EXECUTIVE Secretary Lucas Bersamin yesterday said embattled religious leader Apollo Quiboloy is “answerable to the law” as he dismissed allegations that the ongoing government action against the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) is politically motivated.
In a media interview on the sidelines of the Heroes Day commemoration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, Bersamin stressed that the religious leader should answer to the law amid charges of human trafficking and sexual abuse against him.
“Alam mo, madaling sabihing politically motivated pero hindi naman totoo iyun (It is easy to claim that it is politically motivated but that is not true). The law must take its course,” Bersamin said.
Members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) raided the KOJC compound in Davao City over the weekend to serve two warrants of arrest issued against the fugitive pastor by the Pasig and Quezon city courts.
Quiboloy is facing charges of child abuse and qualified human trafficking.
“He is answerable to the law. The law must take its course. Meron namang process dyan (There is a process there),” Bersamin said.
Bersamin refused to comment on the apology made by Vice President Sara Duterte to KOJC members for urging them to support and vote for President Marcos Jr. during the 2022 elections.
The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas, a coalition of political parties supportive of the Marcos administration, yesterday stood firmly in support of the PNP as it carries out its lawful duties.
“The Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas is resolute in its belief that no one is above the law.
We call upon all Filipinos to remain vigilant but calm, trusting in the processes that safeguard our democracy,” it said in a statement signed by Speaker Martin Romualdez, Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo, former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, former Press Secretary Ronaldo Puno and Misamis oriental Yevgeny Vincente Emano.
“Our nation’s strength lies in our collective adherence to the law, and we must all contribute to ensuring that justice is served. Let us move forward together, upholding the principles of justice, peace, and order, for the betterment of our country. Together, let us continue to strive for a just and an orderly society, where the rights of every individual are protected and respected,” it added.
Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas is composed of the Partido Federal ng Pilipinas, Lakas-CMD, Nationalist People’s Coalition, Nacionalista Party, and National Unity Party. #
‘JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIMS’
Iloilo Rep. Janette Garin also took the Vice President to task for her criticisms against the PNP manhunt for Quiboloy, saying she is defending a powerful figure accused of heinous crimes rather than seeking justice for his victims.
“As a mother, a woman, and a public servant, I cannot remain silent in the face of Vice President Sara Duterte’s recent statement concerning the (KOJC) and the ongoing legal actions against its leaders,” Garin said.
“While Vice President Duterte expresses concern over the police’s implementation of lawful warrants, I find it troubling that her sympathies appear to lie more with a powerful figure wanted for serious crimes rather than with the vulnerable women and minors who have suffered at the hands of an accused predator,” she also said.
The Vice President on Sunday condemned what she called the “gross abuse of police power” in the enforcement of arrest warrants against Quiboloy, who is a staunch political ally of her family.
“It is essential that our leaders prioritize the welfare of the most vulnerable among us, not the defense of those with power and influence who have been accused of heinous crimes,” she stated, underscoring the need for leaders to be on the side of justice,” Garin said.
Garin cited the gravity of the charges against Quiboloy and other KOJC leaders, saying that “these are not mere allegations but are supported by substantial evidence, leading to international arrest warrants.”
“These are not trivial matters to be dismissed or overshadowed by political spin. The real issue here is justice for the victims — innocent individuals whose lives have been irrevocably harmed,” she said.
Instead of addressing these serious concerns, Garin said the Vice President’s statement “seems to shift the narrative away from the need for justice and accountability.”
“The message from the Vice President may resonate with those who supported her in the 2022 elections, but it must also be recognized for what it is — a deflection from the grave issues at hand,” she said. “We must hold accountable those who would harm the innocent, and we must demand that our leaders do the same.”
Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. of Pampanga and Rep. Jude Acidre (PL, Tingog) urged former President Rodrigo Duterte to stop interfering with the government and let the PNP enforce a valid arrest warrant against Quiboloy.
“Former President Duterte, as a former chief executive, you understand better than anyone the importance of law enforcement in upholding justice. Our police officers were enforcing a legitimate court order, and they should be allowed to do their job without undue interference,” Gonzales said.
Gonzales said the elder Duterte’s statements “risk undermining the integrity of our justice system and could set a dangerous precedent where the rule of law is overshadowed by political rhetoric.”
Acidre said the former president’s defense of Quiboloy “only serves to cloud the issue.”
“The law must apply to everyone equally, and any attempt to shield someone from justice sets a dangerous example,” he stressed.
He also warned against the politicization of law enforcement: “Law enforcement must be impartial and free from political influence. By questioning the PNP’s actions in this case, you are risking the politicization of our police force, which could lead to a breakdown in the rule of law.”
‘PROTECT THE INNOCENT’
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) urged the country’s leaders to stand by the side of the victims of sexual abuse and human trafficking, especially the minors, instead of protecting the powerful.
The DSWD made the call as it reminded everyone that Quiboloy is facing serious charges and that there are real victims who should be protected.
“As the agency tasked with safeguarding the well-being of our nation’s most vulnerable, the DSWD cannot stay silent in the face of the serious charges against Mr. Apollo Quiboloy. The allegations of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and abuse of minors strike at the very core of what we stand for: protecting those who cannot protect themselves,” it said in a statement.
It added that it was “painful” to see public figures, who should be champions of justice and defenders of the vulnerable, downplaying the horrific acts of the pastor or align themselves with thos e accused of terrible crimes.
“We must never forget that behind every case are real children, real mothers, and real families who are suffering. The DSWD stands with these victims. We are committed to ensuring that they receive the justice they deserve and that their voices are heard,” it added.
The DSWD asked the country’s leaders to stand with the agency in protecting the rights of every Filipino child and to support the judicial processes that are in place to bring perpetrators to justice, and urged all leaders and citizens to support the legal processes that seek to protect the innocent and bring perpetrators to justice.
INDIGNATION RALLY
Meanwhile, former presidential spokesman Harry Roque urged the public, especially “those who love the country,” to join an indignation rally organized to coincide with the National Heroes’ Day celebration yesterday.
The rally included marching from Plaza Miranda to Liwasang Bonifacio in Manila.
“Kondenahin ang pagpapairal ng karahasan at kawalan ng respeto sa Saligang Batas ng mga dapat ay nagpapairal nito. Wakasan ang patuloy na pagpapahirap sa mamamayan (Let us condemn the use of violence and the disrespect of the Constitution by those who are supposed to enforce it. Let us end the torture of the people),” Roque said in a social media post.
“Alisin sa poder ang iresponsable at sabog na pamunuan ni Marcos at ng lahat ng kasabwat nito. Kumilos na tayo para sa bayan! (Remove form power the irresponsible and the chaotic leadership of Marcos and his allies. Let us act for the country!),” he added
Malacañang did not comment on Roque’s statement. — With Wendell Vigilia
