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This article was sent to us by ASIAholiday@cs.com


Dear Madam and Sir,

Your Philippine Site is very interesting. But you should also mention, that there are "very special" and extremely dubious representatives of the Philippines in Germany. For example, we attach an article that was published last weekend ( October 28, 2000) in our regional newspaper.


Public prosecutor, Internal Revenue Services and the authorities for foreigners are investigating the Philippine church Iglesia ni Cristo in Okarben: Migration camp for illegals? It is part of a very questionable and so far only tolerated "enrichment" of the Karbener city district of Okarben: a former factory building in the Grossgasse 2 a, on top of which is says in bold letters "Church of Christ" since December 1995. Until now the neighbors cannot get accustomed to this rather strange place, in which there are gatherings held twice a week. According to a statement by the church administration, one goes to great length to establish "enlightening and contact with the public." Consequently, every Thursday and Sunday several hundred Filipinos are gathering at this place. And cause a traffic chaos and explicit noise. Especially during Sunday's siesta hours and during the evening hours on a Thursday. The police, called by unnerved neighbors are regular visitors at the church, that calls itself also "Iglesia ni Cristo." A really dubious way of publicity work.

Meanwhile, this opinion is also shared by the 'Offene Kanal' ('Open Channel') in Offenbach. This regional TV-broadcasting station has been abused by Iglesia ni Cristo for quite some time now as free of charge advertising platform and consequently contributed its special share in the spreading of this misleading believers cult. "But that is just one of the more harmless incidents", one of the immediate neighbors reports. Behind the scenes of this alleged church much more severe things take place. The whole thing is nothing else but an migration camp for illegal Asians. It wouldn't surprise me if some of the Abu Sayaf criminals took cover there."

The illegals of the "Church of Christ". That may be somewhat exaggerated. Anyhow the respective suspicions get credit through various facts. And one of the rightful question is, why city authorities, internal revenue services and public prosecutor didn't get involved earlier? A witness explains: "I visited Iglesia ni Cristo as guest in May. I ascertained rather fast that this is more of a sect than church. Through a Jürgen Heuberger with address in Offenbach I was informed that illegal Filipinos are accommodated there. At that opportunity Mr. Heuberger even accused another member to have filed a report with the police concerning these illegals at the church. The joke is, that these accusations proved to be a lie. There was never a report filed with the police. The accused didn't even know anything of these illegals. In any case Mr. Heuberger triggered an avalanche, that for the first time comes close to a confession."

As it turned out so far, the witness was wrong in one aspect: the illegal Filipinos where not accommodated at the Okarberner church property, but at the Kreuznacher Strasse / Frankfurt and at the Domstrasse / Offenbach. Without the knowledge of the respective landlords. These addresses were leased apartments, at which the church minister had resided at times. During the "80's" Iglesia ni Cristo took residence in Frankfurt, where in 1986 the registration as an association was undertaken. And right here a man enters the limelight, that plays an extremely dubious role in this Philippine "church" and at closer scrutiny acts not driven by religious motives but rather fulfills his criminal energy. His name is Rizalino Generao and he is employed with the Okarbener sect as the chief deacon. German members describe him as follows: sun-tanned, half-bald Filipino, with residence and working address in Offenbach, always accurately dressed in a suit with tie and equipped with a handy, a sympathetic appearance, a mood like a rattle snake and throughout known for his abuse of power in the name of his church position. With reference to his surname, he loves to be called the "general."

The Frankfurt apartment was leased in Generao's name. Consequently the question arises: why not in the name of the church minister that lived there and who is orderly registered in Germany? After the residence of the association was moved to Offenbach, the same game was repeated. The apartment in the Domstrasse was leased by R. Generao, but the minister lived there. In December 1995 the move to Okarben took place. But in both cases the apartments in Frankfurt and Offenbach were not terminated after the move of the minister. Their successors were always Filipinos, that lived illegally in Germany.

It was all so simple and lucrative: the illegals never faced the problem to look for accommodation and to show proper papers to the landlords. They simply moved in and paid lots of money for the sub-let by the chief deacon. Alone in Frankfurt this lasted for seven years. How much more rental he collected, in contrast to what he himself had to pay can only be assumed. The question, whether this was untaxed income will now be clarified by the internal revenue services. Not without reason, Rizalino Generao is well known with these authorities, because of other tax evasion offences.

And the one that wants to be a clever chief deacon knows of course some more tricks "in the name of churchly brotherhood" to exploit those proteges without residence permits. Of course this comes without danger or risk, as those illegals cannot ask for any jurisdictional help. Sooner or later he announced that it was time to legalize these illegal residencies. He, chief deacon Generao, wanted to talk to his lawyer to obtain the right of residency for all involved.

