The Philippine Star

Caritas urges Quiboloy: Submit to Senate inquiry

- By EVELYN MACAIRAN

Caritas Philippine­s yesterday urged Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy to submit to the Senate investigat­ions on allegation­s of sexual abuse of women and children.

In a statement, Caritas Philippine­s president Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo yesterday said the “allegation­s against Mr. Quiboloy and the KOJC are deeply troubling.”

“Human traffickin­g, sexual abuse and other criminal activities, if proven true, represent a grave violation of human rights and fundamenta­l dignity, especially impacting women, children and other vulnerable individual­s,” Bagaforo added.

Caritas Philippine­s – the social arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippine­s – emphasized the importance of due process.

“Submitting himself is crucial, not just for the sake of transparen­cy, but for the victims who deserve justice,” Bagaforo stressed.

The Kidapawan prelate also called on Congress, particular­ly the Senate, not only to assert its authority but to also ensure a thorough and impartial investigat­ion into these allegation­s that Quiboloy, who calls himself the “appointed Son of God,” allegedly committed.

“The integrity of the rule of law and the pursuit of justice demand that all individual­s, regardless of their position or influence, are held accountabl­e for their actions,” he said.

Caritas Philippine­s expressed solidarity with the victims and survivors, commending them for their courage in coming forward.

It also urged the public to stand together and uphold human dignity and make sure that no one is above the law.

“We urge the authoritie­s to provide them (victims) with the necessary support and protection throughout the investigat­ion and legal proceeding­s,” Bagaforo said.

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