The GHURA Scandal

I remember reading a story about a priest who was touring the Vatican with his bishop.  The priest was complaining about the wealth of the Church as he looked from one expensive painting to another.  The priest said, "Why don't the church sell these expensive pieces of art and give to the poor?"  Throughout the tour, the priest complained of how rich the Catholic Church was and how they could sell some of their riches to give to the poor. His bishop finally then turned to him and asked, "How much did you steal from your church collections?" The priest turned away, embarrassed for he had been pilfering from the donations of his congregation a little at a time.  By looking at the expensive paintings and wealth of the Church, he was subconsciously looking for a way to justify his sin.  

Our catechists once said that the accusations we make against other people sometimes have more to do with ourselves rather than the other person.  Sometimes, we rationalize and project our own sins to others simply because we are unable to face our own reality.... that we are also sinners ourselves. 

In the Guam Daily Post, Michael Duenas, the executive director for the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal, is expected to enter a guilty plea in the conspiracy involving himself and former GHURA board members, which include David Sablan, President of CCoG.  As a result of his change in plea, a prison sentence of up to one year was recommended.  

According to news report (the bold is mine): 

Members held illegal secret meetings in order to facilitate millions in tax credits to certain companies, according to a declaration from the Office of the Attorney General. 

The tax credits were awarded to two companies, including a company that was favored by then-board Chairman Sablan. Board members are also alleged to have rubber-stamped decisions by making the decisions in advance, prior to official meetings. 

Anniversary gala 

Documents were also submitted into court showing that $5,000 in government funds, called payments in lieu of taxes, were used to partially fund a $14,715 gala for GHURA's 50th anniversary. 

Two hundred fifty people were treated to a dinner at $44 per head at that party. Two "carving stations" costing $715, decorations estimated at $2,000 and entertainment worth $1,000 were budgeted.

GHURA's employee association covered the remaining costs, according to the documents.

I find it ironic that the person who accused Deacon Tenorio and Archbishop Apuron of using Kamalen Karidat donations to purchase vehicles and personal use now finds himself indicted for a similar reason.  Documents showed that government funds were used for the 50th anniversary gala of GHURA and to benefit his favorite company.  It is ironic that David Sablan who accused the deacon and the Archbishop for lack of transparency has been indicted for allegedly holding secret meetings.    

Now that Michael Duenas has changed his plea agreement, he may be called to testify against David Sablan and the others who were indicted.  I believe that David Sablan should step down as President of CCoG until after his trial.  When Archbishop Apuron was accused of an offense, CCoG demanded that the Archbishop step down.  Now, that the tables have turned, CCoG should also hold themselves to the same standards.