Senate panel orders arrest of Quiboloy

MANILA – Senator Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros, who leads the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, declared Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy in contempt on Tuesday for consistently disregarding the subpoena issued by the committee.

Hontiveros noted that her committee had also requested Quiboloy’s arrest for his refusal to participate in the Senate investigation into the alleged human trafficking and sexual abuses involving his religious group in Davao City.

Despite being wanted by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for charges including sex trafficking of children and other criminal offenses, Quiboloy has repeatedly ignored invitations from the Senate panel to attend its hearings.

“Under Section 18 of the Rules of the Senate, as chairman of the committee, with the concurrence of one member here with me, I cite in contempt Apollo Carreon Quiboloy for his refusal to be sworn or to testify before this investigation. This committee requests the Senate President to order his arrest so that he may be brought to testify,” Hontiveros said.

Previously, the Philippine National Police (PNP) extended its support to Congress leaders in serving subpoenas to Quiboloy, who is said to have evaded authorities by going into hiding.

“If [the House] and Senate will seek the assistance of the PNP in serving the subpoenas, then we are ready to assist them,” acting PNP Public Information Office chief Col. Jean Fajardo said.

Earlier, one of Quiboloy’s legal representatives argued that the issuance and enforcement of the subpoena violated his constitutional rights, particularly against self-incrimination and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Meanwhile, Senator Robinhood Padilla expressed objection on Tuesday to Senator Hontiveros’ decision to hold Quiboloy in contempt.

In response, Hontiveros acknowledged Padilla’s objection, noting that according to Section 18 of the rules governing inquiries in aid of legislation, the majority of all committee members have the authority to “reverse or modify” the contempt order within seven days.

Quiboloy has consistently stated his refusal to participate in the Senate investigation into alleged crimes within his Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), despite being summoned by the committee on women. He maintains that only a court has the jurisdiction to determine guilt or innocence.

On Tuesday, supporters of Quiboloy staged a protest rally outside the Senate building as the Senate committee on women resumed its public hearing on allegations against the religious leader.