STOP! | Padilla leads push to overturn contempt order against Quiboloy, Ejercito withdraws signature

March 8, 2024 , 11:21 AM

By Beatrice Puente

(March 8, 2024) – Sen. Robin Padilla is leading the objection to a motion that cited self-styled pastor Apollo Quiboloy in contempt over his refusal to attend the Senate inquiries into his alleged abuses in Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).

Padilla enlisted the support of at least three other senators—Sen. Bong Go, Sen. Imee Marcos, and Sen. Cynthia Villar—in his position. Sen. JV Ejercito withdrew his signature after originally expressing support.

In his initial statement, Ejercito said his decision to object to the contempt order, which was pushed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, was based on the decision of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to file sexual abuse and qualified trafficking charges against Quiboloy.

But Ejercito said he changed his mind “after thoughtful contemplation” of the matter.

“Serious allegations of rape during the last committee hearing … have prompted me to carefully review the facts, witness testimonies, and additional information. Recently, I was also informed that the [DOJ] is already pursuing charges of sexual abuse and qualified trafficking versus Pastor Quiboloy,” said Ejercito in his letter.

He further noted that Quiboloy can take the opportunity provided by the hearings conducted by the committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality “to clear his name.”

“I believe that our committee chairperson will facilitate a fair and impartial proceeding,” added Ejercito.

Official statement on the reversal of the contempt citation vs Pastor Apollo Quiboloy: After careful review of the facts, witness testimonies, & additional information, such as the allegations of rape during the last committee hearing, I’ve decided to withdraw my signature today. pic.twitter.com/btMLZZKL9g

— JV Ejercito (@jvejercito) March 7, 2024

Quiboloy, who founded KOJC and claims to be the “Appointed Son of God,” snubbed a subpoena that compelled him to testify in the probe “into the reported cases of large-scale human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse and violence, and child abuse” in KOJC.

Padilla said his opposition to the contempt order was based on his view that Quiboloy is a hero. He also invoked the separation of church and state even if this constitutional provision does not contemplate a limitation on the conduct of legislative investigations.

“Hindi ako naniniwalang in aid of legislation. Makakagawa tayo ng mga bill ngayon na maaapektuhan ang Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Religion ‘yan. Sana naintindihan niyo,” said Padilla, noting that the matter should be left to the courts.

Marcos also justified her decision to rally behind Quiboloy, who’s in the most wanted list of the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“Ayaw naman natin na kinukuyog ang mga tao. They have the right to due process. They have the right to defend themselves against self-incrimination,” said Marcos.

Meanwhile, Villar joined the cause of Padilla because she said Quiboloy is her friend.

“Mabait siya sa aming pamilya at nagtataka ako diyan sa case na ‘yan kaya medyo hindi ako masyadong naniniwala diyan,” said Villar.

It remains to be seen if Padilla will reach the eight signatures required to overturn the contempt order against Quiboloy by next week.

Earlier, Hontiveros expressed hope that her colleagues would consider the testimonies of witnesses who were abused in making their decision.

(PM)

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