Apollo Quiboloy of Kingdom of Jesus Christ. INQUIRER file photo / GRIG MONTEGRANDE
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robinhood Padilla opposed Senator Risa Hontiveros’ bid to investigate religious leader and self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” Apollo Quiboloy’s Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) over allegations of sexual abuse and human trafficking.
Padilla told reporters in a press briefing that cases such as this “offend” Andres Bonifacio.
“Karapatan niyang isulong yan. Pero syempre kami — ako lalo, nangangati ako pagka kaso ng puti. Pag kaso ng ano — na-offend si [Andres] Bonifacio. Ayoko talaga. Pero kung sa Pilipinas, wala akong magagawa. E Pilipino ‘yan eh. Pero kung ang pagbabasehan natin ay Korte ng ibang bansa, no way,” said Padilla.
(It’s her right to promote that. But of course we — especially me, I itch when it comes to cases prompted by white people. Cases such as this offend [Andres] Bonifacio. I really do not want it. But in the Philippines, I can’t do anything. He’s Filipino. But if our basis is the Court of another country, no way.)
Hontiveros delivered her privilege speech on Monday, detailing the alleged systematic sexual abuse of KOJC’s women and children members.
Padilla said had he been present at the hall at that time, he would interpellate.
READ: Senate probe asked vs alleged crimes of Quiboloy’s Kingdom of Jesus Christ
“Nang nag-privilege speech siya ay wala ako. Kung nandito ako noon, medyo nag-interpellate ako. Kaso ng Amerikano ‘yan. Kaso ng Amerikano ‘yang kay pastor. Ano yan, parang International Criminal Court din? Sunod-sunuran tayo sa dayuhan? Iba ang dating noon,” said Padilla.
READ: Former Quiboloy followers tell stories of physical, emotional abuse
(When she delivered her privilege speech, I was not there. If I was here then, I would have interpellated a bit. That’s an American case. What is that, like ICC too? Next we will submit to foreigners? That rings a bit different.)
Hontiveros’ committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality intends to begin the Senate probe against KOJC on January 23, 2024.
Padilla said he would participate in the hearing, aiming to check if Hontiveros’ witnesses are legitimate and are telling the truth.