DAVAO CITY — The Senate on Tuesday cited Apollo Quiboloy for contempt for his continuous refusal to be appear at the investigation into the alleged human trafficking and sexual abuses involving his religious group.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, the chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, has cited Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Quiboloy in contempt after he refused to appear before the panel.
Hontiveros who is also the Deputy Minority Leader also appealed to Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri “To authorize Quiboloy’s arrest so that he may testify before the committee.”
On Feb. 28 Quiboloy’s lawyer Melanio Balayan sent a letter addressed to Hontiveros and Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
“With all due respect to Your Honors and the Senate as an institution, we hereby submit that the issuance and enforcement of the said Subpoena is in wanton violation of the fundamental and sacred constitutional rights of our Client against self-incrimination and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt,” Balayan’s letter stated.
Hontiveros took this action after Quiboloy’s attorney informed the committee that compelling his appearance would violate his constitutional rights against self-incrimination and presumption of innocence.
“This excuse will not suffice. In accordance with Section 18 of the Rules of the Senate, as chair of the committee and with the concurrence of one member present, I cite Apollo Carreon Quiboloy in contempt for his refusal to be sworn in or to testify before this investigation,” Hontiveros declared.
Followers of Quiboloy staged a protest
Followers of Apollo Quiboloy staged a protest rally in front of the Philippine Senate Building to show their support to the founder of Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church who is accused of sexual abuses cases filed by his former church members.
The protesters were shouting “Hustisya ipaglaban, Hindi kami Bayad, Hontiveros resign.”
