Senator Risa Hontiveros stated on Thursday that detained religious leader Apollo Quiboloy has a responsibility to respond to the Senate’s invitation and should not ignore it.
Quiboloy’s camp, on the other hand, requested the court to prevent him from attending the Senate hearing scheduled for October 23.
This hearing pertains to Hontiveros’ Senate Resolution No. 884, which seeks to investigate allegations of sexual abuse committed by the pastor.
Hontiveros emphasized that the invitation has been outstanding for a considerable time and is more than just a request.
Quiboloy was subpoenaed to appear after evading attendance for over six months.
She noted that they will wait for and respect whatever decision the court makes; however, Quiboloy “really has an obligation to respond and not ignore the invitations and subpoenas from the Senate, especially his obligation to face his victims in their hearing.”
Quiboloy’s lawyers have urged caution regarding public statements, arguing that their client has not yet been proven guilty.
“How can our resource persons, especially the victims, take it easy if many of them have been waiting for years to tell what really happened to them?” Hontiveros said in response.
She added that some victims were minors who had been abused by Quiboloy, while others had worked for a long time in his organization, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).
Hontiveros explained that many victims believed they would have to “bury the terrible things that happened to them until they die.”
She emphasized that the hearing, as outlined in the resolution, is intended to aid legislation and aims to strengthen both the drafting and implementation of laws protecting women, children, and workers.
As chair of the Committee on Women, Family, and Gender Relations, Hontiveros previously requested the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 159 to allow Quiboloy to attend the hearing.
Five of Quiboloy’s co-accused—Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Pauline Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemañes—have also been summoned.
On September 8, Quiboloy surrendered to military intelligence officers after evading arrest for two weeks within his church’s compound in Davao City. He was subsequently handed over to police authorities.
Quiboloy and four of his co-accused were transferred to Pasig City Jail on September 13.
