Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
Probe on apartment tomb rental scheme
By Nidz Godino
“Timing is so bad, just when it should be time to visit and pray for our departed loved ones… local government unit should have come up with program for those who cannot afford permanent burial,” Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III wants to investigate alleged scheme of renting out apartment-style tombs in public cemeteries across the country, following unauthorized exhumation of 800 bodies in Marikina just as country commemorated All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
Pimentel said Senate local government committee should investigate alleged practice of emptying tombs with expired leases and transferring remains without families’ consent.
He also wants to know if rental scheme is being done in other cemeteries nationwide, saying that it “is not good setup to be hostaged by bones and remains of departed loved ones.”
He made call after 800 sacks of bodies were found dumped at open area in Barangka public cemetery after their five-year “rental period” expired.
Marikina city council should also investigate incident at same cemetery where syndicate is allegedly behind scheme of emptying tombs with expired leases to rent them out at exorbitant prices.
“Whoever thought of this is assured of cash flow because families are bound to pay rent forever… should be investigated in public hearing so that we would understand situation on the ground,” Pimentel said.
He stressed city government under Marikina Mayor Marcelino Teodoro cannot wash its hands of controversy.
He cited Local Government Code that city or municipal government is responsible for public cemeteries.
He also cited Marikina City Ordinance 020-2010, states exhumation of bodies should have consent of families and permission of health office.
“It is clear that city government allowed this to happen…we should hold them accountable and ensure that this neglect won’t happen again,” Pimentel also said.
“It is saddening that some families won’t be able to offer candles at gravesites of their loved ones…let us pray for dead and for enlightenment of our leaders,” he added.
Charges for violating city’s Sanitation Code have already been filed against cemetery administrator and five others, according to Teodoro.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
ERC chief still under probe
By Nidz Godino
“Respondent Dimalanta has already filed her counter-affidavit and documents needed in investigation are already in possession of investigators… simply left to be done is the submission of position papers and clarificatory hearing,” Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta is not off the hook yet of administrative charges filed against her by consumer group National Association of Electricity Consumers for Reforms, Inc. (NASECORE).
In press statement, Office of the Ombudsman said Dimalanta is still under investigation for administrative charges even though it already lifted her preventive suspension.
Ombudsman said preventive suspension of Dimalanta was lifted prior to expiration of six-month period because its investigators were already in the possession of pieces of evidence relevant to the case.
“When reason for preventive suspension has already ceased, justice and fair play demands that preventive suspension should not be for full six-month period allowed by law but should immediately be lifted,” ombudsman said.
Dimalanta is facing investigation for administrative charges of grave misconduct, grave abuse of authority, gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service.
Filed by NASECORE in November 2023, charges stemmed from Dimalanta’s alleged act of permitting Manila Electric Company (Meralco) to regularly purchase electricity from Wholesale Electricity Spot Market at higher prices.
NASECORE said Meralco, in turn, passed on charges to consumers without required prior approval of ERC, in violation of Electric Power Industry Reform Act.
NASECORE said Meralco’s application for performance-based adjustment of its power distribution rate remained pending with ERC, thus passing charges to consumers is unlawful.
Ombudsman placed Dimalanta under preventive suspension because initial evidence on record “shows guilt of respondent Dimalanta is strong” and that “her continued stay in office may prejudice case filed against her.”
Dimalanta filed motion for reconsideration but it was denied by ombudsman, insisting that there was “sufficient basis” for her suspension.
Following lifting of suspension, Office of the President, through executive secretary Lucas Bersamin, issued memorandum dated Oct. 30, ordering the reinstatement of Dimalanta to her post.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
PAOCC disowns POGO hub raid in Manila
By J.Lo
“We were never consulted nor informed regarding this operation, ”Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) distanced itself from raid at suspected Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Manila and accused National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) of attempting to associate them with “flawed” operation.
PAOCC was not part of operation at Century Peak Tower at the corner of Adriatico and Sta. Monica streets on Tuesday wherein 85 people, including 69 foreigners, were rounded up.
It said raid was spearheaded by NCRPO and Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).
Moreover, PAOCC denied it called raided POGO as “mother of all POGOs” as agency was not involved in the operation.
