DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Davao City prosecutors’ office has junked the cyber libel charges filed by the international evangelist of the Jesus Christ the Name Above Every Name pastor Apollo Quiboloy against former senator Manny Pacquiao.
The six-page resolution signed by prosecutor Jose Charito Cortez II and approved by Davao City prosecutor Jhopee Avanceña last week contended that Quiboloy’s complaint against Pacquiao, who ran but lost in the May 9 presidential election, was unconvincing.
“The complainant’s contention that the various press releases of herein respondent signify proof of the latter’s malicious intention is not convincing,” part of the six-page resolution read.
The cyber libel charges that Quiboloy filed against Pacquiao resulted from the refusal of former senator to participate in the presidential debates that the evangelist’s Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) sponsored and conducted at the Okada Hotel.
Pacquiao emphasized that he could not get himself to attend the debate because of the nature of the cases that the pastor allegedly faces in the United States.
“As much as I would like to participate in every debate and public forum related to my bid for the presidency, I am compelled to decline the invitation of Sonshine Media Network International, which is owned by Apollo Quiboloy, who, according to the US government, has molested and abused children,” the prizewinning boxer said.
He also emphasized that he cannot, in good faith, “participate in any activity organized by a man wanted for detestable crimes and who inexcusably exploited the Lord’s name in vain for religious scams,” referring to Quiboloy.
Davao City prosecutors resolved that Pacquiao’s statement regarding his refusal to attend the SMNI-sponsored debate was without malice.
The Court of Tax Appeals junked a P2.2 billion case of Pacquiao and his spouse regarding alleged tax arrears from his boxing purse earlier this month, stating that the assessment was “invalid” since it lacked factual basis.
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