UPDATES ON THE FRANK PUNITO CASE

6 December 2007
At a Family Gathering on 25 November

A Wedding Anniversary Celebration

It was extremely difficult for Frank to be in such close proximity to his children and grandchildren, at that function. As he has made up his mind about NOT wanting to see his children, it was also difficult to feel relaxed with his grandchildren. He was, of course, very happy to see the grandchildren.
In fact, before the end of the function, Frank could not bear the pain any longer, and left without saying goodbye to many friends and relatives. He hoped those individuals would understand and forgive him.
He was happy that the daughter-in-law went up to him, asked about his health and informed him of her pregnancy. He was shocked to hear that his son was supposed to have sent him a text message. He did not received that message. However, it is important to note that he lost his old mobile phone for about 3 weeks before he bought a new one. Still, there should be better means of communicating that news to Frank.
Frank is sorry that he is unable to rekindle relationship with his family and therefore felt that the daughter-in-law will have to miss out on any contact with him. He still felt that more should have been done before things got to the 'point of no return' with regards to his relationship with his family.
It was a difficult and painful decision but considering the damages done to his physical, emotional and mental health, his dignity and pride; he has chosen NOT to resume any contact with his family, particularly his children. Any indirect contact with his children is also ruled out.
He deeply regrets that, but considering the fact that his children, and their spouses DID NOTHING to give him any considerations or regard before, during and after the property settlement. ...They knew about his crammed living-quarters of over 8 years. They must also have known that it was very hurtful to see/hear his grandchildren in the front of the house, but was not visited by them.
(Update made in consultation with; and approved by Frank)
NB: Everything posted on this site has the approval of Frank before publication. However, comments made on the 'Your Say' page are views of site visitors. Those comments are then relayed to Frank.

1 December 2007
Special thanks to visitors who continue to check on this site. An update will be posted soon.

2 November 2007
For those who are really concerned about Frank, here is the latest update.
Since he got possession of the house, he has been working on various renovations and repair jobs. He has to do some of the work himself or pay tradesmen to help him. Apparently, there are more to be done.
A few days ago I contacted Frank. He told me that the previous evening he had fallen asleep at around 7pm; and slept till 8.30am the next morning. Very unusual for him, as he has always been an early riser and he suffers from insomnia.
He also told me that he is "losing interest in everything".
I don't think we need to have a medical or psychology degree to see what is happening.
Ask yourself what you would do in his circumstance.
For those who accused me of doing him harm by publishing his story, please contact him and talk to him. Find out for yourself!
We will cover the issue of getting help for people like Frank in other related sites.

20 October 2007
Certain items on this page have been removed, as we believe that they detract from the purpose of this and other related sites.
Please contact the webmaster via email if you have further questions or complaints about this site. Email Me
We wish to resolve other issues, privately.

23 September 2007

Yesterday, Frank invited a small group of friends and relatives to his newly renovated house. It has taken him quite a few months to do the necessary repairs and renovations.
The house is a modest one. But compared to his living quarters the past 8 to 9 years, it is a luxury!

It is good to see him relaxed and proud of his new home. Everyone there wanted to show him that there are others, who care about him.

There were still small whispered discussions amongst guests regarding the horrible treatments his children had dished out to him.

Would you believe this - His abusers have come up with reasons for their actions. Their so-called reasons as to why they treated their father that way will be published shortly.

Those reasons they have given, so far, can only be described as insults to our intelligence. You will be able to judge that for yourself when it is published here and other related sites.

There can never be justifiable reason(s) for Elder Abuse!

We can say this to Frank's abusers -- " You can fool some of the people some of the time and all of the people some of the time, but you can't fool all of the people all of the time".

Wait for the next update!


2 September 2007

Father’s Day - A day to honour fathers.

How do you think Frank feels on such a day? Alone? Bitter? Frustrated? Bewildered? Disappointed? Ashamed?

I believe he feels All of that and more.

This is what he requested that I include in this update:

His children not only robbed him of a family; they have robbed their own children of a grandparent.

Frank suffers from 2 chronic illnesses but is determined to work hard at keeping fit. Can he ever forget that he once had a family? I think the answer is obvious.

