Senator Risa Hontiveros believes that “happy days are numbered” for controversial televangelist Apollo Quiboloy following an arrest warrant issued by a Davao City regional trial court (RTC) against him.
“Bilang na ang masasayang araw ni Apollo Quiboloy. Halos lahat na ng institusyon sa Pilipinas ay gumagalaw para mapanagot siya (Happy days are numbered for Apollo Quiboloy. Almost every institution in the Philippines is moving to hold him accountable),” Hontiveros said in a statement.
Davao City RTC Branch 12 Presiding Judge Dante Baguio ordered the arrest of Quiboloy and five of his co-accused over allegations of child abuse. The warrant was signed last Monday, April 1.
“The Court recalls it issued an Order dated March 14, 2024, wherein upon judicious examination and perusal of the information, it found probable cause to issue a warrant of arrest. Relative thereto, warrants of arrest were issued on even date,” the order read.
Quiboloy and his fellow respondents—Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Semanes—reportedly failed to issue a motion for reconsideration, prompting the re-issuance of the arrest warrant.
They stand accused of violating Sections 10 (a) and 5 (b) of Republic Act No. 7610, also known as the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.” The case stemmed from a criminal complaint filed by the victim, who was then 17 years old.
Hontiveros noted that the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Davao previously expressed its willingness to work with other law enforcement agencies in arresting the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader.
“Tiwala ako na matutupad ito at mahuhuli si Quiboloy (I trust that this will be fulfilled and Quiboloy will be captured),” she said.
Hontiveros expects the notorious KOJC head to appear in her next hearing once he is arrested. She chairs the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality that currently investigates allegations of sexual abuse, among other violations, against Quiboloy.
The senator also appealed to the embattled preacher to avoid “acting out” and stop running away from his legal obligations.
“Pinapanawagan ko din kay Quiboloy na huwag nang mag-inarte. Ang dami na niyang ginawa para takbuhan ang obligasyon niya sa batas (I am also appealing to Quiboloy to stop acting out. He already did a lot of things to run away from his legal obligations,” she said.
“He (Quiboloy) should just cooperate and properly answer the accusations hurled against him. Kung walang kasalanan, hindi kailangang magtago (If he is not at fault, there is no need for him to hide,” Hontiveros added.
The senator concluded her statement by thanking the victim-survivors, who took the courage to fight for justice.