OCC Informative Speech

“The Power of Manipulation: Exploring the World of Cults”
An informative speech
submitted in partial fulfillment
of the course Oral Communication in Context
By:
Julianne I. Fabricante
De La Salle University Integrated School

Laguna Campus
Term 1, A.Y. 2023-2024
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The Power of Manipulation: Exploring the World of Cults
“The only way you can control someone is to lie to them.”. These profound words from L.
Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, encapsulate the sinister undercurrents of
manipulation and control that often lurk within the realm of cults. This quote serves as a
chilling reminder of the tactics employed by cult leaders: subtle deceptions masked as
guidance, lies veiled as enlightenment, and manipulation disguised as empowerment. It
prompts us to delve into a world where truth becomes subjective and where the allure of a
charismatic leader can cloud our judgment.
With their historical roots stretching far back and still holding onto us, cults heavily retain
their relevance in the present time. They are defined as a small group devoted to a person,
idea, object, movement, or work (Merriam-Webster, n.d.). Cults insidiously wield
influence through persuasion, coercion, and control. An example resonating with recent
events is the alleged cult: Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated (SBSI), led by Jey
Rence Quilario, known as Senor Agila. This very recent controversy in the Philippines
shows how cult-like manipulation infiltrates our society, and it raises questions about the
prevalence of such groups that are operating secretly in our midst.
While the existence of cults is widely acknowledged, the depth of understanding often
remains superficial, entangled in stereotypes and misconceptions. Beyond the surface lies
an intricate realm where manipulation tactics, vulnerability exploitation, and societal
ramifications converge together. By examining these intricacies, it will seek to illuminate
the obscured realities, foster awareness, and advocate for vigilance against the
insidious forces of manipulation lurking beneath the enigmatic world of cults.
The definition of a cult remains a contentious subject for many experts, characterized by
its multifaceted interpretations and divergent viewpoints. Lanuza (1999) underscores this
definition's challenges, emphasizing the complexities of delineating cults from other
religious entities.
Similarly, according to Esmaquel (2023), employing the term cult is controversial, with
sociologists referring to it as a “morally loaded term” fraught with implications. Along
with that, cults also do not have a widely known definition in Philippine laws, which
poses a problem when these groups engage in illegal activities. While the definition of a
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cult remains debated, Best (2018) identifies distinct categories: racist, doomsday, and
religious cults. Often, cults intertwine elements from two or more of these categories,
blurring rigid distinctions.
Recently, though, cults seem to have a negative connotation attached to them, which
rightfully aligns with the rise of destructive, human-rights-violating cults in recent
decades. For instance, under Keith Raniere’s leadership, the NXIVM cult used
manipulative narratives, as detailed by Heller (2021). Exploiting shame and guilt, they
distorted female members’ identities, asserting that gender privileges made them weak.
This coerced submission to rigorous discipline and suffering involved sexual slavery,
branding, and sharing compromising information.
Another example is the Heaven’s Gate cult, led by Marshall Applewhite. Their most
infamous act was when 39 of its members committed mass suicide in 1997 due to their
belief that the earth is going to end and through shedding their earthly bodies, it would
allow them to enter onto an unidentified flying object that would pass them through
Heaven’s Gate and into a better place (Melton, 2023). This tragic event illustrates the
extreme consequences of belief systems propagated by doomsday cults, where members
become convinced of impending catastrophic events, leading to radical actions.
Locally, here in the Philippines, very recently, as mentioned before, we have encountered
our alleged cult controversy with the Socorro Bayanihan Services Incorporated (SBSI). As
revealed by Magsambol (2023), the cult has been reported to engage in a disturbing array
of alleged practices, including child marriages, trafficking, rape and other human rights
abuses. Their leader, Senor Agila, was revered as the reincarnation of the Santo Nino; he
claimed to his followers that these acts were all approved by God (Pinugu, 2023). Proving
that SBSI is a religious cult, their activities echo a pattern seen in various religious cults
globally, where leaders exploit spiritual beliefs to manipulate followers into accepting
reprehensible actions.
According to renowned psychiatrist Robert Lifton, certain personal vulnerabilities can

