Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto is facing complaints of acts of lasciviousness, sexual harassment, and human trafficking filed by two former beneficiaries of the organization’s youth programs. The cases were lodged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in 2024.

The complainants, who were part of the School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) program in Angat, Bulacan in 2015 and 2016, alleged that they were abused while living in GK housing facilities. One complainant recounted being assaulted multiple times, while the other described feeling powerless against the alleged acts.

Meloto has denied the accusations, stating in his counter-affidavit that the claims are baseless and constitute a harassment suit. “None of the complainant’s witnesses can convincingly testify to having seen me commit any act of sexual misconduct or abuse,” he said, adding that one complainant had willingly traveled abroad with him, contradicting the human trafficking allegation.

On Monday, Meloto appeared before the DOJ panel of prosecutors to submit an additional counter-affidavit. His legal team refused to provide comments.

Gawad Kalinga’s response and past investigation

Following the filing of the complaints, Gawad Kalinga released a statement acknowledging that an internal investigation had been conducted in 2017 after similar allegations were raised by male scholars from the SEED program. The NGO said it provided professional intervention and assistance to the complainants while maintaining discretion to protect their privacy.

As a result of the internal probe, Meloto resigned from his positions as chairman of Gawad Kalinga, SEED Philippines, and Enchanted Farm on 26 October 2017. The organization publicly announced his departure in January 2018.

Despite the controversy, Gawad Kalinga assured its supporters that it remains committed to its mission of community-building and poverty alleviation. “Let us not allow this to discourage nor distract us from our very important work of creating communities and transforming lives,” said GK Executive Director Jose Luis Oquinena.

The DOJ’s National Prosecution Service is now evaluating the affidavits and counter-affidavits to determine whether the complaints will proceed to trial. Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon assured that the investigation will be handled fairly and based solely on evidence.