Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri has yet to issue a warrant of arrest against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy following a request from Senator Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality.
“I just got back last (Sunday) night from the President’s trip to the Czech Republic,” he said.
Zubiri said he still needs to review the reply of Quiboloy and Hontiveros today, so he can give a decision soonest.
In a media briefing on Monday, Hontiveros urged Zubiri for the immediate issuance of an arrest warrant against Quiboloy, stressing that the latter’s response to the show cause order is “nowhere near satisfactory.”
“They (Quiboloy camp) did nothing but rehash previous arguments they made for not attending our Senate hearings,” said Hontiveros in a media briefing.
The founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) failed toattend Hontiveros’ committee hearings on complaints of human trafficking, sex-related offenses and violence filed against him by his former staunch followers.
Hontiveros noted that Quiboloy’s invocation of the right againstself-incrimination does not by itself excuse him from his duty to give testimony.
She also said the hearings highlighted potential gaps in legislation,including the question of “consent” in rape and sexual abuse in the context of secretive charismatic religious organizations; thetreatment of “religious volunteers” in labor and occupational safety laws; and liabilities for human trafficking.
Hontiveros reiterated she never claimed to judge the pastor,emphasizing that a Senate resolution has no effect and force of lawand can make no such legal determination of guilt, or deprive anyone, including Quiboloy, of life, liberty or property as a result of its material averments or findings.
On the propriety of setting aside the Contempt Order, the senator said Quiboloy is already in contempt, which can no longer be changed.
“There was an objection, which we acceded to based on rules, but they failed to get majority signatories. So, it is clear as day: my ruling is in motion,” according to Hontiveros, referring to the failed initiative of Senator Robinhood Padilla to overturn the contempt ruling.
Hontiveros noted that the need to charge Quiboloy in contempt also became stronger because the KOJC leader really did not take the Committee seriously and, consequently, the Philippine Senate, by releasing, through his supporters, a list of 17 conditions before he appears.
Quiboloy himself confirmed that he authorized the release of these conditions in a Gikan sa Masa Para sa Masa event with vloggers.
“This level of mockery of a Constitutional exercise of duty by a Committee of the Philippine Senate is unprecedented and disturbing, and further confirms Quiboloy’s undue refusal to appear before the Committee, pursuant to Section 18 of the Senate Rules,” Hontiveros said.
“Considering all these, once again, I request for the Senate President to issue an arrest order against Apollo C. Quiboloy. He must show up.
He must respect the institution of the Senate,” the senator underscored.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline Arrest warrant for Quiboloy still on hold