by Echo Park Community Coalition (EPCC)
Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010 at 12:03 AM epcc_la@hotmail. com 818-749-0272 1740 W. Temple St. Los Angeles, Ca 90026
The fratricidal intramurals in the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) turned for the worst when the FACLA board of directors last January 7 meeting suspends its president and three of its board of directors.
EPCC NEWS learned today that FACLA newly elected president Gregorio “Meng “ Gatus, first vice president Paul Julian, Rita Dinsay and Linda Nery were suspended in the latest board of directors meeting presided by acting president Mandy Francisco.
EPCC NEWS learned through unnamed sources that the motion was initiated by Alfonso “ Al” Aquino, a newly appointed FACLA director.
EPCC NEWS Contact; Jerry Esguerra Phone:(818) 749-0272 January 14, 2010
FACLA President, 3 FACLA directors, suspended
Los Angeles—The fratricidal intramurals in the Filipino American Community of Los Angeles (FACLA) turned for the worst when the FACLA board of directors last January 7 meeting suspends its president and three of its board of directors.
EPCC NEWS learned today that FACLA newly elected president Gregorio “Meng “ Gatus, first vice president Paul Julian, Rita Dinsay and Linda Nery were suspended in the latest board of directors meeting presided by acting president Mandy Francisco.
EPCC NEWS learned through unnamed sources that the motion was initiated by Alfonso “ Al” Aquino, a newly appointed FACLA director.
“ These people are the ones causing the problem in FACLA, suspending them while their cases are with the courts and not resolved can partial solve the internal problem in FACLA” said one of the directors.
History of Court Cases
Julian, Nery and Dinsay filed several court cases against Gatus while Gatus filed counter charges in court. FACLA’s history is filled with a litany of court cases since the 1980’s.
Meanwhile, Gatus adversaries said their suspension is only a tactical maneuver of Gatus to dominate the board and rule with Gatus behind the scene. “It’s the tyranny of the majority,” exclaimed one suspended board of directors.
“ Whether we like it or not the board can suspend its officers it is the prerogative and power of the board.” One legal observer remarked.
“But the board must follow due process and in this case there is no due process. Any suspension must go first to the grievance committee” commented another former FACLA officer.
