Quiboloy representatives to House inquiry named
LEGAL counsels of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) and its media arm Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), submitted a list of individuals that could attend the ongoing Congressional hearing on alleged multiple infractions committed by SMNI.
Quiboloy has been summoned to appear and testify before the House Committee on Legislative Franchises at 1 p.m. on March 12.
In a letter dated March 8, addressed to Parañaque City 2nd District Rep. Gus Tambunting, Quiboloy’s lead counsel Ferdinand Topacio submitted the names of Marlon Acobo, the current KJC executive pastor, and lawyers Eunice Ambrocio, as the people who have “all the information and documents” which may be required by the said committee.
Topacio said that Quiboloy has not been involved in the management and operations of SMNI since the last quarter of 2018.
Topacio added that the Securities and Exchange Commission was informed of Quiboloy’s substitution by Acobo as KJC executive pastor in a filing on Dec. 19, 2022.
He said Quiboloy’s title as SMNI chairman was only honorary.
“Thus, under the circumstance, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy does not possess the specific details or documents that your Honorable Committee would ask from him,”Topacio said.
The subpoena stated that failure to comply will constrain the committee to cite Quiboloy for contempt.
Meanwhile, former senator Leila de Lima has reminded lawmakers that they cannot just exempt Quiboloy from legislative processes just because he is their ally.
“There should only be one law for all. Senators should not exempt Quiboloy from the compulsory processes of a legislative inquiry just because he is a friend,” she wrote on her X (formerly Twitter) on Friday.
“A senator is a public office, not a personal entitlement. It is a public trust, not a private investment. The accusations raised against Quiboloy are the gravest: rape, abuse of minors, white slavery, religious quackery (there ought to be a law against it), etc. This is not to mention his role as the gun-runner and money launderer for Duterte and the DDS [Davao Death Squad],” de Lima wrote.
De Lima had called for the arrest of Quiboloy and to make public the KJC bank accounts, citing the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
Senators Cynthia Villar, Maria Imelda Josefa “Imee” Marcos, Christopher “Bong” Go, and Robinhood “Robin” Padilla, signed a written objection to Sen. Ana Theresia “Risa” Hontiveros’ decision to cite Quiboloy for contempt after ignoring subpoenas.
Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito withdrew his signature from the statement.
“Initially, I made the decision to sign the objection letter, initiated by Sen. Robinhood Padilla on the contempt ruling of Sen. Risa Hontiveros against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, in consideration of procedural practicality,” Ejercito said.
Quiboloy was reportedly hiding somewhere in Davao City, citing threats to his life and congregation.