The Clash Between Kabayan Noli de Castro and Quiboloy’s Lawyer
KABAYAN NOLI DE CASTRO – The esteemed broadcast journalist clashed with Atty. Israelito Torreon, the legal counsel of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
The term “Kabayan” has been trending on X (formerly Twitter) due to De Castro’s confrontation with Quiboloy’s legal counsel during an interview on his radio program. The discussion focused on the ongoing search for Quiboloy, the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), who faces multiple charges.
Kabayan insisted that Quiboloy should be brought out of hiding to face his legal issues instead of remaining concealed. He argued that ordinary people who are facing charges are expected to comply with the law. Kabayan appeared dissatisfied with Quiboloy’s legal counsel’s responses, as he raised his voice and spoke more firmly.
“Patunayan ninyo, palabasin n’yo siya sa lungga, at saka kayo mag-file. Eh kahit tumatawa kayo, attorney kayo, kami pangkaraniwang tao, ang alam namin ho ang taong may kaso ay dapat lumabas at ipagtanggol ang kaniyang sarili lalo na po ang isang tao na katulad ni Pastor Quiboloy na Son of God,” Kabayan asserted.
The lawyer responded by saying that Kabayan’s view was incorrect, claiming that there was an alternative, which Kabayan disputed. “Patunayan niyang wala siyang kasalanan, at kami’y maniniwala kapag siya ay lumabas na, at ang proseso ng batas, doon pa lang kami maniniwala na wala siyang kasalanan Attorney, remember attorney ho kayo, lahat ng attorney talaga ipagtatanggol kahit pa kriminal ang isang tao, ipinagtatanggol po ninyo ‘di ba? I’m not talking of Quiboloy, pero kayong mga attorney ganiyan ang asal ninyo,” Kabayan added.
The lawyer explained that Quiboloy has not emerged yet because he wants to ensure that his release will not result in his extradition to the U.S., where he also faces charges. Quiboloy requested President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to issue a written declaration stating that he must clear his name in the Philippines and not be sent to the U.S.
“Kailangan niyang i-clear ang pangalan niya rito, na-dismiss na nga itong kaso na ito eh. And it is within his right to really question the finding of probable cause, ginawa nga ito nina [former] Senator [Ping] Lacson, bakit hindi niya puwede itong gawin?” said the legal counsel.