SENATOR Risa Hontiveros issued a challenge to embattled church leader of Kingdom of Jesus Christ Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to come out in the open and to speak his defense before the Senate investigating committee.

“Kung totoong matapang ka, ulitin mo lahat ng sinabi mo tungkol sa Senado, dito sa Senado. Make your words of record. Record your shameless audacity in history,” said Hontiveros, adding that it will be useless if Quiboloy will only speak to his vloggers.

According to Hontiveros, this is the right time to prove that he is not afraid of anything as earlier claimed that he is willing to submit himself only if the proper court will ask him to do so.

“Pastor Quiboloy, lumabas ka na sa lungga mo. Tutal nagpapa interview ka na rin sa mga vlogger, aba, magpainterview ka na rin sa amin sa Senado,” Hontiveros was quoted as saying.

Quiboloy, who is accused of committing rape of members of his congregation, including minors, as well as human trafficking which was revealed by KoJC members before the Senate Committee on Women, Children, FAmily and Gender Equality chaired by Hontiveros.

Hontiveros said no matter how Pastor Quiboloy is twisting his side of the story, the allegations of different victims are one and the same and it is imperative for him to come out to defend his own truth.

“Hindi naman naitago ng mga audio file na yan ang takot mo matapos umalingasaw ang katotohanan,” the senator said.

The lady senator said it is important that Quiboloy face his detractors and defend himself if he claims that all the allegations being charged against him are mere lies as he earlier said.

Wala kang katiting na ebidensya laban sa aming mga matatapang na witnesses. At wala kang karapatang siraan ang institusyon ng Senado at ang mandato nito,” Hontiveros said.

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Camille P. Balagtas