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'''Eliseo Fernando Soriano''' (born April 4, 1947), a controversial [[Philippines|Filipino]] [[televangelist]], is the presiding minister of the [[Philippines]]-based [[Members Church of God International]]. He is known as Bro. Eli in the Congregation he leads, and through his radio and television program [[Ang Dating Daan]] (The Old Path).
'''Eliseo Fernando Soriano''' (born April 4, 1947), an [[Eliseo_Soriano#Rape_case|international fugitive]] and a controversial [[Philippines|Filipino]] [[televangelist]], is the presiding minister of the [[Philippines]]-based [[Members Church of God International]]. He is known as Bro. Eli in the Congregation he leads, and through his radio and television program [[Ang Dating Daan]] (The Old Path).


Soriano is known for criticizing various other religious groups for doctrines and practices he considers to be against his personal understanding of the [[Bible]]. Soriano and his followers believe him to be the ''Pantas'' (Wise man) according to Daniel 12:9-10 who would understand the Bible in the last days. This is exhibited in his program "Itanong mo kay Soriano (Ask Soriano)" where he claims to be able to answer any question using the Bible.
Soriano is known for criticizing various other religious groups for doctrines and practices he considers to be against his personal understanding of the [[Bible]]. Soriano and his followers believe him to be the ''Pantas'' (Wise man) according to Daniel 12:9-10 who would understand the Bible in the last days. This is exhibited in his program "Itanong mo kay Soriano (Ask Soriano)" where he claims to be able to answer any question using the Bible.
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===Rape case===
===Rape case===
* In the November 10, 2005 issue of [[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] internet edition, it was reported Eliseo Soriano was put on the Bureau of Immigration watchlist. The order was made by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales on the request of the Pampanga Prosecutor's Office.<ref>{{cite news|url=inquirer.net|title=Gonzalez orders: Put evangelist Soriano on watchlist|last=Torres|first=Tetch|date=November 10, 2005|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|accessdate=2009-03-09}}</ref>
* In the November 10, 2005 issue of [[Philippine Daily Inquirer]] internet edition, it was reported Eliseo Soriano was put on the Bureau of Immigration watchlist. The order was made by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales on the request of the Pampanga Prosecutor's Office.<ref>{{cite news|url=inquirer.net|title=Gonzalez orders: Put evangelist Soriano on watchlist|last=Torres|first=Tetch|date=November 10, 2005|publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer|accessdate=2009-03-09}}</ref>

* On October 5, 2005, Otto Macabulos, Asst. Provincial Prosecutor addressed an information to Jesus Manarang, Provincial Prosecutor, Province of Pampanga, that Mr. Soriano is presently facing two counts of rape (no bail recommended) that he filed pending preliminary investigation with the Prosecutor’s office in San Fernando. The information said Veridiano claimed that he was sexually abused on May 17, 2000 at around 1:30 in the afternoon and on June 8, 2001 around 3:00 in the afternoon. The information further said it was physically impossible for the accused suspect (Soriano) to carry out the alleged crimes as there are documents for him of his whereabouts. The hard evidences given for the rape charge (Ra 8353), page 5 Resolution said: 1) On May 17, 2000 at around 1:30 in the afternoon, Soriano went to the Biological Health Center in Malate, Manila to undergo chelation therapy. It took him about 3 hours and on the basis of records, the respondent was treated at the clinic. After the chelation therapy, he went directly to Lipa city, Batangas for a Bible Exposition which started at 7pm to 11pm. Soriano never left the stage all throughout the event. Both Dr. Jean Marzan and Dr. Frederick D. Franciso of the Biological Center attested that on such date and at that time, and on the basis of their records, the respondent was treated at the clinic. The information further said that on June 8, 2001, that Veridiano said he was raped for the second instance at about 3 o’clock in the afternoon, Soriano together with Rico Fernandez at 11:30 in the morning went to the Office of one Ma. Evangeline Veliora in a bank located in Bambang, Manila. They then proceeded to meet a certain Aida Briones, an accountant recommended by Veloira as regards the loan they were applying for. Fernandez, Veliora, and Briones each had written an affidavit to affirm that Soriano was with them that day. These affidavits were notarized by Bernardo Cuaresma on October 21, 2005. The missing document dismissing the case The rape case was dismissed on January 26, 2006 penned by Alexandro Lopez, Assistant Provincial Prosecutor of Region III, San Fernando, Pampanga as approved by Jesus Y. Manarang, the Provincial Prosecutor. In part, the document says: “The foregoing facts, together with the rift going on between the INC and the ADD, which we cannot deny, only show that the complainant was indisputably ill-motivated from the inception, and these necessarily, without any scintilla of doubt, substantially affect, if not lessen, his credibility as an unperjured affiant. Wherefore, premises having been considered, the undersigned recommends the DISMISSAL, as he hereby DISMISSES, the complaint for rape filed by Daniel Veridiano against Eliseo Soriano docketed herein as I.S. N0. 05-I-2459 and 2460.” <ref>http://www.scribd.com/doc/16812083/Profile-of-the-raped-man-for-whom-Interpol-would-mobilize</ref>

