HOUSE leaders yesterday warned televangelist Apollo Quiboloy that skipping the March 12 hearing of the Committee on Legislative Franchises will bring serious consequences, similar to actions taken by the Senate.

Without preempting the committee’s decision, House Deputy Majority Leader for Communications Erwin Tulfo of ACT-CIS Partylist and Assistant Majority Leader Raul Angelo “Jill” Bongalon of Ako Bicol Partylist said that contempt measures and an arrest order await Quiboloy if he fails to appear at the scheduled hearing.

“Ayaw naming pangunahan ‘yung magiging desisyon ng committee kasi usually ho ‘pag inimbitahan ka ng committee, formal invitation, ‘pag hindi ka sumipot papadalhan ka ng subpoena. ‘Pag hindi ka sumagot sa subpoena parang na-insulto po ‘yung committee, I mean ‘yung authority,” Tulfo said.

“So ganoon din siguro mangyayari na ‘pag hindi siya sumipot, hindi niya pinansin ‘yung subpoena, then magkakaroon ho ng problema,” Tulfo said.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, who heads the Senate panel investigating allegations of human trafficking, rape, and sexual and physical abuse against Quiboloy and his religious sect, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, moved to hold him in contempt and requested the issuance of warrant for his arrest after he failed to attend Tuesday’s hearing.

Bongalon, a representative of AKO Bicol Partylist, expressed his belief that the House franchise panel will not hesitate to take similar actions as the Senate did—citing Quiboloy in contempt and ordering his arrest—if he fails to attend the March 12 hearing.

“In my own personal understanding and personal point of view, baka ganoon din ho ang posibleng mangyari—magpapalabas din ng arrest order for Pastor Quiboloy,” Bongalon said.

Bongalon emphasized the principle that “the law applies to all, otherwise none at all,” pointing out that Quiboloy, despite being a religious leader, is not exempt from accountability under the law.

He stressed the important of holding individuals accountable, regardless of their stature or influence.

“Siguro isang malaking hakbang at development po ito sa ating justice system na panagutin ang mga tao regardless of their opposition or kung siya man po ay isang religious leader or siya po ay makapangyarihan eh ang batas po eh walang sinasanto dito,” Bongalon said.

“So again, this is a positive development and a personal call for Pastor Quiboloy that if really wants to explain his side, the committee, of course both from the Senate and the House of Representatives, will observe the so-called due process and we’ll give him the chance to explain his side,” he continued.

Echoing Bongalon’s sentiments, Tulfo emphasized the potential consequences of Quiboloy’s failure to comply with the committee’s summons.

Tulfo highlighted the standard procedure wherein individuals who ignore committee invitations are sent subpoenas, and if they still refuse to cooperate, warrants of arrest may be issued.

He stressed that such actions are not exclusive to Quiboloy but apply to anyone who disregards the committee’s authority.

Tulfo made it clear that while he is not directly involved in the committee’s decision-making process, he stands by the principle that individuals must face the consequences of their actions.

He reiterated that the issuance of a warrant of arrest is a last resort but may become necessary if Quiboloy continues to evade the committee’s invitations and inquiries.

The legislative franchise committee, chaired by Parañaque City 2nd District Rep. Gus Tambunting, has issued a subpoena to Quiboloy after he consistently disregarded prior invitations to appear before the panel. This ensures his attendance at the hearing regarding the bill aimed at revoking the congressional franchise of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) due to several violations.

Committee members aim to question Quiboloy directly about his involvement in SMNI, especially since his lawyer claims he’s only the “honorary chairman” without involvement in daily operations, despite evidence suggesting he’s the “beneficial owner” of the network, which frequently airs his preachings.

Quiboloy has been summoned to appear and testify before the committee on March 12 at 1 p.m. The hearing will be held at Conference Room Nos. 7 and 8, Ramon V. Mitra Building, located within the Batasang Pambansa complex in Quezon City.

The subpoena, signed by Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Tambunting, and House Secretary General Reginald Velasco, reminded Quiboloy that his “failure to comply with this Order will constrain the Committee to resort to Section 11 of the Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation of the House of Representatives on the power of contempt.”