play a role in making individuals more susceptible to the allure of cults (Heller, 2021),
while Pinugu highlights that challenges posed by poverty can make communities more
susceptible to charismatic leaders, offering solace in exchange for unwavering belief.
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Nonetheless, the appeal of cults surpasses these stereotypical perceptions. Cults actively
employ sophisticated psychological tactics, exploiting basic human needs for belonging,
purpose, and acceptance (Pinugu, 2023). They skillfully manipulate these intrinsic desires,
gradually eroding critical thinking and autonomy, leading individuals down a path they
never initially perceived.
Beyond the individual level, cults can have far-reaching effects on society. While not all
cults exhibit extreme behaviors, those that do disrupt social cohesion, create divisions
within communities and even pose a threat to public safety. They cultivate an environment
of fear, suspicion, and discord. This erosion of trust and unity impedes progress, fostering
an environment where divisions prevail over collaboration, hindering societal growth and
collective well-being.
To conclude, the world of cults shrouded in manipulation operates clandestinely, often

leaving a trail of devastation and shattered lives. This discussion merely scratches the
surface; there is so much more information out there that we can use to educate ourselves
and our communities.
Amidst these revelations, one resounding truth emerges our societal resilience hinges on
our capacity to prioritize critical thinking over blind adherence. This truth resonates
particularly in education systems; the urgent need arises to overhaul curriculums, fostering
critical thinking rather than perpetuating dogma. We must equip ourselves and future
generations with the tools to discern truth from deception, inoculating society against the
insidious allure of cult manipulation.
This imperative transcends individual responsibility; it is a collective effort. By embracing

inclusivity, promoting critical inquiry, and prioritizing robust education, it fortifies us
against the deceptive veils of manipulation. In this ongoing battle against the
encroachment of cult manipulation, education emerges as our most potent weapon.
Through knowledge, discernment, and the relentless pursuit of truth, we construct a
society fortified against the clandestine forces of manipulation that seek to undermine our
collective well-being.
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References:
Best, Jonica V. Carlton, "Cults: A Psychological Perspective" (2018). Theses and

Dissertations. 361.
Esmaquel II, P. (2023, October 17). EXPLAINER: What is a cult? It’s a decades-long
debate. RAPPLER. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/explainers/things-to-
know-what-is-cult-decades-debate/
Heller, Z. (2021, July). What Makes a Cult a Cult? The New Yorker; The New Yorker.
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/07/12/what-makes-a-cult-a-cult
Lanuza, G. M. (1999). The new cult phenomenon in Philippine society. Philippine studies,
47(4), 492-514.
Melton, J. Gordon (2023, November 17). Heaven’s Gate. Encyclopedia Britannica.

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Heavens-Gate-religious-group
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Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Cult. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved November
22, 2023, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cult
"Off the Time Track". Lecture in June 1952. "Technical Volumes of Dianetics and
Scientology", Volume 1, p. 418, 1980.
Pinugu, E. (2023, October). Anatomy of cults. INQUIRER.net; INQUIRER.net.

https://opinion.inquirer.net/166765/anatomy-of-cults

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“The Power of Manipulation: Exploring the World of Cults”

De La Salle University Integrated School

According to renowned psychiatrist Robert Lifton, certain personal vulnerabilities can

To conclude, the world of cults shrouded in manipulation operates clandestinely, often

This imperative transcends individual responsibility; it is a collective effort. By embracing

Best, Jonica V. Carlton, "Cults: A Psychological Perspective" (2018). Theses and

Melton, J. Gordon (2023, November 17). Heaven’s Gate. Encyclopedia Britannica.

Pinugu, E. (2023, October). Anatomy of cults. INQUIRER.net; INQUIRER.net.

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