Quiboloy Must Face Senate & House Hearings Says Marcos
MARCOS – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said Pastor Apollo Quiboloy must face the Senate and House hearings amid abuse allegations.
Senator Risa Hontiveros remarked that Pastor Apollo Quiboloy bears resemblance to Jey Rence ‘Senior Agila’ Quilario of Socorro Bayanihan Services, as both allegedly exploited their positions of authority for personal gain.
In the previous year, a Senate hearing was convened to address complaints from supposed victims of abuses attributed to Quilario.
On January 23, individuals claiming to be victims of Apollo Quiboloy’s abuses were presented. These individuals were affiliated with the religious leader from Davao City. They asserted that they were informed by someone named “Jacqueline Roy” or Jack Roy that they were to serve Quiboloy.
They were also informed that being part of the “pastoral” was a privilege granted to selected members, emphasizing that not everyone gets such an opportunity, and they were asked if they were willing to make sacrifices, even involving their bodies.
Despite being summoned by the committee on women, Apollo Quiboloy declined to participate in the Senate investigation concerning alleged crimes, including sexual abuse, within his Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). Quiboloy argued that only a court, rather than a Senate hearing, possesses the authority to determine guilt or innocence.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, as per a report from Inquirer, emphasized that Apollo Quiboloy should appear before the Senate inquiry to address the allegations of rape made by some former followers.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged Quiboloy on Wednesday to attend both Senate and House of Representatives hearings to address the accusations against him and his groups.
“I would just advise him that kung meron naman siyang sasabihin, he has an opportunity both in the House and the Senate to say his side of the story. Sinasabi niya hindi totoo lahat ‘yan, walang nangyaring ganyan, edi sabihin niya,” Marcos said in a chance interview.
Marcos said if he persists in avoiding the hearings, he may face contempt charges.
“Kung makakapunta siya, sagutin niya lahat ng tanong, edi tapos na. That’s why my advice for him is just face the questioning in the House and the Senate, marinig natin ang kaniyang side para malaman natin kung ano ba talagang nangyayari dito,” BBM said.
He also disregarded Quiboloy’s claim that the United States intends to “eliminate” him, purportedly with Marcos’ approval.
“Walang gustong mag-assassinate sa kanya,” Marcos said.