‘Quiboloy warrant stands despite SMNI franchise revoke’

By Nidz Godino

“Orders issued by  House against Pastor Quiboloy subsist as these relate not only to  repeal of SMNI’s franchise grant,” Committee chairman and Parañaque City 2nd District Rep. Gus Tambunting said in  text message despite  revocation of franchise of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), arrest warrant issued against pastor Apollo Quiboloy by  House of Representatives committee on legislative franchises still stands.

Tambunting said recent decision of  House to revoke  franchise of Swara Sug Media Corp., which operates SMNI, does not mean  contempt citation and arrest order against Quiboloy are already invalidated.

He added that there are still House resolutions concerning SMNI that are pending with the commitee.

Last March 15, committee issued  contempt citation and arrest warrant against Quiboloy for failing to attend  hearing on SMNI’s franchise violations.

Committee  conducted six hearings since November last year, but none of them was attended by Quiboloy, who founded television network.

earlier  House approved House Bill (HB) 9710 on third and final reading to revoke SMNI’s franchise.

House Deputy Majority Leader and Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre said  approval of HB 9710 does not automatically invalidate  arrest warrant.

“Arrest warrant has to be rescinded officially by an act of the committee or by the leadership of the House… formal step that has to be undertaken,” Acidre added.

He emphasized, however, that “serious considerations” concerning the two orders may still be taken.

“Mr. Quiboloy has actually disrespected House by not appearing despite many invitations to attend such hearings or investigations,” Acidre said.

Chamber  could not just let it pass if  person does not want to appear at hearings despite repeated invitations, according to the lawmaker.

“We cannot allow that to be  precedent for future investigations that just because you don’t like to show up, you won’t show up,” he said.

He stressed that this would “significantly hamper the job” of  Congress.

“We have to act decisively, and I’m confident that the leadership of committee as well as the House is also looking into these considerations,” Acidre said.