House SMNI probe 'perfect' venue for Quiboloy to defend himself—adiong

The House of Representatives' probe on television network SMNI'S franchise will be the "perfect avenue" for Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to defend himself.

Thus, said Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong as he prodded the controversial Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) chairman to comply with the subpoena issued against him by the House.

"I'm not a lawyer...may kasabihan kasi ang mga abugado eh (lawyers have a saying). 'Flight is an admission of guilt,'" Adiong said in a press conference Tuesday, Feb. 20.

On Monday, the House leadership issued a subpoena ordering SMNI founder Quiboloy to attend a scheduled hearing of the Committee on Legislative Franchises on March 12.

"It's a perfect avenue for anybody to defend himself if there are allegations...by his person or by his organization. This is a perfect way for the pastor to really share his peace to the public," noted Adiong.

"Kasi ang idedepensa po dito yung franchise ng SMNI (What will be defended here is the franchise of the SMNI)," he said.

Previous hearings of the panel delved into various alleged violations of SMNI to its own franchise, the rules of the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC), and the Constitution itself.

"His presence is very, very vital in the ongoing committee hearings para mas makita yung buong picture po pagdating doon sa usapin ng violations ng SMNI (So that he can shed light on the entire picture on the issue of SMNI'S violation)," Adiong said.

"I would like to reiterate: We don't take issuance of subpoena lightly. We only issue subpoenas if there is a deliberate dismissal or rejection or ignoring the invitation of the House of Representatives.