15 Oct. 2024, Cebu City, Cebu Province, Philippines. In a recent development, the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI), a reputable organization officially registered with the SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION (SEC) since 2000, finds itself addressing concerns raised by an individual named Mr. Carlo. Mr. Carlo has unexpectedly filed a petition, claiming not only membership but also asserting the position of National Secretary General within the organization. However, this position does not even exist within the PGBI Constitution and By-Laws.

PGBI has experienced various changes over the years, reflecting the natural evolution of any organization. Despite these changes, the essence of PGBI has remained intact. However, the sudden assertion by Mr. Carlo requires clarification and verification from the SEC regarding his claimed membership status and whether he holds the position he asserts.

PGBI leadership strongly believes that Mr. Carlo does not appear in their membership records, leading them to categorize his claims as those of an impostor. According to available documentation from the SEC and internal records, Mr. Carlo lacks the legal standing to initiate this petition, as he has neither recognized membership nor confirmed authority to represent the organization.

Furthermore, the petition lacks the necessary supporting documents to substantiate Mr. Carlo’s authority to file such a request, rendering it insubstantial. PGBI fully complies with SEC requirements, maintaining its RED book documentation and providing all required submissions, including the General Information Sheet (GIS) for each year since 2019.

While Mr. Carlo asserts that certain national officers were expelled from PGBI on January 8, 2014, it is crucial to review the factual timeline. Former Senator Gregorio B. Honasan II was expelled earlier, on September 21, 2013, through a resolution by the National Executive Council (NEC). Notably, the former chairman did not contest this resolution, effectively making it final.

The organization has provided this resolution to the SEC, and a copy of the Commission’s response is attached as evidence. Additionally, relevant historical documents outlining PGBI’s development have been compiled for further context, and rebuttals to Mr. Carlo’s claims, authored by current President and Chairman Engr. Melliardine Gamet, is available on PGBI’s website (https://www.pgbiguardiansonline.net/)   

In 2023, PGBI took steps to modernize its branding by updating its logo, receiving formal registration for the new design. These actions reaffirm the organization’s commitment to evolving responsibly while adhering to its established Constitution and By-laws, all of which have been duly submitted to the SEC.

The organization emphasizes that it operates under the rule of law, fundamentally believing in governance that upholds regulations rather than personal agendas. PGBI has consistently fulfilled all obligations imposed by the SEC since its inception in 2000 and remains a respected entity in good standing.

The central issue at hand lies not in the legitimacy of PGBI as an organization, which has been firmly established since 2000, but rather in the authenticity of Mr. Carlo’s claims. He fails to show evidence of his membership in the SEC’s Red Book, lacks a proper standing due to unpaid dues, and has not been appointed by the NEC as required.

In conclusion, Mr. Carlo’s petition lacks both factual and legal grounding, and PGBI stands resolute in affirming its integrity and compliance with the law. – GSM