DUTERTE SCORED OVER QUIBOLOY
BAYAN Muna chairman Neri Colmenares has condemned former President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent admission that he knows the whereabouts of wanted fugitive Apollo Quiboloy but refuses to disclose this information.
According to Colmenares, being a lawyer and former chief executive, Duterte should know that he should cooperate with the authorities to execute a warrant against Quiboloy.
The head of a religious sect Kingdom of Jesus (KoJ) has been charged with human trafficking and child abuse.
“Yan ang problema kay Duterte nung presidente sya, inaatake nya lahat ng hindi sangayon sa kanya pero pinoprotektahan nya ang mgs kaibigan nya kahit nagkasala sa batas. Dapat pag presidente ka walang kai-kaibigan, walang kamag-anak. He should be a model of fair play and the rule of law and justice ” Colmenares said.
Duterte should be accountable under Canon III Sec. 2 of the CPRA on fidelity which provides that: a lawyer shall uphold the rule of law and conscientiously assist in the speedy and efficient administration of justice”.
“This blatant disregard of judicial processes coming from a former president is deeply troubling. It sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the justice system. Duterte’s actions suggest that he places personal loyalties above the law and the pursuit of justice. But Duterte has always been known for disregarding the judiciary in his so called War on Drugs”. Thats why he will go to prison someday” the former Bayan Muna party-list Representative said.
He also pushed for a thorough investigation on why the police has failed to arrest Quiboloy and the identity of those who are hiding him.
Colmenares also urged all concerned government agencies to work together in bringing Quiboloy to justice and to investigate any individuals, including Duterte, who may be aiding in his evasion of the law.
“This is not just about one fugitive,” Colmenares concluded. “This is about upholding the integrity of the justice system and sending a clear message that no one is above the law,”Colmenares added.
The Department of Justice must take immediate action to hold anyone accountable for coddling a fugitive.
