Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri (File photo from the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said he will sign the subpoena for religious leader and alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy when Zubiri returns from a trip to the Visayas.
“I have been told by my staff that the issuance of the subpoena for Pastor Apollo Quiboloy has been prepared and is now ready for my signature,” Zubiri said in a statement.
“I am just in the Visayas at the moment for several engagements, but I will sign all these documents upon my return,” he said.
Zubiri’s assurance came a day after Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros pressed the Senate leadership to summon, and not just invite, Quiboloy.
Hontiveros said she wrote to Zubiri on February 6, but the subpoena has yet to be signed.
READ: Hontiveros’ request to subpoena Quiboloy still pending in Senate
Zubiri explained that a lot of administrative work has piled up in his office following the supposed rift between the House and the Senate over the controversial signature drive for Charter change.
“The last few weeks have been marred with attacks against the Senate and our democratic institutions, due to the fake People’s Initiative,” Zubiri said.
“The noise has only just settled down during these last few days. In the middle of our efforts to protect the institution, a lot of our administrative work has piled up in my office, including paperwork that need[s] my signature,” he said.
But Zubiri assured the public that he would sign all pending documents, including the subpoena order against Quiboloy, upon his return to Manila.
READ: Quiboloy dares Hontiveros to help accusers sue him