THE House Committee on Legislative Franchises on Tuesday cited televangelist Apollo Quiboloy for contempt and ordered his arrest by the House sergeant-at-arms for his refusal to comply with a subpoena, which was likened to “acting like God.”

However, the committee chaired by Parañaque City 2nd District Rep. Gus Tambunting decided to postpone the implementation of the twin actions until Friday, in response to an appeal made by Quiboloy’s counsel Ferdinand Topacio.

Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel and Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Joseph Stephen “Caraps” Paduano initiated separate motions that led to the decision to hold Quiboloy in contempt and order his arrest.

Pimentel, vice chairman of the committee, moved that Quiboloy be cited for contempt, citing his disrespect toward the panel demonstrated by his absence at the hearing regarding the bill aimed at revoking the congressional franchise of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) due to several violations.

“The fact that he has not been appearing in these hearings, in this committee, just shows that he has no respect for this committee,” Pimentel said.

“It just shows that he acts like God, he acts with impunity, he takes this hearing for granted. Ipinagwawalang-bahala niya, importante po siya dito,” he added.

On the other hand, Paduano moved for the House sergeant-at-arms to arrest the controversial religious leader, urging coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Tambunting later announced the unanimous approval of both motions, as there were no objections raised by any of the members.

Topacio requested five days to defer the implementation of the orders, but was only granted three days to discuss the matter with Quiboloy in Davao.

The committee had issued a subpoena to Quiboloy after he consistently disregarded prior invitations to appear before the panel.

Committee members sought to directly question Quiboloy regarding his role in SMNI.

Despite his lawyer’s claim that he serves merely as the “honorary chairman” and is not involved in daily operations, evidence suggests he is the “beneficial owner” of the network, which regularly broadcasts his preachings.

The hearing stemmed from a series of alleged violations by SMNI, including the dissemination of fake news, involvement in red-tagging, and serious corporate offenses.