THE Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation released a statement Thursday denying allegations that its founder, Fr. Flavie Villanueva, received money connected to the alleged flood control scam.
At the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on June 4, 18 individuals identifying themselves as former Marines alleged that the priest received an envelope containing money at a church named Society of the Divine Word near Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City.
Villanueva, a vocal critic of alleged extrajudicial killings connected to former president Rodrigo Duterte’s drug war, has reportedly received repeated attacks on his ministry.
“The allegation involving the supposed delivery of a suitcase at ‘33 Clemente’ is unsupported by any evidence and is nothing more than a fabricated accusation,” the statement read.
Bishop of Cubao Elias Ayuban Jr. also came to Villanueva’s defense, saying no such church exists within the vicinity of Mindanao Avenue.
“Within the Diocese of Cubao, the Society of the Divine Word premises are present only in the Sacred Heart Parish-Shrine in Kamuning, the Sto. Niño de Violago Quasi-Parish, and the Divine Word Shrine along E. Rodriguez Avenue,” Ayuban said.
The foundation condemned the public airing of accusations which, it said, lack credible evidence and are contradicted by verifiable facts.
“They are malicious, defamatory, and a grave injustice against a priest who has devoted his life to serving the poor, accompanying EJK victims and their families, and defending the dignity of those whose voices are often unheard,” it added.
The Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation said that legal action has been initiated to hold accountable those who have chosen to bear false witness.
Villanueva, it added, remains undeterred in his mission to serve the poor and stand with victims of violence.
Established in 2015, the Arnold Janssen Kalinga Foundation is known for its work with marginalized communities, including providing support to families affected by Duterte’s war on drugs.
