific political ideology to shape the minds of our young people.

Is this an accident? A mere coincidence? Or a pattern?

Exhibit B: The Satur Ocampo Replica in Baguio

Let us recall the General Assembly in Baguio. Did we not witness the exact same script? Satur Ocampo, another prominent figure associated with the same movement, was invited as a distinguished resource speaker.

This is not a coincidence. This is a curriculum.

They say history repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce. But here, it is a deliberate replication of strategy. From Baguio to the latest CYF gathering, the message is consistent: The National Leadership does not just tolerate the CPP-NPA-NDF perspective; they elevate it, legitimize it, and present it as the preferred way of thinking for the next generation of UCCP leaders.

We have moved from "engagement" to indoctrination, and the leadership is the facilitator-in-chief.

Lesson Two: The Art of the "Ghost" Transaction

But if their version of Charter Change and ideological engineering is impressive, their handling of assets and finances is nothing short of miraculous.

We talk about the government’s "Ghost Flood Control Projects" and "Missing Funds," but again, they are copycats. The true pioneers are right here, managing the vast institutional and mission properties of the Church - lands and buildings entrusted by the sacrifices of our forebears and the contributions of the faithful.

Enter the mysterious world of Joint Venture Agreements (JVAs).

These are agreements supposedly made to develop our properties, to generate income for mission, for ministry, and for the future of the Church. On paper, they look wonderful. But ask any delegate, any local pastor, or any member: "Where are they? What are the terms? How much money came in? Where did it go?"

You will be met with silence. Or better yet, you will be told: "These are confidential," or "The details are being finalized," or my personal favorite: "It is under legal review and cannot be disclosed."

These are the Ghost Projects of the Church.

Just like the government’s "ghost projects" that exist on paper but have no actual physical output or public accounting, we have Ghost JVAs. Properties are reportedly leased, sold, or developed - but the financial transactions are hidden, buried, or guarded more tightly than state secrets.

They have perfected the formula:

"We will decide (by appointment, not election). We will transact (in secret, not in the light). We will report… well, we simply won’t report."

While the Senate is fighting to uncover the truth behind government corruption, inside the UCCP, the truth regarding millions (perhaps billions) of pesos in transactions regarding God’s properties is safely tucked away, accessible only to a select few. No investigative committee can touch it, no subpoena can reach it, and no member has the power to demand it - because the rules have already been changed to make sure accountability is optional and transparency is considered a nuisance.

Conclusion: The Real Experts

So, let us give credit where credit is due.

When it comes to changing the fundamental rules of leadership to favor those in power, capturing the institution’s ideology and education system, and managing resources in such a way that the money moves but the paper trail disappears - the National Leadership of the UCCP is lightyears ahead of the present administration.

The government is still learning how to hide things and influence minds; our church leaders have turned it into a spiritual discipline.

Perhaps Malacañang should send delegates to the next National Executive Council meeting or Youth Assembly. They might just learn:

1. How to amend their constitution without asking anyone.

2. How to invite ideological allies to teach the youth without anyone complaining.

3. How to manage billions in assets without ever having to explain where the money went.

Truly, a shining example - if only in the art of control, concealment, and conquest.

Katawhan, Simbahan ug Kagamhanan - Kasimbahanan

19/06/2026

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