* Raul Gonzalez, Secretary of Justice, on March 21, 2006, directed Regional State Prosecutor Jesus Simbulan to elevate the records of the rape case to his office. The letter said: “Department of Justice. Memorandum to RSP Jesus Simbulan, ORSP, Region III, Subject: Daniel Veridiano vs. Eliseo Soriano for Rape. Date: March 21, 2006. In the interest of justice, you are directed to elevate the records of above-captioned case to my office. For immediate compliance. Raul Gonzalez. Secretary.” In the transmittal letter of the investigating prosecutor Jesus Manarang who first handled the case, he clearly stated that the records contained all 214 pages, including the resolution rendered by him which dismissed the case. However, when Soriano’s group requested for the copy of the case from the Department of Justice, it claimed that no such dismissal resolution was part of the case. By that time, Prosecutor Jesus Manarang was replaced by Jesus Simbulan who was ordered by Gonzalez to elevate the records to Gonzalez’ office. No one petitioned for the case to be elevated as no resolution was not yet even filed in the Office of Gonzalez, yet the Secretary of Justice ordered the elevation which is highly irregular. Gonzalez then re-filed this dismissed case in Pampanga as reported by ABS-CBN Online on May 3, 2006. http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=37521 Missing Supreme Court Reports Annotated (SCRA) Members of Soriano’s group question the way Philippine justice is going: Why is the document dismissing the case missing?<ref>http://www.nowpublic.com/world/inquirer-now-party-harassment-ang-dating-daan-preacher</ref>


* In May 2006, Soriano was indicted on [[rape]] charges at the regional trial court of Macabebe, Pampanga, following a complaint filed by former [[Members Church of God International|MCGI]] assistant secretary general Daniel Veridiano that he was sexually assaulted in Apalit, Pampanga on two occasions. According to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer report in June 2008, Soriano allegedly abused his influence by directing Veridiano "to come into his room, massage him and have anal intercourse", an act that was against the consent of Veridiano.<ref name="Lopez">{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20080621-144027/Dating-Daans-Ely-Soriano-posts-bail|title=Dating Daan’s Ely Soriano posts bail |last=Lopez|first=Allison|date=2008-06-21|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer|publisher=The INQUIRER Company|accessdate=2008-08-17}}</ref> In his counter affidavit, Soriano described Veridiano's accusations as "fabricated, baseless and malicious" and said that Veridiano was simply retaliating for being expelled from Members Church of God International.
* In May 2006, Soriano was indicted on [[rape]] charges at the regional trial court of Macabebe, Pampanga, following a complaint filed by former [[Members Church of God International|MCGI]] assistant secretary general Daniel Veridiano that he was sexually assaulted in Apalit, Pampanga on two occasions. According to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer report in June 2008, Soriano allegedly abused his influence by directing Veridiano "to come into his room, massage him and have anal intercourse", an act that was against the consent of Veridiano.<ref name="Lopez">{{cite news|url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/metro/view/20080621-144027/Dating-Daans-Ely-Soriano-posts-bail|title=Dating Daan’s Ely Soriano posts bail |last=Lopez|first=Allison|date=2008-06-21|work=Philippine Daily Inquirer|publisher=The INQUIRER Company|accessdate=2008-08-17}}</ref> In his counter affidavit, Soriano described Veridiano's accusations as "fabricated, baseless and malicious" and said that Veridiano was simply retaliating for being expelled from Members Church of God International.

Revision as of 23:37, 9 October 2009

Eliseo F. Soriano
File:Eli soriano philweb-nov-2005.jpg
BornApril 4, 1947
Pasay City, Philippines
Other namesBrother Eli, Ingkong
EducationElementary
ChurchMembers Church of God International
Ordained1969[citation needed]
WritingsLeaving Behind the Fundamental Doctrines of Christ (1999)
Offices held
Minister
TitlePresiding Minister

Eliseo Fernando Soriano (born April 4, 1947), an international fugitive and a controversial Filipino televangelist, is the presiding minister of the Philippines-based Members Church of God International. He is known as Bro. Eli in the Congregation he leads, and through his radio and television program Ang Dating Daan (The Old Path).

Soriano is known for criticizing various other religious groups for doctrines and practices he considers to be against his personal understanding of the Bible. Soriano and his followers believe him to be the Pantas (Wise man) according to Daniel 12:9-10 who would understand the Bible in the last days. This is exhibited in his program "Itanong mo kay Soriano (Ask Soriano)" where he claims to be able to answer any question using the Bible.