PAOCC’s spokesman Winston John Casio told reporters in separate message on Viber that they condemn NCRPO’s attempts to associate commission with “failed” operation.
Reason why Casio called operation failure was foreigners who were caught were released after police allegedly failed to secure legal hold on them.
Casio stressed PAOCC would never allow such flaw to happen as they coordinate with Department of Justice’s Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT) and Bureau of Immigration (BI).
He also challenged NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia to clear PAOCC’s name from being associated with “botched” raid.
He stressed they were also busy preparing for the “successful” operation on Central One, suspected POGO hub in Bagac, Bataan was raided on Thursday, therefore PAOCC is nowhere near Century Peak Tower.
“On personal note, I call on Maj. Gen. Hernia to man up and act as true honorable cavalier,” Casio said.
NCRPO, however, never mentioned PAOCC took part in the operation when it issued a press release on the raid on Wednesday.
In response to Casio’s description of their operation, Hernia said raid was focused strictly on executing cyber warrants to counter cybercriminal activities.
He reiterated only NCRPO and PNP-ACG were units involved in the operation and not PAOCC.
“This was not human trafficking operation, therefore, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking was not involved,” he said in a message on Viber.
Hernia added discovery of foreigners at the site was incidental to operation’s primary objective. As such, BI bears no responsibility for any subsequent release of foreigners.
Foreigners caught in Manila – 34 Indonesians, 25 Chinese nationals and 10 Malaysians – were released after BI refused to take legal custody of them, ACG director Maj. Gen. Ronnie Francis Cariaga said.
“Police has arbitrary detention for them if we will have to detain them under our custody,” Cariaga said at a news briefing as he noted government offices are closed due to Undas break.
He added they requested BI to take legal custody of the foreigners for being undocumented nationals as they were not carrying passports.
“There was already a letter coming from the BI that they cannot take legal custody of these foreign nationals…we cannot do otherwise but to release these personalities,” Cariaga said.
In response, BI accused police of “withholding access to necessary information and reports” as they are yet to receive official custody of 69 foreigners.
“BI has been actively pursuing to process detainees in compliance with regulations, yet PNP has been withholding access to necessary information and reports,” said BI in statement.
The 69 foreigners should undergo an assessment by the DOJ-IACAT, said the BI.
Bureau added it “awaits necessary documentation from PNP to initiate the formal turnover process, as has been previously communicated.”
Said documentation should include “all available information related to the subjects’ identities and affidavit of arrest, detailing circumstances of apprehension.”
BI would start its investigation on the 69 foreigners and file charges for violating Philippine immigration laws once it receives all necessary documentation from police.
Following raid of scam hub, Manila city government urged executives of other scam hubs operating in the city to start closing their operations “this week.”
“POGOs need not wait to shut down in December…they can start shutting down now and in the coming weeks…they need not prolong their agony…can end their operations this week because they can,” said Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan in statement .
She referred to POGOs that have been notorious for carrying out online scams and even crimes against their employees.
She advised all POGO executives to voluntarily go to the city hall to start working on their documents to wind down their operations and tell owners of the buildings and houses they occupy that they are ending their rent or lease agreements.
They could also “start serving notices to their employees their employment contracts will end very soon,” she added.
She also vowed city government would help Filipino workers in POGOs find other jobs.
Lacuna-Pangan commended PNP-ACG, PAOCC and the Manila Police District for successfully carrying out raid.
She also echoed her support for ban on POGOs by the end of the year as declared by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.in his State of the Nation Address this year.
Meanwhile, Authority of Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) has confirmed that Central One Bataan PH Inc. is enterprise registered with the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB). They are currently operating in FAB expansion area located in Bagac. In statement, AFAB said inspections are regularly conducted on locators and registered enterprises to ensure they are compliant with the terms and conditions of the authority granted to them.
“We are aware of coverage on news media outlets that Central One has recently been subject of court-issued search warrant carried out by PAOCC… AFAB has not yet received official copies of abovementioned warrant, or any documents relating to the said incident,” authority said.
AFAB said another official statement will be issued after it has seen copies of above-mentioned documents or upon proper communication with appropriate government authorities has been made.
