BY JOEL C. ESCOL, Managing Editor
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Another case was filed in a local court in Pasig against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, aside from the sexual abuse and child abuse charges filed in Davao City, the DOJ told reporters on Tuesday.
Added to the challenges faced by the pastor, the Senate has also issued a warrant for his immediate arrest, for Quiboloy’s continued refusal to face the senate committee despite several notices sent to his address.
Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) is also facing separate charges in the US and is now on manhunt by US authorities for alleged offenses.
The sexual abuse and child abuse charges filed against the pastor before the courts in Davao City was based on RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.
The local courts in Davao recommended a total of 260,000 bail for all the cases.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed to the reporters that the Prosecutor started the legal proceedings against the beleaguered pastor on March 5, this year.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said: “This case underscores our commitment to hold accountable those who would harm our society’s most vulnerable. Let this serve as a reminder that no individual, regardless of their position, is above the law.”
ARREST FOR QUIBOLOY ORDERED
The senate has already issued an arrest order. Based on the order, once the pastor is arrested, he would be detained at the office of the chamber’s sergeant at arms until he decides to face the committee, answer accusations lodged against him and to defend himself against accusations of the complainants who are allegedly the KOJC former members.
The senate also ordered the sgt at arms to implement the contempt order against the beleaguered pastor.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri is the signatory of the said order. However, Senator Migz was quick to answer that his act of signing the senate arrest order was only “ministerial” pursuant to senate rules.
QUIBOLOY’S STATEMENTS
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy in some video clips was firmed in his stand that he will only answer all the accusations in the proper courts, and he will not face the senate committee – alleging that it will only besmirch his reputation as a religious leader, because the senate investigation is only probing him in the guise of “in aid of legislation.”
He alleged that the senate committee chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros will not do good to him but only harm him and his congregation.
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