Altar Boy Who Called Out Sexual Abuse in the Philippines Is Now a Lawyer for Victims
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Michal Gatchalian, a former altar boy in Cebu City, Philippines, was sexually abused by a priest, Apolinario “Jing” Mejorada, in 1998, experiencing multiple incidents of molestation and abuse.
- After reporting the abuse to church leaders with no response, Gatchalian pursued legal action, an uncommon step in the predominantly Catholic Philippines at the time.
- Now a lawyer, Gatchalian has founded a support group to provide legal advice and moral support to other survivors of clergy abuse in the Philippines.
- Critics argue that the Catholic Church in the Philippines continues to protect its clergy by closing ranks, making it difficult for abuse victims to come forward.