LAWMAKERS yesterday warned Davao-based religious group leader Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy, who is wanted in the United States for alleged rape, human trafficking, exploitation of power and physical abuse, that the House Committee on Legislative Franchise is ready to order his arrest if he will snub its next hearing on the measure seeking the revocation of the legislative franchise of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).
“Magkakaroon ng contempt order (There will be a contempt order). That would depend on the committee pero pwede siyang ipaaresto in case hindi siya mag-attend (but he could be ordered arrested if he fails to attend),” said Parañaque Rep. Gustavo Tambunting, panel chair.
The Tambunting panel subpoenaed Quiboloy last week while the Senate issued a separate subpoena last Monday to compel him to attend the next hearing of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality on the alleged abuses that he committed against members of his religious group.
Rep. Ramon Gutierrez (PL, 1-Rider), who earlier filed the bill seeking the revocation of SMNI’s legislative franchise for various violations and unethical practices, particularly the dissemination of fake news and red-tagging, backed Tambunting.
“Kapag next hearing absent po ulit siya (If in the next hearing, he still doesn’t show up), I think ready po ‘yung committee (I think the committee is ready) to cite him in contempt and seek his subsequent arrest,” said Gutierrez, a lawyer.
The House subpoena was signed by Speaker Martin Romualdez, Tambunting, and House Secretary General Reginald Velasco.
Gutierrez stressed the importance of Quiboloy’s presence to shed light on the numerous violations committed by the broadcast network, known for regularly airing the preachings of the religious leader.
He said that there are questions that only Quiboloy himself can answer, not his lawyers.
“As a lawyer, naiintindihan din namin ‘yung mga abogado ng SMNI (We understand the SMNI lawyers). Kahit (even) through hook or by crook, talagang paninindigan nila ang stand nila kahit na mukhang palusot minsan (they’ll reallt defend their stand even if these are just obvious alibis sometimes). But as lawmakers, we demand answers,” Gutierrez said.
Rep. Margarita Nograles (PL, OBA), who is also a lawyer, underscored the significance of due process and Quiboloy’s right to address the allegations.
“That’s only a matter of due process. And it’s his right na sana dumating siya para masagot niya ang mga katanungan (to attend to answer questions) instead of insinuating a lot of things,” she said.
For his part, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong underscored the seriousness of issuing subpoenas, noting that they are reserved for uncooperative individuals who dismiss the authority of the House.
Meanwhile, Vice President Sara Duterte assailed the testimony of a Senate witness, only known as alias “Rene,” who claimed that he once saw the Vice President and her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, at Glory Mountain leaving with “bags of guns” from Quiboloy.
The Vice President said the attacks against her are expected, especially since she is a “hindrance” to the presidential ambitions of some people she did not name.
“Sa kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, naging kagawian na ang pag-atake at pagbato ng sari-saring isyu laban sa Bise Presidente. Marahil, sapagkat ang Bise Presidente ang tumatayong pangunahing hadlang sa mga nangangarap maging pangulo (In the history of the Philippine, it has been a norm to attack and throw different issues against the Vice President. Probably it’s becausde the Vice President is the primary obstacle to those who are dreaming to be president),” she said.
She added: “Hindi ko ikakagulat kung dumami pa ang mga kaso, imbestigasyon, testigo, paratang, atake, at paninira laban sa akin sa mga susunod na araw, lingo, buwan, at mga taon. Naniniwala ako na may tamang panahon para sa lahat. Panahon ngayon ng aking pag-tatrabaho. Tutuparin ko ang sinumpaang tungkulin. Uunahin ko ang mga tunay na suliranin. Uunahin ko ang Pilipino (I won’t be surprised if the cases, investigations, witnesses, allegations, attacks and defamations against me multiply in the next days, week, months and years. I believe there’s a time for everything. It’s time to work now. I’ll fulfill my sown duty. I’ll prioritize the problems. I’ll prioritize the Filipino).”