“We remain dedicated to upholding integrity of our regulatory framework and will ensure all necessary actions align with the investigation’s findings and legal standards,” AFAB said.
PAOCC disowns POGO hub raid in Manila
By J.Lo
“We were never consulted nor informed regarding this operation,”Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) distanced itself from raid at suspected Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) hub in Manila and accused National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) of attempting to associate them with “flawed” operation.
PAOCC was not part of operation at Century Peak Tower at the corner of Adriatico and Sta. Monica streets on Tuesday wherein 85 people, including 69 foreigners, were rounded up.
It said raid was spearheaded by NCRPO and Philippine National Police-Anti-Cybercrime Group (PNP-ACG).
Moreover, PAOCC denied it called raided POGO as “mother of all POGOs” as agency was not involved in the operation.
PAOCC’s spokesman Winston John Casio told reporters in separate message on Viber that they condemn NCRPO’s attempts to associate commission with “failed” operation.
Reason why Casio called operation failure was foreigners who were caught were released after police allegedly failed to secure legal hold on them.
Casio stressed PAOCC would never allow such flaw to happen as they coordinate with Department of Justice’s Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (DOJ-IACAT) and Bureau of Immigration (BI).
He also challenged NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Sidney Hernia to clear PAOCC’s name from being associated with “botched” raid.
He stressed they were also busy preparing for the “successful” operation on Central One, suspected POGO hub in Bagac, Bataan was raided on Thursday, therefore PAOCC is nowhere near Century Peak Tower.
“On personal note, I call on Maj. Gen. Hernia to man up and act as true honorable cavalier,” Casio said.
NCRPO, however, never mentioned PAOCC took part in the operation when it issued a press release on the raid on Wednesday.
In response to Casio’s description of their operation, Hernia said raid was focused strictly on executing cyber warrants to counter cybercriminal activities.
He reiterated only NCRPO and PNP-ACG were units involved in the operation and not PAOCC.
“This was not human trafficking operation, therefore, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking was not involved,” he said in a message on Viber.
Hernia added discovery of foreigners at the site was incidental to operation’s primary objective. As such, BI bears no responsibility for any subsequent release of foreigners.
Foreigners caught in Manila – 34 Indonesians, 25 Chinese nationals and 10 Malaysians – were released after BI refused to take legal custody of them, ACG director Maj. Gen. Ronnie Francis Cariaga said.
“Police has arbitrary detention for them if we will have to detain them under our custody,” Cariaga said at a news briefing as he noted government offices are closed due to Undas break.
He added they requested BI to take legal custody of the foreigners for being undocumented nationals as they were not carrying passports.
“There was already a letter coming from the BI that they cannot take legal custody of these foreign nationals…we cannot do otherwise but to release these personalities,” Cariaga said.
In response, BI accused police of “withholding access to necessary information and reports” as they are yet to receive official custody of 69 foreigners.
“BI has been actively pursuing to process detainees in compliance with regulations, yet PNP has been withholding access to necessary information and reports,” said BI in statement.
The 69 foreigners should undergo an assessment by the DOJ-IACAT, said the BI.
Bureau added it “awaits necessary documentation from PNP to initiate the formal turnover process, as has been previously communicated.”
Said documentation should include “all available information related to the subjects’ identities and affidavit of arrest, detailing circumstances of apprehension.”
BI would start its investigation on the 69 foreigners and file charges for violating Philippine immigration laws once it receives all necessary documentation from police.
Following raid of scam hub, Manila city government urged executives of other scam hubs operating in the city to start closing their operations “this week.”
“POGOs need not wait to shut down in December…they can start shutting down now and in the coming weeks…they need not prolong their agony…can end their operations this week because they can,” said Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna-Pangan in statement .
She referred to POGOs that have been notorious for carrying out online scams and even crimes against their employees.
She advised all POGO executives to voluntarily go to the city hall to start working on their documents to wind down their operations and tell owners of the buildings and houses they occupy that they are ending their rent or lease agreements.
They could also “start serving notices to their employees their employment contracts will end very soon,” she added.
She also vowed city government would help Filipino workers in POGOs find other jobs.
