IN the face of allegations that they held former Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) minister Lowell Menorca II against his will, INC legal counsel Atty. Patricia-Ann Prodigalidad said on Monday that INC officials were praying for the “enlightenment” of their former colleague, and were more concerned with the possible “exploitation of the issue” than the cases that Menorca had threatened to file against them.
“The officials of the INC are servants of their church, and their primary concern is the welfare of their members, and this extends even to those who were once part of their flock. That is why even in the face of these allegations, they continue to pray for Mr. Menorca and his family,” said Prodigalidad.
The lawyer reiterated that the INC leadership would address the allegations in the proper venue and would cooperate with authorities as they are confident that they could prove their innocence if they are treated fairly. She also stated that she and the INC trust that the “courts will act judiciously, decide consistent with jurisprudence and obey the rule of law.”
Prodigalidad said that INC officials were, however, concerned with the timing of the accusations.
“With the elections just six months away, they cannot help but worry that there may be personalities that may politicize this issue given the media coverage it has attracted,” according to Prodigalidad.
“All they ask for is a fair shake, that this case be treated just like any other case,” stressed Prodigalidad. “They also pray that they will be extended the same rights as those enjoyed by us all, especially the presumption of innocence.” Prodigalidad added that
“the allegations are false, and we will prove them to be false”. She said, however, that these issues are now sub judice.