Part of his survivor-technique now, appears to be - to try to forget he ever had a family. However, on occasions such as Father’s Day, Christmas Day etc… it is extremely difficult for him.

We can only wish him well and hope that he will pull through without damage to his mental and physical health.

9 August. 2007
The group of us (members here and overseas) who have intimate knowledge, are still keeping an eye on this case. We were stunned and felt powerless. Laws, hopefully, will be changed in the near future to help people like Frank. As a group, we are now doing a number of things to publicise the growing problem of elder abuse; and to work with various other groups in lobbying law-makers. The law must be changed. There should be a law on Duty To Care.
Frank, at 77 years of age, is trying very hard to get on with what is left of his life. It is not easy for him to forget that he once had a family. His family - until the start of this tragedy, that has been the main focus of his life. He is often heard mumbling to himself - "What family? I don't have a family. I thought I had a family."
Regarding his abusers - They will never know how many of their friends, relatives, acquaintances or colleagues have knowledge of what they did to their father. This "stain" in their lives can NEVER be forgotten or "washed off".

18 July, 2007
Yes, apparently the documents were signed for transferring shares to both parents. Wow! what a great effort. It has cost Frank a few hundred dollars for this latest attempt to get what is rightfully his. Hopefully, there won't be anymore such painful and expensive exercises to get what is rightfully his.
What his children had done in the past few years should NOT be forgotten. It is INEXCUSABLE!
How could they do what they did?
Many of us, who have intimate knowledge of the case, kept posing this question around.
Frank did not have an easy life. Firstly, his wife was diagnosed with a serious mental illness over 40 years ago. He stayed to care for his wife and family. Thought he has given his children everything he could.
Put yourself in his position. At 77 he is all alone; stripped of his pride and dignity. Had to fight (his own children) to retain 50% of the assets he built up. He is frail and bewildered.
It was painful to watch Frank's expression as he showed me the few cigars (still in the original box) that he had bought when his son was born. He found them in storage under the house, as he rummaged around to sort things out. "What family? I've got no family! I thought I had a family...." Then silence ..............Can you feel his disappointments, pains and bewilderment.

17 July, 2007
Newsflash: Information just received today. There is a response from the other party. Details unclear to the author at the moment. Frank is not too well; and it is difficult to get more details from him. Will post update as soon as we receive more details.
16 July, 2007
A group of people from around the world are watching this case with interest. There is a list of names gathered to express the united view of NO tolerance for this sort of behaviour/abuses particularly in regard to this case. Any denial to access of an older person's assets is considered as Financial Abuse. We intend to publish this list shortly.
4 July 2007
Can You Believe This!
About 8 weeks ago, it was discovered that a number of share-portfolios (in jointnames of Frank and his ex-wife) were in Dividend Reinvestment Plans. This was overlooked by everyone during the property settlement.
Frank supplied the details to his solicitor, and requested that the solicitor send a letter to the other party. The letter, together with the necessary forms, was sent. The letter mentioned that in the spirit of the property settlement, the remaining shares should be split equally between Frank and his ex-wife.
All his children has to do was to either get their mother to sign those forms or, to sign on her behalf (as the son has power of attorney for his mother).
A reminder letter was also sent three weeks after the first.
That was more than 7 weeks ago! True to form, they have NOT sent the forms back.
The effect on Frank? You can imagine.
Any reasonable person would be stunned by their inaction.
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25 May 2007
It has been extremely difficult for Frank to refurbish and repair the house as he has to move things around in order to do that- (he lives there)
His health has deteriorated. However, as he was brought up to just "get on with it"; he has done just that. Often, the suppressed anger and disappointment with his so-called "family" would surface. He would then try to suppress those feelings again. On my previous visits to see him, I have witnessed "momentary confusion" . He complained of sleeplessness.
I don't think any of us could imagine accurately how he feels. The pains that he endures because of his uncaring, ungrateful children, will be with him to the end.
He is lost without words or resolution.
He requested that I convey his appreciation to visitors to this site who had left good wishes for him. He realizes that nothing more can be done for him. His wish is that others can learn from his terrible experience of elder abuse from family members.
The author has received several private emails enquiring as to whether Frank's children are aware of this website. With the help of some friends, his children were informed. However, to date, there has been no contact or comment from them.