Angel Manalo alleges 'corruption' in Iglesia ni Cristo

Construction of Philippine Arena questioned

MANILA, Philippines - Angel Manalo, brother of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) executive minister Eduardo Manalo, expressed his disappointment early Friday over the alleged rampant corruption in the religious organization.

"Napakaraming anomalya, napakaraming tiwali na ginagawa ngayon sa Iglesia. 'Yun po ang ayaw namin," Manalo said in an interview with radio dzMM.

Angel and his mother Tenny earlier released a video calling for help and claiming that their lives were in danger. They also claimed that some of the religious group's ministers are missing.

The INC on Thursday denied the claims of Angel and Tenny and accused them of trying to gain sympathy to be able to get back in power.

READ: Iglesia ni Cristo expels leader's mother, brother

"Pinagbabantaan po kami. Iyun pong Sanggunian. Sinasabi lumalaban kami sa pamamahala," Angel said.

Angel cited the construction of the Philippine Arena in Bulacan as product of the alleged corruption in the INC. He argued that church funds should be spent on building churches.

"Nauubos na ang abuloy ng Iglesia sa kung anu-anong hindi naman kailangan," Angel explained.

On the other hand, Angel denied being held hostage inside the Manalo home in Quezon City but admitted his fear for the fate of a few missing ministers.

READ: QCPD says no hostage taking in Manalo home

Angel called on the members of the religious organization to take a stand against the current leadership and hold a vigil outside the family's residence.

"Hindi po kami papayag na lapastanganin po ang doktrina ng Iglesia ni Cristo," Angel stressed.

Meanwhile, INC spokesman Edwin Zabala denied Angel's allegations on behalf of the current church leadership.

"Kahit hindi siya kapatid sa laman, masasaktan ang isang kaanib kung may paratang na ganyan. Wala po kaming ginagawang masama," Zabala said.

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