Woman Seeks Cardinal Advincula’s Help Over Crypt Ownership
A parishioner has reached out to Archbishop Cardinal Jose Advincula of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila (RCAM) regarding the non-issuance of official documents certifying her ownership of two crypts she purchased in 2022. This issue has raised concerns about the security of her investment and future peace of mind.
Jackie Reyes shared with sources that in July 2022, she purchased two crypts, numbered 11A and 12A, in the new wing of the Risen Christ Memorial Garden (RCMG) located at St. Alphonsus Mary de Liguori Parish in Magallanes Village, Makati City. She completed the payment of P450,000 after taking advantage of a 10 percent discount offer. Receipts and scanned cheque copies confirm her payments, including a P100,000 downpayment made in July and the balance paid the following month.
Concerns About Ownership Documents
Despite fulfilling her financial obligations, Reyes revealed she has not yet received official ownership certificates. Instead, she only received scanned payment proofs and computer-generated acknowledgment receipts. Without formal documentation, she fears losing her rights to the crypts.
“Since they haven’t processed a lot, I’m worried that I might not get my 11A and 12A. And if anything happens to me, this is my biggest worry. I’m the eldest, my children are (still) young, and my children will just accept what will be given to them if they don’t hold any ownership, any papers, any official receipts,” she said.
The church requested a list of beneficiaries who would manage the crypts in the event of her passing, along with related documents like baptismal and birth certificates. However, Reyes said the church only provided a set of terms and conditions but no memorandum of agreement or other binding documents.
Efforts to Resolve the Issue
In a letter dated June 17, 2025, Reyes formally asked the parish priest, Rev. Msgr. Roberto Canlas, for the immediate issuance of Certificates and Ownership for the two crypts. She warned that if the church failed to comply by June 30, she would seek legal action. Two days later, on June 19, she also wrote to Cardinal Advincula explaining her predicament and requesting assistance.
“The documents that were given to me as proof of purchase and payments were only all scanned copies of the original. I believe there are a number of us in the same predicament. I was hoping you could look into this and assist us regarding this matter,” Reyes wrote.
The terms and conditions document provided clarified that the RCAM is the absolute and registered owner of the RCMG and its land, retaining full control and supervision.
When asked why she chose to approach the RCAM, Reyes expressed her trust in their leadership and desire to settle the matter properly as she grows older. “After three years, I only thought of seeking help because I was confident, that’s my parish,” she explained.
Waiting for a Response
More than two weeks after sending her letters, Reyes reported no reply from either the parish or the archdiocese. “In my letter there, I mentioned that if they do not deliver anything to me by June 30, I will check my legal options. I have not yet done it because it’s only July 3,” she said.
As of this writing, no official statement has been received from the church or archdiocese representatives addressing her concerns.
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