Biography

Soriano was born to Triunfo Soriano and Catalina Fernando in Pasay City and is the seventh of eight children. He grew up in Pampanga. He started school at the age of eight.[1]

Soriano dropped out of high school three months before graduation allegedly to pursue studying the Bible. On April 7, 1964, three days after his 17th birthday, the young Eliseo was baptised in Seneguelasan, Bacoor, Cavite, and became an official member of the Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan (Church of God in Christ Jesus, Pillar and Support of the Truth in English) founded by excommunicated Iglesia ni Cristo minister Nicolas Perez where his parents were also members.[citation needed]

In 1969, Nicolas Perez, who was then the church’s presiding minister, bestowed upon Soriano the title minister making him the only minister in the Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Suhay ng Katotohanan at that time. Rumor then was circulating that Soriano would become the successor of Perez. After the death of Nicolas Perez however in 1975, Levita Gugulan was appointed as temporary Presiding General Secretary[2][unreliable source?] of the group. Soriano initially accepted the appointment of Gugulan but subsequently denounced her leadership stating that women should not be leaders of the church according to the Bible.[3] In 1976, Soriano and his allies were excommunicated by Gugulan. In 1977, Soriano registered a new group, called Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Saligan ng Katotohanan(Church of God in Christ Jesus, Pillar and Ground of Truth in English), which was later changed to Mga Kaanib sa Iglesia ng Dios kay Kristo Hesus, Haligi at Saligan ng Katotohanan sa Bansang Pilipinas, Inc. (Members Church of God in Christ Jesus, Pillar and Ground of Truth, Philippines, Inc. in English).[4]

Because of the similarity between the name used by Gugulan’s group and Soriano's group, the former filed a suit, which was resolved by the Supreme Court of the Philippines in 2001 in favor of Gugulan's group and Soriano's group was ordered to change their church's name.[5] Soriano's group complied and changed their church's name to Bayan ng Katotohanan (City of Truth Inc. in English) and later to Iglesia Ni YHWH at ni YHWSA HMSYH Inc.(Church of YHWH and YHWSA HMSYH Inc. in English). In 2004 Soriano's group changed their church's name for the fourth time to Members Church of God International.

Soriano started the Ang Dating Daan radio program in 1980, which became a television program in 1983.

Controversies

Media

  • In 2005, MTRCB banned Soriano's programs because of statements made by Soriano against the Iglesia ni Cristo, and the MTRCB. He was prohibited from uttering libellous and defamatory statements against INC. Soriano had used terms like iglesiang pumapatay ng kapwa tao (church who murders) and iglesia ni Manalo (church of Manalo) to malign the INC in his programs.[6]
  • As a result of Soriano's frequent attacks on the Iglesia ni Cristo, INC launched a TV program, Ang Tamang Daan, to counter Soriano's criticism of INC's teachings and practices and to expose what they say are Soriano's false teachings and contradictions on the show. To insult and malign Soriano, The INC hosts would often refer to him as manloloko (deceiver), dayukdok (ravenous), mandarambong (plunderer), mangongotong (extortioner), manghohostage (hostage taker) and the like. This has sparked a feud between Soriano and the Iglesia ni Cristo.[citation needed]
  • Soriano was once featured in the anomaly-exposition show "Imbestigador" (The Investigator) hosted by Mike Enriquez, Soriano was interviewed by Enriquez and was asked about the allegations made against him, on where does he get his personal funds, his businesses and how will the conflict between his group and the Iglesia ni Cristo group end. [7] A similar exposition was featured on ABS-CBN's Special Assignment hosted by Luchi Cruz-Valdez. Cruz-Valdez interviewed former members regarding the information presented in a series of anonymously-published comics depicting the alleged anomalous activities of Soriano. The former members unequivocally-confirmed the factuality of the information in the comics.[8]

Senate disqualification

Soriano was declared a nuisance candidate and disqualified by the En Banc Comelec (Commission On Elections) on January 17, 2004 when he stood for a position of senator.[9] Soriano was running as an independent candidate.[10][11]

Conflicts with other religions

  • In August 2003, the Iglesia ni Cristo sued Soriano for libel after Soriano accused them of publishing explicit comic books depicting Soriano having homosexual sex. In 2007, Soriano filed multiple petitions to stop the lawsuit to no avail[12].
  • In August 2004, the Department of Justice of the Philippines recommended the filing of libel cases against Eliseo Soriano and 15 of this associates for allegedly defaming the Iglesia ni Cristo and its ministers. [13]
  • In April 2005, Muslim leaders from Metro Manila filed a one billion peso libel suit against Eliseo Soriano before the Manila Prosecutor's Office for allegedly, in a video, uttering unsavory remarks and criticism against Islam and Muslims.[14]

