SEN. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros said Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s “happy days” are numbered after a Davao court issued a warrant of arrest against him for sexual abuse.
The Davao Regional Trial Court ordered the arrest of Quiboloy and five others for violating Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law, specifically the provision on sexual abuse of minors and maltreatment.
The Senate on March 19 ordered the arrest of Quiboloy, Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KoJC) leader, for unduly refusing to appear, despite due notice, before the hearings of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality on Jan. 23, Feb. 19 and March 5, 2024.
Hontiveros, chairman of the Committee on Women, said some former female KoJC members claimed that he raped them. Some male members said he forced them to beg in the streets and malls.
She said the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Davao earlier expressed willingness to work with other law enforcement agencies to arrest Quiboloy.
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“I am confident that it will be fulfilled and Quiboloy would be arrested,” Hontiveros said in a statement on Wednesday.
She said that once he is arrested, the committee will expect his appearance at its next hearing.
“I also call on Quiboloy not to resort to drama,” she said in Filipino.
Hontiveros said Quiboloy, who claimed to be the “appointed son of God,” should cooperate and properly answer the accusations hurled against him.
She lauded the courage of the alleged victims of Quiboloy’s sexual abuse in coming forward to seek justice.
Senate Sergeant-at-Arms retired general Robert Ancan recently said Quiboloy could be arrested at “any moment.”
Ancan, in a chance interview, said the TV evangelist’s arrest would be coordinated with the PNP. The detention room “is ready” to accommodate Quiboloy, he added.
Once Quiboloy is under Senate custody, only his lawyer and immediate family would be allowed to visit him, Ancan said.
Meanwhile, two lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc lauded the issuance of the arrest warrant against Quiboloy.
In a statement, House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro said the issuance of the arrest warrant by Judge Dante Baguio of the Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 12 for Quiboloy and five of his associates was an “important step” in obtaining justice for his victims.
She expressed satisfaction that the original resolution of the Office of the City Prosecutor that dismissed the rape and human trafficking complaints was overturned by the Department of Justice.
“Finally, the department is seeing the alleged crimes of Quiboloy in a new light, and we hope that it will act swiftly to deliver justice to Quiboloy’s victims,” Castro said.
Gabriela Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas said the charges against Quboloy are “deeply troubling” as they involve allegations of sexual abuse of minors and maltreatment within his organization.
“It is a stark reminder of how individuals who hold power and influence often exploit and abuse the vulnerable. For far too long, Quiboloy managed to evade justice, shielded by his connections and the protection of former President Rodrigo Duterte.” Brosas said.
She said that Quiboloy evading justice for years raises serious questions about the “network of enablers and powerful individuals who may have been directly involved in helping him conduct his illegal activities.”
“An investigation must be conducted not only into his crimes but also into his connections, as it is inconceivable that he could have avoided accountability for so long without active assistance from influential figures who are aiding and abetting him,” Brosas said.
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