Sen. Risa Hontiveros Speaks on Resumption of Senate Hearing over Quiboloy Case
RISA HONTIVEROS – The lawmaker confirmed that the resumption of the hearing against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is the last Senate hearing on the issues against him.
One of the high-profile personalities arrested by the Philippine National Police (PNP) this year is Pastor Apollo Quiboloy who is facing allegations not only in the country but as well as abroad. He is the founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ or the KOJC.
Quiboloy is in hiding for several months now. The PNP conducted intensified search operations inside the KOJC compound in Davao City in the pursuit of locating the Pastor. The search ops reportedly included drilling activities as the authorities believed that the Pastor may be hiding in a bunker.
Early in September, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy was arrested by the PNP authorities. His arrest was regarded by his lawyer and KOJC legal counsel, Attorney Israelito Torreon, as an “ultimate sacrifice”. According to him, the Pastor could no longer take to see the situation inside the KOJC compound and his members.
Prior to his arrest, the camp of Quiboloy expressed that the Pastor has a condition with President Bongbong Marcos for his surrender. He allegedly want a written guarantee from the Chief Executive that he will not be turned over to the hands of the foreign authorities. He reportedly has pending cases in the United States.
Currently, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is under the custody of the PNP in Camp Crame. His co-accused are currently detained in Pasig City Jail. His camp previously expressed a pursuit for the transfer of his custody to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) or a house arrest at least.
Amid his detention, the Senate requested the Court for the appearance of Quiboloy in the hearing regarding the issues against him and the request gained the Court’s approval. He was escorted by the authorities to the inquiry set by the upper chamber.
Based on a report on ABS-CBN News, Sen. Risa Hontiveros said that the resumption of the Senate hearing on the cases against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is the last inquiry regarding the matter. The lawmaker stressed that they only waited for the appearance of the Pastor.
“Matapos ‘yung napakaraming drama niya, sa wakas naipaharap din siya sa Senado. Dahil sa pag-umpisa natin ng imbestigasyon, ‘yung appointed Son of God, arrested Son of God na,” Sen. Hontiveros said.
According to the lawmaker, for seven months, they have already adjourned six (6) hearings and they only waited for the appearance of the Pastor. Based on the report, Sen. Risa Hontiveros stressed that the “cast of characters” are completed already.
“Ang cast of characters kahapon—si Quiboloy mismo, ‘yung co-accused niya, ‘yung ilan sa mga dating victim-survivors namin at ilang mga bago rin,” she said.
In the upcoming 2025 Midterm Elections, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is running as an independent candidate for senator. His independent bid came after he revoked his Certificate of Nomination and Acceptance (CONA) under the Workers’ and Peasants’ Party (WPP).