Positive Elders Philippines, Inc. (PELP), an organization of elder Filipinos living with HIV, has formally withdrawn its membership with the Network of Positive Advocates of the Philippines, Inc. (also known as the Network Plus Philippines or N+).
This is the latest development in a series of events that started with the hasty resignation of the former chairperson, who alleged that N+ lacks independence, is grossly mismanaged (and has issues with ineptitude, and malversation within), and has a “willingness to turn a blind eye to these issues for the sake of maintaining a positive public image.”
Eight Visayas-based HIV organizations eventually dumped N+, followed by the resignation of the vice chairperson.
In a letter sent to N+ and signed by its president Gem A. Cabreros, PELP’s withdrawal is “due to the ongoing discord and unresolved organizational and financial issues plaguing the network.”
Seven of the nine-member Board of Trustees voted to withdraw from N+.
PELP is keeping the door open for re-application for membership when N+’s issues have been resolved.
N+ claims to be composed of 40 organizations led by persons living with HIV, but the publicized number does not show the ongoing departures of member organizations.
