MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros gave a stern warning to some members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) for allegedly trying to spoil the Senate’s investigation of religious leader Apollo Quiboloy’s alleged crimes.
In a Kapihan sa Senado forum on Thursday, the opposition senator revealed that some KJC members appeared to have been ordered to “contact [her] office” and pretend to testify about their leader’s abuses.
“Pero ang totoong pakay pala ay pagmukhaing walang kwenta ang hearing sa Senado. Ang kapal, diba? Iyan ba ang utos ni Quiboloy? Iyan ba ang gawain ng Anak ng Diyos?” she said.
(But their real purpose is to make the Senate hearing look pointless. The audacity, right? Is that Quiboloy’s order? Is that the work of the Son of God?)
“Huwag ninyong linlangin ang institusyon ng Senado. Hindi ninyo kami basta-basta maloloko,” Hontiveros emphasized.
(Do not deceive the institution of the Senate. You can’t just fool us.)
Hontiveros is spearheading the Senate’s investigation into Quiboloy and his organization’s alleged crimes. The inquiry was prompted by Hontiveros’ Senate Resolution No. 884 and her privilege speech on the issue.
READ: Hontiveros bares stories of abuse of women, kids under Quiboloy organization
In the same forum, Hontiveros likewise disclosed that witnesses Amanda and Jerome, who had earlier testified against Quiboloy, were mobbed online and accused of telling lies.
“Their identities were even exposed, risking their safety,” she emphasized, adding that her office has obtained evidence of threats against Amanda and Jerome.
Apart from these, Hontiveros said her office also received credible information that former members of KJC are being gathered and were promised favors in exchange for not cooperating with the Senate’s probe.
This, according to Hontiveros, is a clear attempt to disrupt the ongoing investigation.
‘Be accountable for your deeds’
While she issued a strong warning against “disruptors,” Hontiveros noted that she was not alarmed that Quiboloy was trying to hamper the Senate probe.
“Hindi ako nag-aalala kung patuloy na magde-delay o mag o-obstruct si Quiboloy sa prosesong ito ng imbestigasyon, in aid of legislation, in aid of justice, dahil kung tatanggihan nila ang pagkakataong humarap at sagutin ang mga tanong mula sa kanilang panig ay makakabuo pa rin kami ng committee report na magiging kapaki-pakinabang,” she said.
(I am not worried if Quiboloy will continue to delay or obstruct this investigation process, in aid of legislation, in aid of justice, because if they refuse the opportunity to appear and answer questions from their side, we will still be able to generate a committee report that will be useful.)
Quiboloy earlier stated that he would not subject himself to “unfair statements” and “injustices” done under the cloak of a Senate hearing. He also denied the allegations against him, branding these as a clear “smear campaign” to tarnish his international reputation.
Unfazed by Quiboloy’s denial, Hontiveros, in return, told the religious leader to be accountable for his deeds. The senator said this is not only for his attempt to “obstruct” a legitimate investigation by the Senate, but also for the “systematic abuse you committed against women, the youth, and the most vulnerable in society who sincerely believed in you.”
READ: Quiboloy dares Hontiveros to help accusers sue him