The Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality on Monday issued a subpoena against Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy, who is currently facing multiple charges of sexual assault and labor violations from former members of his organization.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, chair of the said committee, thanked Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri for signing the order. It was released prior to the resumption of the hearing on the many complaints lodged against the controversial televangelist.
“My office has made it a policy to put the voices of women and children, to put the voices of the victim-survivors at the center. And I’m glad that our institution under the current Senate leadership, has made it its policy, too,” Hontiveros said in her opening statement.
“Yes, the subpoena against Apollo Quiboloy is out. Gaano man kalakas ang ingay ng politika, mas malakas dapat ang panawagan para sa katarungan (No matter how loud the political noise is, the cry for justice must be louder),” she added.
In Monday’s committee hearing, Hontiveros said another witness under the pseudonym “Iona” came forward to discuss her ordeal. Other witnesses and resource persons were also in attendance to give their testimonies.
Hontiveros barred Quiboloy’s lawyer from testifying in his behalf during the last hearing, noting that only the KOJC leader could answer questions since these are “personal.”
The embattled KOJC leader repeatedly stressed he would only attend a hearing in court. He also argued the cases being heard by Hontiveros’ committee have already been dismissed by the courts in Davao City.
