Antonio “Tony” Meloto, the founder of Gawad Kalinga (GK), has denied allegations of sexual harassment and human trafficking filed against him, calling the accusations “baseless” and “malicious.”
Two individuals filed separate complaints before the Department of Justice (DOJ) last year, alleging that Meloto engaged in acts of lasciviousness and abuse of power while they were involved with the GK Enchanted Farm and during international trips.
In a counteraffidavit dated Feb. 3, Meloto requested the DOJ to dismiss the complaints, arguing that the claims were “puzzling and inconsistent.” He pointed out that one of the complainants, a then-25-year-old man, only filed a complaint seven years after the alleged incident.
Meloto, who said he had not been involved with GK since 2017, also denied accusations that he selected students to accompany him at the Pool Villa inside the GK Enchanted Farm.
He claimed that his severe psoriasis and mobility issues made the alleged sexual misconduct “physically impossible.”
“I vehemently deny all allegations of lascivious acts and any abuse of authority,” Meloto said in his statement.
He further refuted claims that he recruited one of the complainants as his personal assistant or secretary.
In 2023, Meloto founded Gawad Kalinga, a nonprofit organization focuses on building homes and sustainable communities for impoverished Filipinos.
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