Senate to resume KOJC probe possibly without Quiboloy amid subpoena snag

THE Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality is scheduled to resume on Monday its inquiry into the allegations of human trafficking, rape, and sexual and physical abuse within the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).

However, it remains uncertain whether its controversial leader, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, will be able to participate in the proceedings.

This development comes amid delays in Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri’s signing of the subpoena for Quiboloy. Zubiri assured just last Friday to sign the subpoena promptly upon his return to Manila.

Zubiri made the commitment a day after Senator Risa Hontiveros held a press briefing, reporting that the Senate President had not yet approved the release of the subpoena she issued during the previous Jan. 23 hearing.

Hontiveros, who heads the committee, earlier expressed bewilderment over the delay in Zubiri’s signing of the subpoena, which would compel Quiboloy to appear before the panel and address the allegations against him and KOJC.

Hontiveros, however, refrained from labeling it “obstruction of justice,” expressing optimism that the Senate President would fulfill his “ministerial duty” of signing the subpoena.

“So, gaya ng nabanggit ko ay mayroon talagang subpoena ang komite at ni-request ko, at nire-request iyon, usually ministerial lamang ang pirma ng Senate President,” Hontiveros said in a press conference.

“Kung bakit hanggang ngayon ay hindi pa napirmahan iyon, hindi ko maipaliwanag iyon. Mas maigi kung kay Senate President ninyo na lang itanong,” she added.

Hontiveros revealed that she has also penned a letter to Zubiri, reiterating her plea for him to sign the subpoena.

In her letter to Zubiri, Hontiveros underscored Quiboloy’s failure to honor the committee’s previous invitation on Jan. 23, highlighting the Senate’s consistent issuance of subpoenas against non-compliant resource persons.

Despite a subpoena request for the February 12 hearing going unanswered, Hontiveros emphasized her persistent follow-ups with Zubiri, yielding no action.

The committee, in its two hearings, has delved into allegations against Quiboloy and KOJC, with the religious leader consistently absent despite invitations.

Former KOJC members, including two Ukrainian women, have testified to being subjected to Quiboloy’s alleged exploitation, echoing similar allegations made by a Filipina member.

Quiboloy’s camp has consistently argued that the Senate investigation is politically motivated.

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