FAIR PROBE
Pimentel: No politics involved in Quiboloy probe
SENATE Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III has asserted that the inquiry into televangelist Apollo Quiboloy and his religious sect, Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), is devoid of political motives.
At the same time, Pimentel expressed his endorsement of the initiative by his minority colleague, Senator Risa Hontiveros, to carry out the Senate probe.
Pimentel underscored that the purpose of the inquiry is rooted in legislation rather than political agenda, explicitly rejecting claims made by Quiboloy’s camp.
“We will consistently bear in mind that the purpose of the legislation or the hearing is to aid legislation,” Pimentel stressed.
“Our focus will always be on laws addressing anti-violence against women, ensuring the proper treatment of minors, and combating human trafficking,” he added.
The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equity, chaired by Hontiveros, is set to initiate the long-awaited probe into Quiboloy and KOJC on January 23.
Previously, Hontiveros filed a resolution urging the Senate to investigate allegations of human trafficking, rape, and sexual and physical abuse against Quiboloy and KOJC.
According to the resolution, Quiboloy is accused of overseeing a group of women referred to as “pastorals,” holding a significant position within the organization.
These women were reportedly assigned specific personal tasks and errands for Quiboloy.
The resolution alleged that Quiboloy maintained a stable of women responsible for tasks such as laundering his clothes, bathing him, cleaning his bedroom, and providing massages.
As per the resolution, some of the alleged pastorals were minors during recruitment and throughout the period they were allegedly coerced into performing sexual services.
Quiboloy’s camp claimed that the impending Senate probe is politically motivated.
His lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, further criticized Hontiveros for allegedly resorting to trial by publicity and urged her to file criminal complaints instead.
Topacio argued that the Senate is an unsuitable venue for such investigations, emphasizing the need for a fair legal process.
