Tony Meloto, award-winning social entrepreneur and founder of Gawad Kalinga, has denied allegations in an ABS-CBN interview following his DOJ indictment. (Photo from The World Economic Forum)
DOJ cites abuse of authority in alleged incidents involving GK scholars. Meloto rejects the claims in ABS-CBN interview, calling them “like a soap opera.”
MANILA — The Department of Justice’s National Prosecution Service (NPS) has indicted Gawad Kalinga founder Antonio “Tony” Meloto on two counts of qualified sex trafficking, based on allegations from two former program scholars who said they suffered abuse in 2017.
According to a resolution dated September 10, 2025, prosecutors found probable cause to pursue charges, describing the alleged acts as taking advantage of Meloto’s authority. They said the conduct fell under the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012 (RA 10364), which penalizes exploitation committed through “abuse of authority.” The indictment was made public the following week.
Allegations from former scholars
The two complainants, identified in documents by the pseudonyms “Daniel” and “Michael,” were scholars at Gawad Kalinga’s School for Experiential and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) at the GK Enchanted Farm in Angat, Bulacan.
They alleged that Meloto abused them in 2017 while at the farm. One also claimed misconduct occurred while accompanying him on a GK speaking engagement in Lyon, France. Prosecutors said their role in GK’s “Spartan Program,” which placed them in close proximity to the founder, created an imbalance of power that could be exploited.
Response from Meloto
Meloto described the allegations as “baseless, false, and malicious.” He told ABS-CBN News he would not file countercharges against the complainants, whom he considers “innocent,” and added that other former scholars were willing to testify in his defense.
Meloto’s record and recognition
Before the controversy, Meloto was known internationally for his anti-poverty work. He received the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 2006, the Philippine Legion of Honor in 2009, and the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship in 2012. Several universities in the Philippines and overseas also conferred honorary doctorates in recognition of his work in community building.
The foundation Meloto built
Founded in 2003 after starting as a grassroots initiative in 1995, Gawad Kalinga (which means “to give care” in Filipino) is a community development foundation that aims to reduce poverty through housing, health, education, and livelihood programs.
Its flagship site, the GK Enchanted Farm in Bulacan, was envisioned as a hub for social enterprises and is home to the SEED program, which trains youth in entrepreneurship. GK has built thousands of houses for low-income communities and established volunteer networks across the globe, particularly among the Filipino diaspora.
Organizational context
Although Meloto’s legacy is closely tied to GK, the foundation has since distanced itself from the case, stressing that the indictment involves its founder in a personal capacity. Reports confirm that Meloto left GK in 2017 after the board conducted an internal review.
Trial to determine outcome
With prosecutors recommending the filing of charges, the case will now proceed to a trial court where the evidence will be weighed and a verdict reached. Until then, Meloto remains presumed innocent under the law.
