KAPA investors seek SC relief vs closure order

MANILA, Philippines — A group of investors in Kapa Community Ministry International Inc. (KAPA) has sought relief from the Supreme Court (SC) against the government’s crackdown on the religious organization, including the closure of its offices.

In a 20-page petition filed on June 21, Rhema International Livelihood Foundation Inc. sought the issuance of a status quo ante order on the order of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revoking KAPA’s registration as a non-stock corporation.

Rhema, which described itself as a KAPA “donor,” also asked the high tribunal to allow the organization to resume its religious activities.

Represented by Manuelito Traya and Roberto Apduhan, the group sought compensation amounting to P3 billion from President Duterte and SEC Chairman Emilio Aquino for ”destroying” its investment program Cirfund.

Rhema said its constitutional right to due process was violated when the government “railroaded the process of law... when it is supposed to be in a full-blown trial.”

It accused the SEC of committing grave abuse of discretion when it issued an advisory on May 31 that tagged Rhema as among the “unregistered investment entities.”

Rhema said it is a licensed foundation accredited by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and local government units in Metro Manila and Rizal.

“Petitioners are members of Rhema Foundation or Cirfund (and) were able to donate to KAPA ministry being a religious organization because we believe in the word of God, that Our God Jehovah will bless us and that He will open the windows of heaven to pour out blessings until there is no room for it. We believe that the more we give, the more we are blessed,” read the petition.

Last week, the SEC filed charges for  violation of Republic Act 8799 or the Securities Regulation Code against KAPA founder and president Joel Apolinario, trustee Margie Danao, corporate secretary Reyna Apolinario and officers Marisol Diaz, Adelfa Fernandico, Moises Mopia, Catherine Evangelista and Rene Catubigan.

The SEC said its investigation showed that KAPA officers enticed the public to “donate” at least P10,000 in exchange for a 30 percent monthly “blessing” or “love gift” for life.

The investment scheme involved the sale and offering for sale or distribution to the public of securities in the form of investment contracts.

Aquino said KAPA ”amassed wealth through an investment scam in the guise of religion and at the expense of the investing public.”