Pastor Quiboloy Subpoenaed By Senate, Imee Marcos Opposes
IMEE MARCOS – Senator Imee Marcos has rejected the proposal from certain Senate colleagues to issue a subpoena order against Apollo Quiboloy.
On Tuesday, February 13, the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality issued a subpoena for the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy.
Quiboloy was absent during the panel’s investigation into allegations of his mistreatment of women and children. Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, who chairs the panel, urged Quiboloy to attend the upcoming hearing, emphasizing that he is not exempt from state laws simply by claiming to be a “son of God.”
Hontiveros pointed out that Quiboloy can only exercise the right against self-incrimination “when and if the [potentially] incriminating question is asked,” similar to any regular witness. Hontiveros also expressed that Quiboloy’s absence from the hearing reflects a lack of respect for the Senate as an institution.
Based on a report from Inquirer, Senator Imee Marcos has rejected the proposal put forth by some of her fellow senators to issue a subpoena against religious leader Apollo Quiboloy.
“Eh nagulat nga ako may mga member nga ng Senado, may mga senador, na nagpupumiglas na kailangan eh i-subpoena na si Pastor. Para sa akin, hindi dapat,” Marcos said.
Expressing her surprise, Marcos conveyed her belief that the Senate should “slow down” because there are “many more issues” surrounding the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), led by Quiboloy. Her sole justification for disagreement was the ongoing House hearing on SMNI.
“Parang masyado nang patong-patong ‘to, mahihilo na tayo. Dapat isa-isahin para maliwanagan tayo sa lahat ng issue,” she said.
However, according to Hontiveros, Quiboloy must participate in the proceedings, considering the distressing accounts shared by some of his purported victims.