Former board refused to be complicit in alleged cover-up

By Sabrina Salas Matanane
KUAM
October 10, 2016

http://www.kuam.com/story/33352597/2016/10/Monday/former-board-refused-to-be-complicit-in-alleged-cover-up

The previous board of directors of Catholic Cemeteries says not only does the temporary leadership of the Archdiocese of Agana have the authority to fire them, they resigned their positions because they refuse to be complicit with an alleged cover-up of the misuse of cemetery funds.

About an hour after the archdiocese issued a press release to announce the official termination of the Catholic Cemeteries board and their replacements, their predecessors held a press conference. Attorney Jacque Terlaje said, "This board effectively and immediately resigns their directorships due to the request of the delegate to turn a blind eye to the absolute misuse of funds. The board has been requested to disregard the laws and standards governing this non-profit corporation.

"In good conscience to the church the truth and the laws of Guam, we decline to participate in this attempt to subvert justice for the dead and the families that have entrusted the cemeteries to utilize the funds paid for services for the cemeteries and not for any personal use."

Terlaje formerly the board secretary, led the press conference. Sitting beside her were former board members Dennis Santo Tomas, Lillian Posadas and Roland San Agustin.  The archdiocese announced they were removed on Friday.  Their termination follows a complaint the previous board  filed involving Monsignor James Benavente for alleged misuse of cemetery funds for his 20th anniversary celebration in 2014.

As we reported, one week after that party Archbishop Anthony Apuron removed him as rector of the cathedral and director of Catholic Cemeteries following a Deloitte & Touche audit alleging financial mismanagement. Fast forward to September 30 of this year, and the new temporary leadership of the archdiocese cleared Monsignor Benavente of any wrongdoing.

The fired board maintains however their complaint was justified and backed up by documentation, as Terlaje said, "Because this board has reveal3ed the truth and  abided by its obligation to protect cemetery funds, the  current administration of the Archdiocese of Agana has decided to silence our board by terminating directors without cause and without proper authority."

Following the filing of the complaint, the archdiocese issued another press release, stating this specific allegation had been vetted and once again cleared Monsignor Benavente of any wrongdoing. As for the new Catholic Cemeteries board:

- Joseph T. Duenas was appointed as Interim Administrator, replacing replaces Father Jose Alberto Rodriguez-Salamaca who was relieved of his duties.

- Wayne Santos was part of the previous board but he was reappointed. He is Vice President and Marketing Manager of Bank of Guam

- Daniel J. Tydingco: Executive Vice President of Legal, Regulatory and External Affairs TeleGuam Holdings, LLC, dba GTA

- Gregory D. Perez: Project Manager Pacific Unlimited Inc.

- John A. Cruz: Hagatna Mayor

- Gerald A. Taitano: Labor and Employee relations specialist, Naval Facilities Marianas

Meanwhile, the previous board today submitted a final report to the archdiocese on the misuse of cemetery funds.

In response to the press conference and allegations made by former board members:  The Archdiocese of Agana issued a press release maintaining its position regarding Monsignor James Benavente. The press release stated “We have full confidence in our newly appointed board and interim administrator of Catholic Cemeteries. We are moving forward in this area and at all levels in our Catholic Church on Guam. It is crucial that we do so, given the challenges and tasks at hand”.