Risa Hontiveros Says Pastor Quiboloy Can’t Avoid Senate Investigation
PASTOR QUIBOLOY – Senator Risa Hontiveros said Pastor Apollo QUiboloy must participate in the Senate hearing.
Religious leader Apollo Quiboloy has declined participation in the Senate investigation regarding alleged crimes, including s*xual abuse, within his Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), despite being summoned by the committee on women. Quiboloy argued that only a court, not a Senate hearing, has the authority to determine guilt or innocence.
In an audio statement on the Buhay Kingdom 2024’s Facebook page, Quiboloy expressed his readiness to respond in a court setting for a fair judgment when addressing Sen. Risa Hontiveros and her witnesses—former KOJC members accusing him of s*xual abuse and other offenses.
Pastor Quiboloy emphasized his refusal to undergo public humiliation in what he deemed a “bogus hearing” with “bogus witnesses” at the Senate. He questioned the credibility of the witnesses, urging them to reveal their identities to establish authenticity.
Based on a report from Inquirer, Senator Risa Hontiveros insisted that Apollo Quiboloy attend the Senate inquiry into allegations of rape by some of his former followers.
“In the past, Cabinet officials, lawmakers, an incumbent Senate president and even a former president have submitted to Senate subpoenas and appeared as witnesses…”
“His constitutional rights, like all witnesses, [will be] respected. But he is not higher than the president, the Senate and the law,” said Hontiveros.
Following Quiboloy’s repeated challenges to the panel’s authority to investigate him, Hontiveros, who heads the Senate Committee on Women, children, family relations, and gender equality, released the statement. Despite previous invitations which he ignored, he has now been subpoenaed by the Senate to appear at the next hearing scheduled for March 5th.
“The Senate is open to hear your side. We are waiting for you,” Hontiveros said.