At that stage he unscrupulously played with the misery and hope of these depending countrymen. Of course they had no idea, that by reason of their illegal extended Germany visit they all had committed a criminal act and had lost their right to apply for residency.

Naturally an attorney's advice costs some money. At minimum DM 200,-- per person. And of course they all paid and that despite the hardship and the fact that none of them had regular income resources. Naturally, as could be expected, all Filipinos in favour of a permanent stay never saw an attorney, a respective application form, never mind a court decision. Of course none saw receipts for the executed payments. Consequently chief deacon Rizaliono Generao had cashed in on a remarkable side income. Did he declare them with the tax authorities?? And what about the illegals? Well sooner or later they simply returned to the homeland. Or they simply staid on in Germany. Needless to say there are enough means and ways to cheat the authorities. A favorite example is the so-called NATO chop, that also runs under the name of "Sofa Chop", and is given out by the American Army. This document entitles Philippine personnel of US Army personnel to stay in Germany. Naturally only until the American employer returns to the US. Of course it works differently with these manipulated chops: the US Army doesn't know anything of their existence and the illegals surreptitiously obtained a residence permit.

Iglesia ni Cristo covers these criminal acts of its chief deacon. The subject of taxes and fraud seem to be a fully accepted part of Rizalino Generao's life. Please imagine, this is a church honorary, who shamelessly covers his own wrong doings by turning facts in to the opposite and tries to rise his completely detached awareness of wrong doings to a normal level. And if these criminal offences repeat themselves, the eyes of the Karbener church administration do not see that as evidence of irredeemable sins. Instead they sanctimoniously declare, that this is "merely" a subject, which has been discussed before and that it would be unnecessary to discuss it again, since the blasphemer was familiar with the charges brought in front of him. Even Generao's worst offenses including criminal charges are minimized and are buried under the carpet, while showing an ice cold arrogance.

Those who get in contact with the mighty of this sect board soon develop the suspicion, that these are humans from a different planet. Worldly - never mind - the German laws and rules do not apply to them. Since long sincerity and credibility of Iglesia ni Cristo have been replaced by 'espirit de corps', strict unity towards the outside and justification of even the worst personal wrong doings, as long as the most ridiculous lies cover it. Fellow-believers are cheated by document fraud. Consequently it doesn't come as a surprise that a chief deacon of the Philippine sect is permitted to cheat and steel from his fellow-believers for the purpose of personal greed. Consequently the following example doesn't surprise, where the well functioning strategy is applied again to cheat a sect member without legitimate papers and who because of his illegal status loses his rights to file criminal charges. And since we are talking about dubious things, nobody will be surprised to learn that our old friend Rizalino Generao has his dirty fingers in the scam.

There is a Philippine deacon with the name Amari *. He possesses the NATO chop, that he considers at best a necessary evil, but doesn't give him much confidence. These false paper might be good during a general police control. During a jurisdictional process this could trigger an unwanted boomerang effect. Consequently Amari changes his domicile quite frequently. Of course he temporarily found shelter in the quarters, that were leased by R. Generao in Frankfurt and Offenbach. And as known, church members without valid papers are the most treasured booty of our chief deacon.

What does a Filipino, although illegally in Germany do, who is clever and creates through independent undertakings a remarkable turnover? First he realizes that a publicity effective long-termed presence will not stay a secret for long. That it is advisable, at a certain turnover size not to disregard the tax authorities. You always have to take into account that a client could develop the ingenious idea, to list the payments he made to Amari as being tax deductable.

By reason of above mentioned points Amari and R. Generao established a partnership entity. Amari is in charge to build enterprises, is in charge of client contact and organizes everything that is necessary for an economic existence. In return chief deacon Generao out of brotherly love for one's fellow-men, provides his name, similar to the cases of the flats in Frankfurt and Offenback. Consequently he charges a remarkable fee. As mentioned before all businesses were correctly registered with the authorities. Under the name of Rizalino Generao. After some time, the tax authority's request arrived, to be so kind to pay some taxes in between. If somewhat possible, for all the previous years. And it doesn't surprise that the accumulated figure resulted in several thousand Marks. Deacon Amari handed over the demanded amount to his 'supposed-to-be" partner, for purposes of tax payments.

But what can you expect of a greedy chief deacon, if the temptations proves to be too tempting? And he always found himself facing money problems. One day, without giving it a further thought Generao did not send the money that was entrusted to him to the tax authority. What according to his understanding was logic. Evidently the fulfillment of Philippine dreams cost a lot of money. And a Mercedes 190E is understandably the least, a respected chief deacon has to represent in.

