THE contempt citation and arrest order against self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” and Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy have been deemed effective as of Friday, March 15, according to Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel.

Pimentel is a vice chairman of the House Committee on Legislative Franchise, which cited Quiboloy in contempt and ordered his arrest during a hearing held on Tuesday, March 12.

The panel opted to postpone the implementation of the twin actions until Friday, following a request by Quiboloy’s lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, who planned to meet his client on Wednesday.

However, Pimentel said that Topacio failed to provide any feedback, confirming his suspicions that it was merely a delaying tactic.

“As expected, no feedback [from Topacio]. I knew from the very beginning it was just delaying tactic,” Pimentel said.

Quiboloy has consistently disregarded three invitations and a subpoena from the committee regarding its investigation into alleged franchise violations by Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), a television network he established.

The House panel has conducted six hearings on the matter since November 2023, culminating last Tuesday when it ultimately voted to approve a bill aiming to revoke SMNI’s congressional franchise.

The decision was made due to several violations, including dissemination of fake news, involvement in red-tagging, and corporate offenses.

On Thursday, House Secretary General Reginald Velasco granted the media access to its detention center, where individuals cited in contempt by the House of Representatives are held.

The detention center, situated in a building near the south gate of the Batasan Complex in Quezon City, will be utilized as Quiboloy’s place of detention should the House leadership decide to take custody of him.

In a press conference, Velasco characterized the area as a place “where future or incoming detainees can stay temporarily and feel comfortable.”

“Hopefully, they will find their stay here enjoyable. We assure them a pleasant experience,” he added with a grin.

Velasco confirmed that the contempt citation and arrest order against Quiboloy would be prepared by Friday and served either by Monday or Tuesday next week.