Lacuna-Pangan commended PNP-ACG, PAOCC and the Manila Police District for successfully carrying out raid.
She also echoed her support for ban on POGOs by the end of the year as declared by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.in his State of the Nation Address this year.
Meanwhile, Authority of Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) has confirmed that Central One Bataan PH Inc. is enterprise registered with the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB). They are currently operating in FAB expansion area located in Bagac. In statement, AFAB said inspections are regularly conducted on locators and registered enterprises to ensure they are compliant with the terms and conditions of the authority granted to them.
“We are aware of coverage on news media outlets that Central One has recently been subject of court-issued search warrant carried out by PAOCC… AFAB has not yet received official copies of abovementioned warrant, or any documents relating to the said incident,” authority said.
AFAB said another official statement will be issued after it has seen copies of above-mentioned documents or upon proper communication with appropriate government authorities has been made.
“We remain dedicated to upholding integrity of our regulatory framework and will ensure all necessary actions align with the investigation’s findings and legal standards,” AFAB said.
13 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of the late Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
Aircraft landing incident in Batanes probe
By J.Lo
“On or about 3 in the afternoon, Nov. 1, 2024, C-295 aircraft of PAF on an HADR, humanitarian assistance disaster relief mission carrying essential relief supplies encountered incident while landing in Basco Airport, Basco, Batanes,” Philippine Air Force (PAF)spokesperson Col. Ma. Consuelo Castillo said in a statement PAF is investigating mishap on landing incident involving one of its C-295 transport aircraft after it skidded off runway in Basco Airport in Batanes.
Nose landing gear of the aircraft detached while it was attempting landing at said airport.
She stressed investigation is ongoing and they are yet to identify cause of incident, noting that aircraft’s pilots and crew are safe.
C-295, with tail no. 217, was carrying family food packs for the Office of Civil Defense.
Castillo assured people of Batanes despite mishap, PAF would continue its relief operations in the province and other areas severely affected by recent weather disturbances.
AFP also assured the people of Batanes that essential supplies would be transported to affected communities despite the incident.
“An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the incident and steps will be taken to ensure the safety and efficiency of future operations. Updates will be provided as the situation develops,” AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said.
Basco Airport is temporarily closed to fixed-wing aircraft and only helicopters are allowed to land at the airport. Normal operations are expected to be restored today.
Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines announced that flights in the Ilocos and Cagayan Valley regions have resumed normal operations.
Sandiganbayan convicts Sajid Ampatuan P393M in public funds embezzled
By J.Lo
“Review of overwhelming documentary and testimonial evidence reveals evident bad faith on the part of accused Ampatuan… pieces of evidence clearly show that he deliberately orchestrated fictitious payments to various contractors and suppliers for infrastructure projects not implemented,” Sandiganbayan has convicted former Maguindanao Governor Sajid Ampatuan of graft and malversation of public funds.
In 66-page decision court sentenced Ampatuan to an indeterminate prison term of eight years and one month to 12 years for violating Section 3(e) of Republic Act 3019, Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.
He was also found guilty of malversation under Article 217 of Revised Penal Code, he received sentence of reclusion perpetua 20 to 40 years imprisonment and fine of P393 million, amount embezzled.
In addition, Ampatuan was ordered to repay same amount to government, with 6% annual interest, starting from finality of decision until full payment.
He was also permanently disqualified from holding any public office.
Ampatuan is currently at large.
Charges against Ampatuan and provincial auditor Danny Calib stemmed from special audit conducted by Commission on Audit (COA), focusing on transactions in Maguindanao and selected municipalities in Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao in 2009.
As acting governor, Ampatuan signed several Memoranda of Agreement (MOAs) with Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for farm-to-market road projects in the province. He requested P500 million from DAR for these projects, and DAR initially released P200 million.
Provincial treasurer Osmena Bandila issued official receipts as proof of transfer. Ampatuan approved disbursement vouchers that led to cash advances for Bandila, totaling P393 million.
These funds were purportedly paid in cash to contractors and suppliers for road projects. John Dollosa, provincial accountant, provided liquidation reports and certified that nearly entire P500 million had been spent on agricultural supplies and road projects between June and September 2009.