With this fraud offense the principal problem was, that R. Generao obviously didn't thing further as to the test drive. Otherwise it would have dawned on him, that the tax authorities certainly wouldn't let the case rest with a failure in payment. Consequently it didn't take long before the first reminder arrived at the chief deacon's place and which he then orderly passed on to Amari. Obviously said person was understandably rather surprised receiving this additional payment demand. Generao had a plausible explanation ready: the tax authorities had made a mistake in the first payment request and consequently demanded an additional payment now.

Amari, who knew of the dubious reputation of his "partner" got suspicious and demanded evidence for the executed payments, so far. That induced Generao to extend his fraud scenario. He simply falsified the most recent remittance receipt by using a manipulated chop of his employer. The amount mentioned on the receipt was exactly the amount Generao had kept for himself. Thereafter he passed on all documents to Amari - the copies of the actual executed payments so far and the copy of the falsified receipt.

However Amari's suspicion wasn't over yet. He went to Generao's house bank, the 'Städtische Sparkasse' in Offenbach and executed a sample remittance to an account of one of his friends. The Sparkasse receipt enabled Amari, to proof the fraud of Generao's executed falsification. However that didn't help him. The assumption of the Karbener chief deacon proofed completely right again: Amari who lived illegally in Germany was lacking any jurisdictional chance to file charges against this impostor.

"Church of Christ" breaks German laws. As incredible as that might appear, but any legal steps to recover the stolen money would have not been possible even with legal papers. Among members of this Philippine sect, it is strictly prohibited to call on any worldly authority. Those who violate this absurd rule lose their membership. A very severe punishment for those who virtually grew up with this fraudulent religious sect and who were brain washed over decades and made to believe that a life without Iglesia ni Cristo has no meaning.

This alarming sect rule means nothing else but the undermining and disregard of German law! This is a clear case for the public prosecutor. What the "Church of Christ" practise here falls evidently under the criminal offense of avoiding prosecution of fraud.

Who dares to file charges and consequently puts German Law above sect rules has to fear the worst. A discharge from the sect membership comes in hand with public exposure and ridicule. But that is not all. A further rule of Iglesia ni Cristo says, that a church member cannot be married to a non-member. Since the other marriage partner is still a member, the consequences will be a forced divorce and the destruction of the entire family. This act of personal annihilation shows even more perversion, when one imagines that any divorce especially in the homeland of the Filipinos is strictly prohibited. - Even this additional aspect is a case for the public prosecutor: massive violation of human rights.

Instead of allowing members to pursue a law case against an act of crime, the sect tries to mediate all sorts of cases of dispute internally. In case of the involvement of criminal chief deacons who only look after their personal greed, the result can never be satisfactory. In the Amari / Generao case the "church tribunal" ended in a way, that the criminal has not been convicted until now and the victim has never recovered his money.

All decisions ruled upon in this context by the church administration are referring to numerous rules, that have to be followed in the name of a misguided God Belief. It is for example permitted to reach atonement of one's sins through praying - in order to violate anew all rules of morale, humanity, uprightness and law. This dangerous philosophy can be compared to the Asian Yakuza-methods..... and are almost hand-picked for a chief deacon like Rizalino Generao. - Amari had to pay the tax amount twice.

In the light of such unbelievable incidents it almost appears unimportant that Generao had to face court in Offenbach in October. He was summoned because of defamation and false statements made by him against another sect member. This scenario was triggered by the unsuccessful attempt to settle a dispute case "internally". Again, the infamous chief deacon successfully played all the cards of his dubious competence and defamed an innocent member without reason. Realistically that is the result if a member faithfully turns towards his "church". Rizalino Generao: Document forger, tax evader, ...and owner of Iglesia ni Cristo. If the "Church of Christ" in Okarben would possess any credibility, it would have taken the necessary steps to discharge a criminal chief deacon like Rizalino Generao or would at least have degraded him. In the way the sect shows off their own rules and behavior codex, one should expect, that they themselves obey to it.

But the persons that cultivate insincerity and ever new law violations as absolute normal means of existence don't seem to be in the position to recognize the permanent violations of a Mister Generao as a betrayal of the entire church belief and all god-abiding religions. Instead, this Mafia-like ensuring of power in the entire church administration renders the permanently celebrated commandments as obsolete and empty talk.

Furthermore there is another reason why this controversial chief deacon of the Iglesia ni Cristo has all freedom at hand and why, despite his numerous criminal charges, they cannot call him to account . The answer to this question is provided by the city council of Karben. As owner of the Philippine "Church of Christ' the address at Starkenburgring 18 in Offenbach appears. And that is the address of Rizalino Generao.

