Portugal pushes for accountability, transparency in FCT management

Portugal pushes for accountability, transparency in FCT management

Administrative and fiscal reforms are imperative to give the Filipino Centre Toronto (FCT) “a new direction” geared towards efficiently meeting the requirements of the centre and its clients and effectively responding to the needs of its more than 1,000 members.

This Dr. Francisco Portugal, head of the Save the FCT Movement, stressed during an open forum with members of Filipino community media during the Philippine Press Club-Ontario (PPCO) Almusalan at Mayette’s on Saturday (Sept. 9.)

Portugal said the institution of “accountability and transparency” in FCT operations remained the movement’s priority concern, as the movement has started preparations for the upcoming FCT General Meeting next month and the FCT elections in November.

He noted the seeming deterioration of FCT facilities and services.

He also alleged that the FCT leadership has estranged itself from majority of the members in good standing, as the latter could not even discern their status as the former “refused to release the membership list saying it was protected by the privacy act.”

Portugal also called for the presentation of the Longkines audit report to the general membership, which are “still allegations” of mismanagement, until proven otherwise.

Portugal said the general meeting in October and elections between Nov. 20 and 27 would augur well for all parties.

He urged for reunification, although he lamented the refusal of the present FCT leadership to even make contact with his group.

“No fears,” Portugal said of his advocacy for a better FCT, as he revealed the movement’s probable slate for the polls, to be handled by court-appointed election chairman Larry Banack with members Minda Longkines and Toots Evidente.

He said he would release the candidates’ slate as soon as it is finalized.

One of the bets, Alma Benemerito, joined Portugal in the PPCO Almusalan.

PPCO president Tenny Soriano thanked Dr. Portugal and his party for gracing the first of a series of monthly breakfast scheduled by Toronto’s community media organization.

In the same Almusalan, Soriano welcomed new members of the PPCO as he distributed the members’ IDs and membership certificates.

Entertainment numbers were given by folksinger Chito Sarabia and Elvis’ female version Zena Zagala.
Soriano also thanked breakfast forum committee chair Tony Sicat and co-chair Jojo Taduran for ensuring the success of the activity.

(PRESS RELEASE)