Jocjoc and Rotary Club

Rotary cries foul on Joc-Joc

Rotary International, through its officers in the Philippines, regrets that it is the one organization that is constantly linked in the media with the name of Jocelyn "Joc-Joc" Bolante. Never has his residence, business or church affiliation, or other ties been used as an adjectival adjunct to his name. It is as if the man had no identity other than as a Rotarian and somehow "Rotary International" shares in the guilt of which he is accused.

While we acknowledge that Bolante distinguished himself as a Rotary officer (emphasis mine), it is unfair to consistently link his name to Rotary in an attempt to demean the international organization. If the media were truly aware of what Rotary is all about, they would surely realize that linking Rotary to Bolante is hardly fair to all concerned. As Bolante has not yet had his day in court and undergone due process, the imputations of guilt and scurrilous behavior on his person are most unfounded and uncalled for and do not serve the interest of justice and fair play.

Rotary International will continue to pursue its goals and programs in a transparent manner as it has done for the more than 100 years of its existence.

We feel that should former Agriculture Undersecretary Bolante get to present his side of the controversy, justice will then be better served. Until such time, it would be best if the name of Rotary is not mentioned with that of Bolante.

LYNE A. ABANILLA,
past district governor, D3810
and Zone 7 coordinator,
RI Public Image Resource Group



My UNSOLICITED ANSWER is taken from your Rotary International Website-

The Four-Way Test (One of those guiding principles mentioned in your website)

The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Mission (of Rotary International)

The mission of Rotary International, a worldwide association of Rotary clubs, is to provide service to others, to promote high ethical standards, and to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.