As unbelievable as it may sound, but: the male nurse at the Städtischen Kliniken Offenbach and recipient of diversified, untaxed side income is according to the registration also the owner of Iglesia ni Cristo. A shame for all that calls itself Christian! That this is a complete fraud - with whatever intention - may only be mentioned on the sideline. The residence of Iglesia ni Cristo is not Offenbach, but only Karben.

A case for the internal revenue services. Nobody will be surprised that the registered association "Iglesia ni Cristo" doesn't see itself as a sect, but puts special emphasis to show churchly seriosity? The question may be asked, why the rules and methods of this "church" are so sect-typical in the disregard for humanity, extortionate and simply in violation of all and any laws?

For example, Iglesia ni Cristo advertises with the fact that they demand no church fees. Only a collection-bag wanders through the rows at the end of each church session and shows little amounts, since every visitor decides for himself how much to give. Apparently there are no financial expenses as is with the catholic or protestant church ( which at least you can avoid by terminating your membership)

But expectedly the truth looks completely different. In fact there are three kinds of "voluntary" membership fees:

1. Donation into the collection-bag. Use: for general missionary work. Included is the membership magazine "Pasugo", which is produced in the USA. Despite the donations this magazine is sold at Iglesia ni Cristo for DM 5,--. Two questions arise: how can you justify this commercial sale with the internal policy, that there are no fees? Where do these taxable amounts go? No receipts are issued for donations or the sale of this sect magazine. Moreover the value added tax that is applicable here by law is disregarded. In this case the "purchase object Pasugo" doesn't even qualify as a covered donation.

Under missionary work the very seldom done bible readings are listed, where visitors are invited. Although members have already donated they have to bring everything for these and similar events that is required for such gatherings : Food, cutlery, equipment for coffee-making (of course coffee as well), washing solvent, etc. This individual efforts mean in terms of tax aspects a clear monetary advantage for Iglesia ni Cristo. Are these aspects perhaps mentioned in the tax declaration?

2. Donations for the so-called "Local Fund", which are deposited in a closed wooden box. Use: Expenses for maintenance of the church building, rentals for other rooms, travelling and other expenses. The more then 200 members are expected to provide financial and other support. For example the offering of materials or any thinkable private working input, quite often the use of private cars, etc. and that despite the already deposited donations and of course there are no receipts. Likewise in this case Iglesia ni Cristo obtains a taxable, financial advantage here.

3. Thank you donations in the accounting office. No receipts are issued. Filipino wives often stroll into the deacon's office after the prayers, where a "special donation" is deposited. As a matter of fact DM 20,-- and more is expected. Very peculiar seems the fact that - wife and church administration likewise - watch carefully that all German husbands are excluded during this act and wishfully don't even notice anything about it. Unnecessary to emphasis that no receipt is issued at this occasion either.

According to church rules, this thank you donations should take place only once a year, fact is however that they are frequently scheduled over the year. This is like an interest-free loan. If in case a members is expelled from the church in the meantime, the loan is gone. In advance paid money is kept. How high the untaxed amounts rise annually, that go abroad can not even been imagined.

Even here nothing slips through the hands of our 'nice' Mr. Rizalino Generao. What a surprise, but he is also the financial officer in charge and accounts for all the donations, controls them, assign them, registers them or may be not?

The association that wants to be a church! In this connection it may be of interest to look behind the scenes. In the Philippines Iglesia ni Cristo is registered as an business entity. In Germany as a registered association. The recognition as a church was strictly denied. Consequently, that means: a church with the name of "Iglesia ni Cristo" does not exist in Germany.

It seems to be peculiar that many members don't even know that they 'landed' in an association, when they attend the prayer in their "church." They are not even aware, that they are not a church member. Because,...where there is no church, can also be no church member. But may be they are at least association members? And consequently the meant-to-be church donations are nothing else but association fees?

Questionable however is that all the necessary association articles required by law are not fulfilled. There are no regular association meetings, no new elections of the board are held , no finalized association articles exist, verbal or written invitations are never issued and no official elections are held. The board, that consists of some loyalist, are not approved by the more then 200 members, but by the head office in Manila. The answer to the question, who is the first chairman of the association seems to be unnecessary. OF COURSE CHIEF DEACON RIZALINO GENERAO!!!!!


Threats

On November 05, the sender of this article received the following threat (most probably from somebody mentally deranged!!!).....

nice

November 05 2000 at 1:42 PM

No score for this post Papi

Nice article, obviuosly motivated to destroy the church! I hope the writer is still alive during this time!

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