The GUARDIANS: A Call to STOP, LOOK, LISTEN and THINK Amid Leadership Clashes
In the landscape of Filipino organizations dedicated to service, discipline, and community development, the GUARDIANS Organization and the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) stand out as prominent entities committed to fostering brotherhood, integrity, and national service. However, recent times have seen these organizations embroiled in internal leadership clashes that
The GUARDIANS Organization and PGBI have long been pillars of discipline and civic responsibility. Yet, like many organizations with rich histories, they face challenges stemming from leadership disputes. These conflicts often arise from differences in vision, management styles, or succession issues, leading to factions that sometimes prioritize personal agendas over organizational harmony.
Leadership disputes within these organizations are more than internal matters; they have broader implications. They can weaken the organizations’ credibility, undermine their community projects, and diminish their capacity to serve effectively. For the members and the communities, they serve, such conflicts can be disheartening, eroding the trust and unity that are vital for their mission-driven activities.
The recent clashes of minds among leaders often occur when they do not agree on certain matters. However, the first thing they tend to think of as a resolution is to withdraw their support from the leadership. They resign, vanish from the scene, and afterward, they talk against the organization and its leaders. This pattern of behavior exacerbates instability and undermines the organizational integrity.
The recent clashes of minds among leaders often occur when they do not agree on certain matters. However, the first thing they tend to think of as a resolution is to withdraw their support from the leadership. They resign, vanish from the scene, and afterward, they talk against the organization and its leaders. This pattern of behavior exacerbates instability and undermines the organizational integrity.
For the PGBI, there are other groups that keep on calling themselves “PGBI,” but looking at their true acronyms, they may appear similar but actually have different meanings. These groups may share the same initials, yet their identities and loyalties differ significantly. They may have their idol leaders, such as politicians, whom they admire greatly. However, these groups often cannot even help themselves with small things, like having photo shoots with their idols, which seemingly makes them happy all the time. Such superficial displays of allegiance can distract from the true values of brotherhood, discipline, and service that the original PGBI embodies.
The Need to STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN
In light of these challenges, a crucial call emerges for all stakeholders involved: to STOP, LOOK, and LISTEN.
STOP: Pause the ongoing conflicts and refrain from actions that deepen divisions. Recognize that the organization’s strength lies in unity and shared purpose.
LOOK: Examine the root causes of the clashes. Understand the perspectives and concerns of all parties involved. Assess how leadership disputes affect the organization’s mission and the community it serves.
LISTEN: Engage in open, honest dialogue. Value the voices of members, leaders, and stakeholders. Seek common ground and prioritize the organization’s core values of brotherhood, discipline, and service.
A Word on Organizational Unity
Should there be many groups, factions, and splinters emerging within this sphere, it is vital to recognize that creating numerous competing groups can lead to unnecessary rivalry and division. In such cases, there should be no more umbrella organizations where competition among leaders can arise and cause further discord.
As suggested in the past and already experienced by those who associated with the umbrella, this approach is akin to a failure to contain and control the individual groups or factions. Such attempts often result in fragmentation, rivalry, and an inability to unify efforts for a common goal.
Additionally, one more reason why stability is not maintained is the undefined coverage or authority of the umbrella organization over the branches or groups that joined. When the scope of authority is unclear, it leads to overlaps, conflicts, and a lack of coherence in leadership and decision-making.
Furthermore, many unnecessary ranks and their undefined roles and authority over their groups or factions, and toward the umbrella organization, contribute to confusion and inefficiency. These ambiguous roles hinder effective leadership, create power struggles, and diminish the ability to implement unified strategies.
And when violation occurs, the so-called administration shall not be the same prosecutors to resolve the case of those alleged violators, and should not be imminent. This means that conflicts or violations should be handled by appropriate, impartial bodies or mechanisms, and not solely by the current administration or leadership, to ensure fairness and prevent bias.
Resolving leadership conflicts requires humility, patience, and a renewed commitment to the organizations’ foundational principles. Mediation, transparent communication, and a focus on collective goals can pave the way for reconciliation and stronger leadership. It is essential for the leaders of GUARDIANS and PGBI to remember that their primary purpose is to serve the Filipino community and uphold the legacy of brotherhood and discipline they have built.
The GUARDIANS Organization and the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood, Inc. are more than just groups—they are symbols of Filipino resilience and camaraderie. To continue their legacy, they must put aside personal differences, embrace dialogue, and work towards unity.
By STOPING, LOOKING, and LISTENING, and by avoiding unnecessary fragmentation and rivalry, these organizations can heal their divisions and emerge stronger, more focused, and ready to serve their nation with renewed vigor and integrity. – GS MEL, National President and Chairman, PGBI.
