Bato Will Personally Protect Pastor Quiboloy In Senate
BATO DELA ROSA – Senator and former Philippine National Police chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said he will offer personal protection to controversial preacher Apollo Quiboloy if he goes to the Senate.
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has offered personal protection to the religious leader Apollo Quiboloy if he opts to attend the Senate to address accusations against him. Dela Rosa assured in a press briefing that he is willing to act as Quiboloy’s security if he fears for his safety during the Senate hearing, emphasizing the importance of ensuring Quiboloy’s presence without disrespecting the institution.
This offer followed the Senate’s issuance of an arrest order against Quiboloy for repeatedly disregarding summons related to allegations of human trafficking and s*xual abuses, including child abuse.
“If he’s afraid, since he said his life is under threat, I can be his security. If he is thinking about his safety, I can secure him while he’s in the Senate. I can offer myself as his security if he comes here. [I’ll do it] just for him to be physically present in the hearing,” Sen. Dela Rosa said in a press briefing.
“It would be an insult to the institution if we won’t be able to secure him. So being a senator and a member of this Senate, I’m willing to provide him security,” he added.
According to the report, Senator Robin Padilla, another supporter of Pastor Quiboloy, suggested seeking legal recourse through the Supreme Court to protect Quiboloy’s rights within Senate procedures. Quiboloy faces potential arrest anytime, with a detention room already prepared, according to Senate sergeant-at-arms retired Army Gen. Roberto Ancan.
Despite the possibility of release after testifying before the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality, Quiboloy also faces an arrest order from the House of Representatives for failing to attend an inquiry into alleged franchise violations. Additionally, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced non-bailable charges against Quiboloy for human trafficking in Pasig City, along with sexual abuse and child abuse charges in Davao City.
Quiboloy’s legal team, led by Ferdinand Topacio, trusts the judiciary to handle these cases, expressing confidence in his innocence and the eventual clearing of his name.