IN a tumultuous start to the new year, controversial televangelist Apollo Quiboloy found himself in the eye of a storm marked by a double blow.

Still within the first month of 2024, the Senate launched a probe into the alleged crimes attributed to both Quiboloy and his religious sect, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).

At the same time, the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), the broadcasting platform responsible for regularly airing Quiboloy’s preachings, faced a severe setback with an indefinite suspension imposed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC).

The Senate investigation, a critical juncture for Quiboloy, thrusted him into a spotlight laden with accusations ranging from human trafficking and rape to sexual and physical abuse.

As the proceedings unfold, the intricacies of the allegations are expected to be scrutinized, potentially unearthing further details about the controversial televangelist and his religious organization.

During the initial hearing conducted on January 23, numerous women, including two Ukrainians, who were part of the KOJC, disclosed to the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality that they had experienced alleged sexual abuse perpetrated by Quiboloy.

Aliases Nina and Sofia recounted their alleged ordeals after journeying from Ukraine to Davao City to assume the roles of “pastorals” or special assistants to the KOJC leader.

Senator Risa Hontiveros earlier stated that “pastorals” constitute a group of women holding significant positions within KOJC.

According to her, these women are tasked with specific personal duties and errands for Quiboloy, which include laundering his clothes, bathing him, cleaning his bedroom, and providing massages.

Quiboloy was a no-show at the hearing to respond to the allegations, prompting the Senate panel to issue a subpoena to compel his attendance in the next hearing in February.

Simultaneously with the Senate launching its investigation into Quiboloy and KOJC, the NTC confirmed ordering the indefinite suspension of the radio and television stations of SMNI.

This action was taken after the broadcasting firm failed to comply with a previous 30-day suspension order issued by the NTC.

In a six-page order to cease and desist operation dated January 18, 2024, the NTC also directed SMNI to explain why it failed to follow the month-long suspension the commission issued in December 2023 due to several violations.

The violations include SMNI’s non-compliance with broadcasting regulations, involving issues like the dissemination of fake news and red-tagging, and the lack of financial transparency.

The indefinite suspension of SMNI, a significant platform for disseminating Quiboloy’s teachings, casts a shadow over the future of the KOJC’s public presence.

The Senate probe has been characterized by Quiboloy’s camp as a politically motivated endeavor aimed at tarnishing the reputation of the religious leader.

It also portrayed the regulatory action against SMNI as an unwarranted attack on freedom of expression and religious broadcasting.

Quiboloy’s supporters rally behind this narrative, viewing the regulatory intervention as an infringement on the religious liberties of the KOJC community and an attempt to stifle the propagation of their faith.

AUTHOR PROFILE

People's Journal