8 Marso 2024, Biyernes
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deepest sympathy to family of the late Danilo Halili
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3 more senators back bid to halt Quiboloy arrest
By J.Lo
“He is not just friend… comrade who shares my principles against armed communist struggle,” Sen. Robinhood Padilla’s said three senators have joined bid to block detention of pastor Apollo Quiboloy for defying Senate investigation on alleged sexual abuses in his ministry.
In press briefing, Padilla confirmed that he has support of Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos and Bong Go to overturn contempt order of committee chairperson Sen. Risa Hontiveros, investigating Quiboloy for alleged abuses in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Padilla is seeking majority support from other members of Senate women, children, family relations and gender equality committee to overturn or modify Hontiveros’ order for Quiboloy to be cited for contempt and detained at the Senate.
He defended Quiboloy from being prejudged guilty in committee inquiry, where witnesses testified that they were raped and forced to raise money for the church.
Padilla said Quiboloy is “comrade” in his fight against communism, and that the pastor’s network SMNI showed his films.
He said he respected decision of Senators Grace Poe and Raffy Tulfo to beg off from joining him in overturning contempt order.
Tulfo did not object to Hontiveros’ contempt order in deference to fellow committee chairperson’s right to compel witnesses to appear before inquiry.
“While I am happy that democracy in Senate is alive, it makes me sad that I have not yet gathered required eight votes,” Padilla said.
He admitted difficulty in gathering signatures due to serious rape allegations being investigated in time for Women’s Month.
The other committee members are Senators Nancy Binay (vice chairperson), Pia Cayetano, JV Ejercito and Mark Villar. Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva and Minority Leader Koko Pimentel are ex officio members.
Sen. Cynthia Villar signed up to block Quiboloy’s impending arrest at the Senate because controversial pastor is longtime family friend.
“He is kind to us… I find cases filed against him hard to believe, Senator Imee and I know him personally…it is not like him to do something like that,” Villar said referring to sexual abuse allegations against former spiritual adviser.
Marcos said investigation ended up prosecuting Quiboloy instead of being in aid of legislation.
“I don’t see which part here is in aid of legislation… cases are also still sub judice… may end up being judicial question,” Marcos said.
During press briefing, Padilla named Ejercito as fifth senator to join him in reversing Quiboloy’s contempt order.
But Ejercito retracted his signature, saying that while he was initially against detaining the pastor in Senate because cases were already filed in court, he took second look at “serious allegations of rape” prompted Department of Justice to revive cases against KOJC minister.
“Initially, I made decision to sign objection letter, initiated by Sen. Robinhood Padilla on contempt ruling of Sen. Risa Hontiveros against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, in consideration of procedural practicality, but after careful review of facts, witness testimonies, and additional information, such as allegations of rape during last committee hearing, I have decided to withdraw my signature today” Ejercito said.
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