A formal criminal indictment has been filed against Gawad Kalinga (GK) founder Tony Meloto, marking a significant escalation in legal proceedings stemming from allegations of physical abuse and human trafficking.
On 17 September 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ) officially ordered the filing of charges in court, several months after the initial complaints became public. DOJ prosecutors concluded that the evidence was sufficient to classify the acts as sex trafficking under the Expanded Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 (RA 10364), rather than mere harassment or lascivious conduct.
Meloto’s resignation in 2017
GK Chairman Jose Luis Oquinena released a statement addressing the indictment:
“In 2017, several male SEED scholars who were part of the Spartan program complained that Mr. Tony Meloto physically violated them. The GK Board of Trustees conducted an internal investigation and subsequently Mr. Meloto resigned as Chairman of Gawad Kalinga, SEED Philippines, and Enchanted Farm on October 26, 2017.
The Board acted on his disengagement from all official functions and publicly announced it in January 2018. The Board acted discreetly at the request of the complainants to protect their privacy. With the help of professionals, including a crisis interventionist and therapists, we initiated actions to care for the complainants.”
Vedar: Leave the matter to the justice system
Marisa-Ric Vedar, Deputy Chair of GK Philippines and Head of Operations for GK Australia, issued a personal statement through The Philippine Times:
“Tito Tony, as he is known, was a man who had a deep love for the poor and his country. I have known him as a man of faith and a Marian devotee. It saddens me to hear this issue.
The case will now go to trial, and we at Gawad Kalinga are not privy to its progress. We will leave the matter to the justice system. Personally, if Mr. Meloto is found guilty, I will not condone the acts committed, but neither will I condemn the man who inspired me to put my faith into action and serve the least of our brethren. As the saying goes, ‘Hate the sin, but not the sinner.’ I will lift him up in prayer with his wife and children.
For Gawad Kalinga as an organisation, this will not discourage us from our work of creating communities and transforming lives. The integrity of GK is reflected in how swiftly, yet discreetly, the organisation removed even its highest official. I remain an enthusiastic and devoted worker for the poor.”
What the future holds
The indictment paves the way for formal court proceedings against Meloto. If found guilty, he could face penalties under RA 10364, including lengthy prison terms and fines for trafficking offences aggravated by abuse of authority.
The case highlights not only the allegations themselves but also how Gawad Kalinga, an internationally recognised NGO, handles accountability and safeguards for its beneficiaries.
