4th WMM Recap: Rotary’s Crisis of Confidence: Manila’s Convention Withdrawal Sparks Outrage and Reflection

THE Manila Polo Club, an emblem of old-world charm and refinement, was transformed on August 15, 2024, into a crucible of Rotarian passion and distress. The occasion was the 4th Weekly Membership Meeting of the Rotary Club of Manila, attended by an impressive assembly of 68 participants, among them 25 past District Governors from various Rotary Districts across Metro Manila, thanks to the valiant efforts of PP Herminio “Hermie” S. Esguerra who not only single-handedly invited them, but also sponsored their meals. They gathered to grapple with a storm that has shaken the heart of the Philippine Rotary community — the abrupt and controversial decision by Rotary International to withdraw the Philippines as the host of the 2028 Rotary International Convention.

As the clock struck noon, the elegant setting of the Polo Club was alive with an air of anticipation. The meeting commenced with the stately rituals of Rotary: the invocation by PP Felix Francisco “Chito” S. Zaldarriaga, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem, and the Rotary Club of Manila Hymn performed by the RCM WF Music Chorale. The Four-Way Test, recited by Secretary Aries B. Balanay, set the tone for a discussion that would pivot from formalities to fervent debates.

The turmoil began in September 2023 when then Rotary International President Gordon McInally and President-Elect Stephanie Urchick issued a stern video message and email, condemning the Philippine Rotarians for electoral discord across ten districts. Their missive outlined a series of stringent guidelines: set aside all grievances and alliances, conduct elections strictly within Rotary policy, refrain from supporting any candidate, resolve conflicts amicably, and eliminate all communications about election conflicts.

The specific disputes that had ignited this crisis were multifaceted:

District 3770 saw a conflict between Ed Trajano and Dr. Paul Camina, culminating in Trajano's victory but with Camina’s grievances persistently questioned.

District 3780 was embroiled in a turbulent contest between Veronica Yu and Aiza Remedios, with accusations of electoral fraud and invalid votes complicating the outcome.

District 3790 faced controversy when Francis Cornejo’s election was marred by a criminal complaint and a protest from RI President Jennifer Jones, though Cornejo’s tenure continued despite his legal battles.

District 3800 was marked by Jerry Ang’s victory over Celso Montalla, which Montalla challenged unsuccessfully despite obtaining sufficient club resolutions.

District 3810 experienced disputes involving Bing Carrion, Jeanine Policarpio, and Marni Sy, where allegations of electioneering and inaccuracies in candidacy CVs marred the process.

District 3820 and District 3830 had their own share of complications, with election disputes and legal challenges casting long shadows over the processes.

The spotlight of the afternoon was reserved for the Guest of Honor, Past Rotary International Director Rafael “Raffy” M. Garcia III. His presence was not just ceremonial; it was pivotal, for he was to address a matter that had caused an uproar among the over 30,000 Rotarians in the Philippines.

PRID Raffy, a figure of quiet authority and eloquence, began his address with a historical backdrop to the controversy. The discord had its roots in a series of election disputes within Philippine Rotary districts that had triggered a cascade of reactions from the Rotary International Board.

PRID Raffy’s presentation revealed that the discontent in District 3780 was particularly damaging. The Host Organization Committee (HOC) faced accusations and internal strife, leading to the sudden withdrawal of Manila’s designation as the host city for the 2028 convention. The reasons were manifold: the need to protect the fiscal strength of the convention reserves, non-compliance with operational practices, and governance issues that questioned the HOC’s ability to manage responsibilities.

PRID Raffy’s tone conveyed a blend of regret and frustration. “We did not realize the real problem,” he admitted. The conflicts and accusations, especially those against senior Rotarians in District 3780, had inadvertently jeopardized a monumental event. The attacks on HOC members and the unresolved disputes were more than internal issues; they had escalated to a point where they threatened the integrity and future of a global Rotary event.

As Garcia’s address drew to a close, the room was abuzz with questions and reactions. The open forum that followed was a reflection of the community's collective distress and determination. Participants voiced their concerns, sought clarifications, and expressed their resolve to navigate through this crisis with unity and adherence to Rotary’s core values.

The meeting adjourned with a sense of both closure and continued urgency. The presentation of a Certificate of Appreciation to PRID Raffy by President Jujut Enriquez symbolized not just gratitude but a collective acknowledgment of the challenges ahead.

In the annals of Rotary history, the events of August 15, 2024, will be remembered as a pivotal moment of reckoning. It was a day when a cherished tradition was questioned, and a vibrant community was compelled to confront its internal strife. The path forward remains fraught with challenges, but the resolve demonstrated by the Rotarians at the Manila Polo Club signals a commitment to restore harmony and uphold the values that have long been the cornerstone of their organization.