
QUIBULOY HOUSE PROBE PRESSED
A progressive lawmaker has urged the House of Representatives to conduct a parallel inquiry into the alleged human trafficking activities of televangelist Apollo Quiboloy and his religious organization Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).
“The pile of allegations against him has been ongoing for years. Dapat agad ding imbestigahan ito ng Kongreso lalo’t mukhang nagtatago na si Quiboloy,” Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas said.
Brosas issued the statement in anticipation of the Senate’s scheduled inquiry on January 23, 2024, which aims to investigate allegations of human trafficking, rape, and sexual and physical abuse against Quiboloy.
The Makabayan bloc member urged her colleagues to consider a measure she filed in December 2022, seeking a congressional inquiry into the same accusations against the KOJC leader.
She stressed that the enduring allegations against the embattled religious leader demand a comprehensive investigation, given their persistence over the years.
Quiboloy recently refused an invitation from the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, which is investigating franchise violations by Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), a media organization associated with him.
In his letter to the House panel, Quiboloy stated that he ceased involvement as an officer when SMNI renewed its franchise for another 25 years in 2019. However, lawmakers contested this, pointing to official records indicating Quiboloy’s continued status as the “beneficial owner” until 2021, two years post its franchise renewal.
Brosas stated that political prisoners and peace advocates facing unjust charges endure incarceration, while Quiboloy, who is wanted in the United States, allegedly contributes to the dissemination of fake news and red-tagging through programs aired on SMNI.
Consequently, she urged the Philippine government to launch an investigation into Quiboloy’s operations and cooperate with U.S. authorities for potential extradition proceedings.
“We stand with the victims of Quiboloy and call on the government to pursue an investigation into his operations in the Philippines and provide support and protection for his victims,” Brosas said.
Just recently, Senator Risa Hontiveros formally asked the Department of Justice to issue an immigration lookout bulletin order to prevent Quiboloy from leaving the country, emphasizing the need for accountability.
It was also Hontiveros, who filed Senate Resolution (SR) No. 884 urging the upper chamber to promptly investigate alleged malpractices by Quiboloy, accusing him of exerting control over his followers.
Hontiveros, in a recent press conference, announced that she was in possession of several personal testimonies, including one executed through an affidavit, alleging Quiboloy’s ongoing criminal activities.
It was also earlier reported that an alleged rape victim is set to serve as a key witness should the Senate proceed with its investigation in January.
Quiboloy’s lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, criticized Hontiveros for resorting to trial by publicity and challenged her to file criminal complaints instead.
He argued that the Senate is not the appropriate venue for such investigations, advocating for a fair legal process.