On Nov. 8, 2007, I wrote an exposé about the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations (NaFFAA). I said that the NaFFAA headquarters (HQ) was unable to meet its payroll obligations to its employees. The practice continues to date and the NaFFAA has apparently and allegedly violated the laws on social security and workmen’s compensation.

I wrote in November 2007: “This writer was informed by his sources in the National Federation of Filipino-American Associations, Inc. (NaFFAA) that once again its national headquarters is unable to pay its employees. The NaFFAA Chief of Staff, Doy Heredia, claims that he has not been paid his salary for nine months. The NaFFAA regional-chapter officers just passed the proverbial hat around and $12,000 in donations was raised, so as to enable the federation to continue operating temporarily in the black.” To read the 2007 article in its entirety, please click this link:

The NaFFAA Is Bankrupt Not Only Financially But Also Intellectually

Mr. Heredia now threatens to sue the NaFFAA National Board members – in their individual capacity – as he claims that there is an unpaid balance of more-than $15,000 due to him. According to my sources in the federation, Mr. Heredia was able to force former NaFFAA national chair, Loida Nicolas Lewis, to pay him part of his unpaid salary. He reasoned out that it was Ms. Lewis, who hired him as Chief of Staff of the NaFFAA and, therefore, she should take command responsibility. Our confidential report stated that Ms. Lewis, who is reputed to be the richest Filipino in the United States, gave Mr. Heredia $20,000 as settlement.

But there is a bigger “payroll scandal” other than the claims of Mr. Heredia, who likes to be addressed as “Commodore,” the title he has been bragging as the rank he earned in the Philippine Navy. (Editor’s Note: NaFFAA critics and retired Filipino navy officers like to call Mr. Heredia as “Commode” instead.)

The bigger scandal is the refusal of the NaFFAA to pay the salary for the past six months of its secretary at its national headquarters. Ms. Leslie Talusan is the NaFFAA secretary. Reports said that the new NaFFAA national chairman, Greg “Lagareng Hapon” Macabenta, is forcing Ms. Talusan to agree to an ante-dated deal as a “contractual hire,” so as to avoid paying the employer’s contributions for social security and workmen’s compensation. Nevertheless, Mr. Macabenta said that he would terminate Ms. Talusan’s services by December 31, 2008 – whether the NaFFAA would be able to pay her unpaid wages, ops, contractual obligations, or not. Mr. Macabenta has asked all the 12 regions of the NaFFAA to contribute money to pay off both Ms. Talusan and Commode Heredia. The NaFFAA regional officers of course do not like to assume the obligations of the national headquarters.

This reporter will gather more data about this “Payroll Scandal” and will publish his findings as soon they become available.

Abangan ang susunod na kabanata . . . (Please wait for the next chapter of this soap opera . . .) # # #