The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality has issued a subpoena against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), for failing to attend the investigation into various accusations against the religious group.
Senator Hontiveros, the committee chair, revealed that Quiboloy sent a letter to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, which was admitted for the record. The KOJC has been linked to serious allegations, including human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse, violence, and child abuse.
While Quiboloy’s lawyer attended the hearing, Hontiveros emphasized the need for the religious leader to directly address the accusations made by the victims. Hontiveros clarified that the probe is not religious persecution but an inquiry into the abuse of faith in victimizing Filipinos.
More witnesses are expected in the next Senate investigation on KOJC. Hontiveros has invited three individuals mentioned in victims’ testimonies, and she filed a resolution in December seeking an investigation into the accusations to assess the adequacy of existing human trafficking laws.
Quiboloy’s legal counsel dismissed the Senate probe as deception, urging Hontiveros to bring the allegations to court. Notably, Quiboloy faced similar allegations in 2021 when he was indicted in the United States for charges related to an alleged sex-trafficking operation.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 24, 2024
