KNIGHTS OF RIZAL

Mr. Zerrudo,

I had been following the Lazir case and all the issues around it. BTW, it has been a while since my last email to you which up to today remains unanswered. Your response is eagerly awaited.

As things seems to people who are interested in the KOR Manila issue, it is obvious that when there is smoke, there must be fire.

My unsolicited observation for whatever it is worth:

1. "You" are trying to shame people who are shameless so logically the objective will not be realized;
2. Again "you" are fighting people with no conscience (seems like), so conscience is not the best tool to use;
3. "You" are fighting an adversary who is also your police, judge and jury. Outcome is obvious.

Many comments put forward regarding this issue (coming from both outside and in the Philippines) and here they are (truth hurts sometimes) solicited by me:

1. They do not like the piano player for reasons of their own (justified or not. I do not want to elaborate on this but each of "you" knows "your" weaknesses and should look inwards);
2. They do not like the way it is being handled e.g. long harangues, disjointed arguments, etc etc.;
3. KOR and the Philippine issue in general are 2 distinct separate issues and should be handled as such;
4. The MAJORITY of KOR members are IGNORANT of the issues;
5. This is old issue and we should move forward;
6. This email campaign is a nuisance to many and do not even open them.. Most mark them as spam mail;
7. Demands from "you" are too confrontational e.g. public apologies, time limits on replies, ab infinitum;

Many more comments but perhaps these are most relevant.

Mr Ver Amante, Scarborough Chapter, came up with one of the best solutions to the problem. His own words "I am calling all the membership specially members who resides in the Philippines, to evaluate the situation of their own local chapters.and decide what to do either

* withhold membership fee.

* organise a protest group to make sure that they are being heard by the supremo and cohurts.

* start a new chapter and join IFKOR where being a member makes a difference you do not have to be KGCR/KGOR to be heard."

Mr. Barcelona also suggests "We will love to hear more from the rank and file - more on how we can "shake the legs" of those concerned in Manila. Waiting.... Sinned"

But all these cries, as far as I know, is only being heard in the "home court" of the adversary.

May I suggest:

1. Gather all pertinent documentary evidence regarding the accusations;
2. Consult a lawyer where ever "you" or in the Philippines as to the legal ramifications and what legal actions can be taken on each accusation;
3. Get out of the "home" court and go public e.g. Philippine press, more exposure to other chapters abroad and in the Philippines, publish the accusations and supporting documents in the Laong laan forum or anywhere willing.
4. Manny Pacquiao does not "telegraph" his punch.

Most important, as Rizal advocated, is EDUCATE the masses.

Only then will "you" have a fair chance of achieving what "you" are fighting for.

Tall order it is, but necessary or you will be just spinning "your" wheels. When the general public sees "your" seriousness and the logical coherent way "you" are handling the issues, as Mr Barcelona says "they will come out of the woodwork" and join you openly. Otherwise, they will remain silent.

But they first HAVE to be EDUCATED about the issues.

Unwelcome comments, but here they are.

I will gladly share my experience in conflict "resolution" and my 2 cents worth.

Gerry


Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE