Ilaga says he followed the process for Knights of Rizal promotion

Ali Ilaga, commander of the Knights of Rizal’s Astoria Chapter, said he followed the application process for promotion to the Order’s second-highest rank. At a press conference with the Filipino American Press Club of New York, Ilaga said he submitted the required documents to New York State Area Commander Rely Manacay.

“Lumusot po ’yung sa akin kasi sinunod ko ang proseso,” Ilaga said. (“My application went through because I followed the process.”)

Ilaga applied on May 13. The requirements included attending community events, making financial contributions and participating in community outreach. Supreme Council member Joselito Cayabyab, a former area commander who once led the Astoria Chapter, endorsed Ilaga’s application. Ilaga received the promotion after holding the rank of KCR for nearly six months.

The day after Ilaga applied, Manacay forwarded the recommendation to the Order’s international headquarters using the digital signature of then-Regional Commander Dr. Emmanuel “Manny” Malasig. Manacay said Malasig had instructed him to use the signature. Malasig said he had never authorized its use on Ilaga’s recommendation.

In a phone interview after the press conference, Malasig said he had no objection to Ilaga’s promotion if the Supreme Council approved it. He said the Order still needed to address the use of his signature.

“Manacay is a pathological liar!!! Wait for my press conference and I will show you evidences and thread of emails that I NEVER gave my permission to this person to use my signature, specifically for Ilaga’s recommendation. I’m fed up with these lies. I WILL BREAK MY SILENCE!!!” Malasig wrote in a Facebook post.

Asked how the Order vetted applications and checked supporting documents, Manacay said it used a standard form. He did not say whether anyone had verified Ilaga’s documents. Manacay also said promotions in New York had stalled for eight to 12 years under previous commanders.

The dispute comes amid broader allegations of palakasan, a Filipino term for favoritism based on personal connections. The Order rejected the application of Butch Nunez, a longtime member and former Long Island Chapter commander, for promotion to KGOR. Malasig’s promotion was deferred four times before he attained the same rank.