After Ampatuan Massacre on November 23, 2009, and declaration of martial law in the Municipality of Ampatuan, COA audit team led by Calib was reassigned, prevented post-audit of transactions from September to November 2009.
In July 2011, special audit by COA Special Audit Office (SAO) revealed irregularities in use of DAR funds. Audit found P393 million had been disbursed without following legal procedures, including absence of public bidding and certification for incomplete projects.
Sandiganbayan ruled Ampatuan acted in evident bad faith by facilitating fraudulent payments to contractors and suppliers for infrastructure projects that were never executed.
Although Ampatuan claimed he did not sign four specific disbursement vouchers, court held him accountable as acting governor at the time, citing his approval of numerous other disbursements to Bandila.
“Court noted numerous Disbursement Vouchers subject of these cases, representing grant of cash advances to accused Bandila amounting to P393 million, all approved by accused Ampatuan,” decision read.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
FMJ declares holidays across regions for November, December 2024
By Nidz Godino
Series of proclamations declaring special non-working holidays in several cities and municipalities nationwide for November and December has been issued by Malacañang on Saturday issued special non-working days are as follows:
November 8 – Tanay, Rizal (Proclamation No. 725)
November 12 – Valenzuela City (Proclamation No. 711)
November 15 – Oriental Mindoro (Proclamation No. 712)
November 15 – Borongan City, Eastern Samar (Proclamation No. 726)
November 22 – Palayan City, Nueva Ecija (Proclamation No. 713)
November 22 – Itogon, Benguet (Proclamation No. 715)
November 22 – Tublay, Benguet (Proclamation No. 716)
November 23 – Benguet Province (Proclamation No. 717)
November 25 – Marasugan, Davao de Oro (Proclamation No. 718)
November 26 – Dasmariñas City, Cavite (Proclamation No. 719)
November 28 – Sarangani Province (Proclamation No. 720)
November 28 – Piñan, Zamboanga del Norte (Proclamation No. 721)
December 5 – Palayan City, Nueva Ecija (Proclamation No. 714)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also declared annual observances for two new national days:
National Myopia Consciousness Week during the second week of October each year (Proclamation No. 722)
Transport Cooperative Day on October 19 each year (Proclamation No. 723)
Holiday declarations were signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on behalf of Marcos.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
18,756 kid’s rights violations recorded in 2023
By J.Lo
“Since 2016, these are top violations committed against children,” Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) executive director Angelo Tapales said Over 18,000 reports of child violations have been documented in the country for 2023, majority of cases of rape and acts of lasciviousness.
Based on records of Philippine National Police-Women and Children Protection Center, total of 18,756 reports of child violation were logged for the year 2023. Of this number, 17,304 were “rape and acts of lasciviousness.”
According to him, this month’s 32nd celebration of National Children’s Month (NCM) is focused on advocating end to all forms of violence against children.
He also encouraged public to help cause by reporting child abuse cases and other forms of violations against minors to Makabata helpline 1383.
As attached agency of Department of Social Welfare and Development, CWC performs function of formulating policies and monitoring and evaluating implementation of laws and programs for children below 18 years old.
CWC will launch 4th National Plan of Action for Children, will contain government’s comprehensive policy on advancing children’s rights to survival, development, protection and participation across Philippines.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
Uphold arbitral ruling on South China Sea-EU
By Nidz Godino
“Such activities also include those which damage seabed and marine environment, interfere with livelihoods of fishing communities and undermine Philippines’ food security,” European Union (EU) has reiterated its call for upholding international law and 2016 Arbitral Award in South China Sea.
Bloc issued call during second Sub-Committee on Maritime Cooperation (SCM) dialogue in Manila on Oct. 29.
In joint statement, EU and Philippines “underscored importance of respecting sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of coastal States, and their maritime entitlements in accordance with international law, particularly “UNCLOS” or UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
They also called for support for “dispute settlement mechanisms” as well as for “full and faithful compliance with final and binding 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award rendered by arbitral tribunal constituted in accordance with UNCLOS.”
Statement did not mention China, aggressively asserting its unlawful claims in West Philippine Sea.
EU also said it is one with Philippines in reaffirming “their commitment to multilateralism and international law.”
