Script for Quiboloy

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IS Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ trying to portray himself as a “victim” in the Senate probe of the charges of prostitution and human trafficking against him? He probably thinks that by calling the Senate names, it would reverse his already dark public image and make the feisty Sen. Risa Hontiveros and her committee back down.

The Senate leadership is not ready to face embarrassment over a subpoena that cannot be served or enforced even if Quiboloy thinks he may be an “untouchable sort.” His highly-paid lawyers are probably beside themselves putting together a script for Quiboloy on how to respond credibly to pointed questions from the committee.

‘His highly-paid lawyers are probably beside themselves putting together a script for Quiboloy on how to respond credibly to pointed questions from the committee.’

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Butch Conde, the senior pastor of the Born-Again Christian Church Bread of Life (BOL), passed away last November. Located at the corner of Mother Ignacia and Scout Reyes Streets in Quezon City, the Church became one of the fastest-growing Born-Again ministries nationwide in the mid-1990s. I joined BOL while it was still housed at the old Circle Theater on Timog Ave. where, for the first time in my life, I was mesmerized and inspired by the loud and intensified prayer of the congregation during the Sunday worship services.

It was no doubt the preaching of Pastor Conde, who spoke strongly against corruption and injustices with Biblical admonitions, drew the huge crowd packing the building’s 5,000-seat capacity. It was rare for a preacher then to combine deep and critical insights with cutting Biblical messages in presenting the country’s social, political and cultural problems.

I owe Pastor Conde much of the learning and embracing of the true Biblical faith that compelled me to serve God through the police, orphanage and prison ministries. My eyes were also opened to confront my twisted and self-righteous values as a TV news reporter and program anchor.

He also encouraged me to enroll my son at the Meridian International Learning Experience, the school owned and operated by BOL. It offered an advanced, intensive and cutting-edge curriculum taught by Singapore-trained teachers and counselors, which was beyond my financial means at that time. Pastor Conde gave me a 50% discount on my son’s tuition fees.

My son’s exceptional and highly-regarded proficiency in English, Math, Science and the Arts could only be traced to his early school upbringing at the Meridian International School. For which my wife and I will be forever grateful to Pastor Conde and the BOL.

Just like several Christian churches, the BOL found itself in the middle of controversies that have forced several pastors to leave. I would also make that difficult decision even if there was much that I could not leave behind — the respect and deep gratitude I still nurture for Pastor Conde and the Board of Elders/Trustees of BOL.

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Our deep sympathies to the family and relatives of Channel 9 veteran news cameraman George Tamondong, who passed away three weeks ago a few days after celebrating his 76th birthday. Stricken with cancer of the liver (stage 4), he still managed to travel from his home province in Pangasinan to attend the grand reunion of the Kanlaon Broadcasting System (KBS) employees last month at the Phil-Am Life Homes Clubhouse in Quezon City. In his extremely ailing condition, nothing could stop him from seeing his fellow news employees and friends at the old Channel 9 for the last time.

Tamondong was one of the most dependable and hard-working cameramen of the News and Public Affairs Department who served under three succeeding managers. His daughter, Joyce, remembers him well as a very loving father with infectious laughter, an abundant provider, and a very generous friend to many.

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