ON the celebration of Women’s Month, former Senator Leila de Lima has condemned the recent efforts by certain senators to block the contempt citation and arrest order against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy following his failure to attend Senate hearings regarding allegations of human trafficking, rape, and sexual, and physical abuse against him and KOJC.

De Lima’s statements come after revelations that some senators have sought to defend Quiboloy, citing alleged personal friendships as grounds for shielding him from legal accountability.

Sen. Robinhood Padilla is working very hard with the support of other members – Sens. Imee Marcos, Bong Go, and Cynthia Villar – of the 14-member Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, who signed a written manifestation reversing the panel order led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros issuing a contempt order against Quiboloy.

Sen. JV Ejercito, however, withdrew his support for Quiboloy.

In response, De Lima has staunchly reaffirmed that no individual, regardless of their connections, should be exempt from facing the consequences of their actions.

“There should only be one law for all. Senators should not exempt Quiboloy from the compulsory processes of a legislative inquiry just because he is a friend,” De Lima pointed out.

She added: “A senator is a public office, not a personal entitlement. It is a public trust, not a private investment.”

De Lima also criticized the potential repercussions of allowing Quiboloy to evade legal scrutiny, warning of the dangers posed by influential individuals allegedly exploiting their connections to evade justice.

Padilla claimed that Sens. Raffy Tulfo and Grace Poe told him that they would not support the bid to stop the arrest of Quiboloy after talking to them.

Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, and Sens. Pia Cayetano, Nancy Binay, and Mark Villar are panel members.

Padilla needs eight senators to reverse the order of the Hontiveros committee.

According to Section 18 of the Rules of Procedures Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation, “a majority of all the members may… reverse or modify the order above of contempt within seven days.”

Quiboloy repeatedly ignored the subpoena issued by the Senate, invoking his right to due process.

His camp has consistently argued that the Senate investigation is politically motivated.

The pastor’s supporters have further asserted that the timing and nature of the probe imply ulterior motives aimed at discrediting him and his affiliated organizations.