Rebuttal to Carlos Ambayec’s Claims Regarding PGBI Leadership and Expulsions Recently, Carlos Ambayec, who self-identifies as the National Secretary-General of PGBI (Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc.), has made several assertions about past leadership events and alleged expulsions within our organization. It is imperative to address these claims to uphold the integrity of PGBI and ensure transparency in its leadership history.

Senator Gregorio Honasan was expelled through NEC Resolution 01-2013 on September 21, 2013, a decision supported by the majority of National Executive Council (NEC) members, including the three Vice Presidents for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, as well as Overseas Representative Engr. Melliardine “FRMG MEL” G. Gamet. On that same day, Atty. Alvin Rex Bilagot was elected as the new National President/Chairman. However, just four months later, Jack Layug—a de facto Secretary-General appointed by Honasan—issued a memorandum, dated January 8, 2014, which unlawfully expelled the 12 NEC members who supported Honasan’s removal. It raises serious questions how an expelled appointee can legally expel those who voted for their own removal.

After Atty. Bilagot’s nearly five-year term, Engr. Melliardine G. Gamet was elected National President/Chairman on September 21, 2018, and has consistently served since then. Given Ambayec’s 11 years of inactivity, his sudden emergence to file a petition, which conveniently follows the resolution of significant documentation issues by GS MEL, feels disingenuous and neglectful of member interests. Ambayec’s claims regarding Engr. Gamet’s leadership and his alleged expulsion with 11 other NEC members on January 8, 2014, lack credible evidence and appear to be an attempt to distort the narrative surrounding Honasan’s ousting. The necessary leadership changes within PGBI were made in accordance with democratic principles, reflecting the collective will of the NEC. Moreover, Ambayec’s assertion that the memorandum no. 2014-014 dated January 08, 2014 expelling the 12 NEC members was signed illegally is baseless and undermines PGBI’s governance protocols. These measures were taken to ensure effective leadership continuity and address the discord that arose during Honasan’s administration. All actions taken adhered to PGBI’s constitution and by-laws, demonstrating a consensus among NEC members committed to the organization’s mission. Claims of a systematic ousting of dissenting members have been thoroughly refuted. The NEC meeting held at the Balyuan Conference Hall in Tacloban City was a legitimate effort to unify the organization following a turbulent period. Allegations of illegal expulsions reflect either a misunderstanding or a deliberate misrepresentation of PGBI’s internal processes.

Furthermore, Ambayec’s assertion of the National Secretary-General role raises concerns about his legitimacy, as it seems to be rooted in factional interests rather than a recognized electoral process. Leadership in PGBI should arise from a collective decision made by genuine representatives, reflecting the will of the membership rather than individual or unauthorized claims. It is also important to note that the position of National Secretary-General is not specified or defined in any version of the PGBI Constitution and by-laws.

Our members deserve accurate information regarding the history and leadership of PGBI. As new leaders guide the organization toward its goals, it is essential to recognize their rightful roles and contributions without distorting the facts. Ambayec’s statements regarding the expulsion of current leaders are unfounded and seem intended to undermine PGBI’s progress. It is crucial for members and stakeholders to rely on verifiable information and trust in the democratic processes that govern our organization. Our focus should remain on uniting our brothers and sisters under PGBI’s guiding principles and collaborating for a brighter future, rather than engaging in discord fueled by misinformation.