During dialogue held under European Union-Philippines Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, EU and Philippines further emphasized their unwavering commitment to promoting and upholding rights and freedoms under UNCLOS.
EU and Philippines, in their statement, likewise reiterated their “strong opposition against illegal, coercive, aggressive and dangerous actions in South China Sea, and welcomed frank and sincere diplomatic engagements in this regard.”
Philippines also underscored its appreciation for EU’s “timely, consistent and decisive statements” on international law and on its support for rules-based international order.
Philippines and EU also expressed “serious concern over unilateral actions endanger peace, security and stability and rules-based international order, including recent incidents in the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.”
EU and Philippines also “urged parties to refrain from threat or use of force and from adding uncertainty to region through unilateral acts,” stressing “maritime disputes must be resolved through peaceful means and in accordance with dispute settlement mechanisms under UNCLOS.”
This year’s SCM was co-chaired by head of Philippine delegation Louis Alferez, Assistant Secretary for the Maritime and Oceans Affairs Office of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), and by Paola Pampaloni, Acting Managing Director for Asia and the Pacific at the European External Action Service.
Happy Birthday Rosita Belmonte-Jose more birthdays to come
Happy Birthday Jo Ephraim Lopez more birthdays to come
Deepest sympathy to the family of Jocelyn “Jo” Lising-Abelgas
Quiboloy denials ‘unbelievable’
By Nidz Godino
“He called it sham Senate investigation, and yet when he was given chance to confront our brave victim survivors, he only invoked his right to remain silent,” Sen. Risa Hontiveros, “blanket denials” by detained alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy that he raped women and children for their spiritual salvation were plainly unbelievable.
Hontiveros said Quiboloy merely invoked his right against self-incrimination, when confronted by his victims and former followers with allegations that he took advantage of them to satisfy his lust and raise funds for his lavish lifestyle as head of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) that he founded.
After months in hiding, Quiboloy was arrested and made to attend hearing of Senate committee on women and children last Oct. 23, where he denied forcing members into servitude.
“He did not grab chance to answer allegations of pattern of sexual abuse inflicted on victim survivors…with sheer number of witnesses, it is difficult to believe Quiboloy’s blanket denials,” Hontiveros stressed.
At hearing, former KOJC logistics officer Teresita Valdehueza and Ukrainian woman Yulya Voronina came out saying they were raped by Quiboloy, who told them they should sacrifice their bodies to the “appointed Son of God.”
Hontiveros’ Senate committee investigation had exposed Quiboloy’s alleged abuse of “pastoral” women, some minors he lured with assurances of spiritual salvation so he could have sex with them.
Hontiveros said Senate hearings could be used to strengthen child protection laws in the country, known as hotspot for trafficking and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.
Senator had wanted to craft bill that would penalize sexual abuses in guise of religious freedom, such as in the case of accused Surigao cult leader Jey Rence “Senyor Aguila” Quilario, whose alleged rape and forced marriages of children were investigated by Senate last year.
“Our investigations are in aid of legislation…in the case of religious cults, this should not be seen as violation of religious freedom in the same way label ‘appointed Son of God’ should not be used to sexually abuse hundreds of women and children,” Hontiveros said.
“Our laws should tackle religious freedom with concepts of consent, agency and protection from rape…there are gray areas that still need to be clarified,” she added.
According to Philippine National Police, Quiboloy allegedly abused at least 200 women using as excuse to justify crime Biblical story of King Solomon who had 700 wives and 300 concubines.
More witnesses have come out and reported to the police, now also investigating Quiboloy’s alleged private army called “Angels of Death,” sent out to kill his opponents and intimidate his victims against speaking out.
He is detained on nonbailable charges of qualified human trafficking before Pasig regional trial court. He also faces separate child sexual abuse case in Quezon City court for alleged rape of 17-year-old.
In the United States, he was included in Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted list for allegedly running sex ring.
“There is no truth to allegations… Senate hearing is unfair and should not decide whether I am guilty or not… should be court of law, where I can defend myself,” Quiboloy said as he was being led out of Senate premises after hearing. “This is a trial by publicity,” he added.
ISKUP! 