Fake letter seeks aid for bishop

MANILA, Philippines — The Archdiocese of Manila has warned the public against people or groups asking for donations so that its priests and staff can supposedly undergo swab tests for the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In a statement, the archdiocese said a letter seeking financial aid that was signed by Fathers Reginald Malicdem and Kali Llamado, rector and vice rector of the Manila Cathedral, respectively, was a forgery.

“[It’s] a fake letter and our signatures are also fake. There is also a cell phone number being used to text people [with the sender] presenting himself as Father Kali and asking for donations. Again, this … is a scam. Please beware of this kind of letter or request for financial assistance,” it added.

According to the diocese, the letter sent to a hospital in Lipa City, Batangas province, claimed that donations were being solicited for the “possible medical expenses … not covered by PhilHealth (Philippine Health Insurance Corp.), such as medicines” of Bishop Broderick Pabillo, apostolic administrator of the archdiocese. Pabillo is currently under self-quarantine after contracting COVID-19.

“At the same time, since we have been in close contact with the good bishop, we shall be undergoing a swab test that will cost us around P8,000 each for 15 persons, including five priests and the workers in the office,” it added.

The letter named a certain Patrick Joshua Velasquez as the one authorized by the Church officials to transact and receive donations on their behalf.

Caritas Manila also warned the public against unscrupulous groups or individuals collecting membership fees from people who wanted to qualify for its “financial assistance.”

“Please be informed that we do not collect any membership fees and we are not providing financial assistance amounting to P5,000 to P10,000,” Caritas Manila told Church-run Radio Veritas as it urged the public to report the illegal activity.