Hontiveros

KEY WITNESS

December 14, 2023 Camille P. Balagtas 381 views

AN alleged rape victim is set to serve as a key witness should the Senate proceed with its investigation into accusations against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the embattled religious leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros revealed that former members of KOJC have indicated their willingness to cooperate and testify before the Senate in its planned investigation into allegations of human trafficking, rape, and sexual and physical abuse against Quiboloy.

“Mismong mga dating miyembro na ni Quiboloy ang nagre-reklamo dahil sa pagtratong natanggap nila sa kamay nya na hindi nila inaasahan,” Hontiveros said.

By including a rape victim among the witnesses, Hontiveros said she aims to underscore the gravity of the accusations against Quiboloy and the urgent need for a thorough investigation.

Hontiveros has recently filed Senate Resolution (SR) No. 884, calling on the upper chamber to promptly initiate an inquiry into the alleged malpractices committed by Quiboloy, purportedly under the guise of exacting obedience from his followers.

The senator has also called on the Department of Justice (DoJ) to issue an immigration lookout bulletin order to prevent Quiboloy from leaving the country, saying he “must not escape accountability.”

However, Quiboloy’s lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, criticized Hontiveros for resorting to trial by publicity and urged her to instead file criminal complaints against the religious leader.

In the filed resolution, Hontiveros contended that Quiboloy presented himself as the “Appointed Son of God”and leader of the KOJC, enforcing strict obedience from his full-time followers through alleged brainwashing, psychological manipulation, and constant threats of eternal damnation.

The resolution further claimed that Quiboloy allegedly maintained a group of women referred to as “pastorals,” holding a prestigious position within the organization. These women were purportedly assigned to carry out specific personal tasks and errands for Quiboloy.

It went on to allege that Quiboloy had a stable of women who performed various personal tasks such as washing his clothes, bathing him, cleaning his bedroom, and massaging him.

According to the resolution, some of the claimed pastorals were reportedly minors during recruitment and throughout the period they were allegedly subjected to perform sexual services.

Furthermore, the resolution asserted that Quiboloy allegedly coerced members of the organization, many of whom were minors, to engage in exploitative acts such as begging in the streets and soliciting money from strangers. Those unable to meet monetary quotas reportedly faced severe punishment, including whipping and public humiliation.

Considering the crimes committed within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines, the resolution argued that the Senate had to investigate in aid of legislation.

It noted that Quiboloy remained free to operate KOJC, highlighting the need for scrutiny.

Hontiveros clarified that the proposed probe would also aim to ascertain the adequacy of existing laws in addressing large-scale and systematic human trafficking activities conducted under the guise of religious organizations.