Rape case

  • In the November 10, 2005 issue of Philippine Daily Inquirer internet edition, it was reported Eliseo Soriano was put on the Bureau of Immigration watchlist. The order was made by Justice Secretary Raul Gonzales on the request of the Pampanga Prosecutor's Office.[15]
  • In May 2006, Soriano was indicted on rape charges at the regional trial court of Macabebe, Pampanga, following a complaint filed by former MCGI assistant secretary general Daniel Veridiano that he was sexually assaulted in Apalit, Pampanga on two occasions. According to a report by the Philippine Daily Inquirer report in June 2008, Soriano allegedly abused his influence by directing Veridiano "to come into his room, massage him and have anal intercourse", an act that was against the consent of Veridiano.[16] In his counter affidavit, Soriano described Veridiano's accusations as "fabricated, baseless and malicious" and said that Veridiano was simply retaliating for being expelled from Members Church of God International.
Macabebe Regional Trial Court Judge Manuel Siyangco issued the warrant of arrest. Soriano was allowed to post a P400,000 bail bond (P200,000 for each count).[17] The charge was dismissed but was later refiled in a higher court by the country’s Department of Justice Secretary, Raul Gonzales.
  • On August 29, 2008, the Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that Soriano and two others were sued for violation of Art. 171, Revised Penal Code of the Philippines (falsification of public documents) at the Manila City Prosecutor's Office. It was discovered that the arresting officer, PO3 June Gumaru, and Soriano's secretary, Belen Talentado, conspired in faking the certificate of detention to permit his release by posting bail for his rape case. PO3 Gumaru admitted in a sworn affidavit that he had never seen the church group leader, that Soriano did not really surrender to him, and that he is, in fact, still a fugitive.[18]
  • By August 2008, a "Red Notice"[19] was issued against him by the International Police Commission (Interpol) [sic]. The "Red Notice" is not an international arrest warrant, rather these notices allow the arrest warrant issued by the requesting country to be circulated worldwide with the request that the wanted person be arrested with a view to extradition. Eliseo "Eli" Soriano is in hiding and is now an international fugitive. The Interpol list counties such as Brazil, Singapore, Thailand and the U.S. as likely to be visited by Soriano.[20][21]

References

  1. ^ http://www.angdatingdaan.org/about/about_ministers.htm
  2. ^ http://www.elisoriano.com/life/ministerial_life/death_of_a_beloved_mentor.html
  3. ^ Does a Woman have the Right to Preach in the Church of God?
  4. ^ Justyn. "Iglesia Ni YHWH at ni YHWSA HMSYH ('Ang Dating Daan')". thebereans.ne. Retrieved 2009-01-11.
  5. ^ G.R. No. 137592
  6. ^ INC against free press?
  7. ^ Imbestigador - Eliseo Soriano 1 (in Tagalog Language)
  8. ^ Special Assignnment - Eliseo Soriano 1 (in Tagalog Language)
  9. ^ Comelec Res. 6558
  10. ^ Navarro, Rico (02-14-2004). "Comelec to publish list of qualified candidates". The Manila Bulleting Online - Main News. Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2008-12-23. {{cite news}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ "The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language". Fourth Edition. Houghton Mifflin Company. 2000. pp. b. Retrieved 2008-12-23.
  12. ^ Canlas, Jomar CA junks evangelist’s plea to stop libel case The Manila Times CA junks evangelist’s plea to stop libel case
  13. ^ Tubeza, Philip C DOJ backs libel raps vs Bro. Eli Philippine Daily Inquirer(pub Aug 15, 2004, byline)
  14. ^ Jannaral, Julmunir I (April 4, 2005) P1bn libel charges against a religious leader [Gulf Times http://www.gulf-times.com/site/topics/article.asp?cu_no=2&item_no=32176&version=1&template_id=45&parent_id=25]
  15. ^ Torres, Tetch (November 10, 2005). [inquirer.net "Gonzalez orders: Put evangelist Soriano on watchlist"]. Philippine Daily Inquirer. Retrieved 2009-03-09. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help)
  16. ^ a b Lopez, Allison (2008-06-21). "Dating Daan's Ely Soriano posts bail". Philippine Daily Inquirer. The INQUIRER Company. Retrieved 2008-08-17.
  17. ^ manilastandardtoday.com, ‘Dating Daan’ leader charged with sodomy
  18. ^ newsinfo.inquirer.net, Ely Soriano charged with falsification of public document
  19. ^ Anon. "Wanted SORIANO Eliseo". Interpol. Retrieved 2009-02-23.
  20. ^ Dalizon, Alfred P (August 8, 2008). "Int'l arrest warrant out for Eli Soriano". World News. Journal Online. Retrieved 2009-02-02.
  21. ^ Eliseo Soriano's wanted notice at the official website of the Interpol Retrieved on 2009-03-01.

Critical

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