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Letter from the Officers of the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago

Dear FACC, Filipino American, and greater Chicago community,

The Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago was established in 1953, and is one of the oldest Filipino American organizations in the United States. Unfortunately, we have seen the opening, closing, and injuring of many Filipino American organizations, due to inattention, neglect, hubris, and personal over organizational interest. Regrettably, Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago has faced the same.

Yesterday, April 22, 2017, we saw an example of how, once again, a group of individuals took advantage of the generous nature of the local Filipino American community, particularly our seniors, to further their own personal interests at the expense of our communities’ future. These individuals – without notification or permission – entered the Rizal Center, although advance notice was given through a number of communication vehicles, that the Center would be closed throughout the weekend for preparation of pest/rodent control work. However, to accommodate the situation, we agreed for them to meet in the auditorium until 12:00 pm.

This group included three FACC Board members Dennis Cruz, Carmen Estacio, and Jerry Clarito, together with former Board members who had voluntarily resigned from the Board of Directors. Also included was Thelma Bascos, whom the FACC Board of Directors unanimously discharged of duties and office. They used the Rizal Center’s weekend closure as an excuse for an “eviction” protest. Also included among the protesters was Alfonso Bascos, former FACC president and attorney, whose actions at the FACC are now under careful assessment: His license to practice law (Commission No,2013PR00052) was suspended for “Incompetence in Drafting Power of Attorney for Marshall F. Davis”; Incompetence and Conflict of Interest in Creation of the Marshall F. Davis Will and Trust”; Conflict of Interest in Response to Catholic Charities Investigation and Davis Probate Matter”; and conflict of interest in response to Does 1 through 12 in which he implicated the FACC.

We are disappointed to have been told that Michael Aguhar, executive director of AFIRE Chicago and our commercial tenant, had without permission given one of the building entrance keys to the protesters. We were also informed that Jerry Clarito and Norberto “Bobby” Luna, former FACC officer and building administrator, ordered the unauthorized change of locks to the building.

The police determined from the crowd that the FACC Chair Dr. Rufino Crisostomo and Elaine Lehman, executive director, were in charge of the Rizal Center and handed the keys to them. We are equally disappointed that a couple of the protesters turned violent, as has been reported to the police. For the future of the FACC and the betterment of our communities, this type of behavior is a zero tolerance issue.

In 1974, the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago founding members purchased the property at 1332 West Irving Park Road, now known as the Rizal Community Center. Meeting needs and offering services are only small ways to describe their hopes for the FACC and the Rizal Center. They envisioned a place and to promote the understanding and appreciation of Filipino and Filipino American tradition, culture, and history – a place for Filipino and Filipino Americans, as well as the broader community, to feel welcome. To honor their legacy, hopes, and dreams, we are mindfully working to restore the FACC and the Rizal Center by carefully planning both the organization and center for systemic and transformative change. As an example, we, after much work, are once again recognized as a charitable organization by the Office of the Attorney General State of Illinois.

We still have a lot of areas to cover, and the internal audit and investigation continues so that we may effectively safeguard the organization and our Rizal Center.

The future, however, is bright: It is Community coming together to support one another; Coming together to celebrate members – past, present, and future – who support the FACC’s purposes and goals. It is through our mutual respect, care, and love of Kababayan that we can successfully reach out to the broader community and American society of which we are part. We must learn to see the wisdom and through the eyes of the FACC Founding Members. We must endeavor to hear them in the voices and laughter and hope that once filled the halls and rooms of the Rizal Center, and to listen for the new, positive energy of our youth.

We will continue to look forward, to push ahead, to support all our hard working, dedicated volunteers and staff, as we enhance and deliver services; create new programs; and build community.

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