Apollo Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), finds an ally in Sen. Robin Padilla (in photo). (Photo from the Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
MANILA, Philippines — Amid a flurry of allegations against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” found an ally in Sen. Robin Padilla.
Padilla said Monday he had known Quiboloy for a long time but never once did the pastor or his KJC ask for money from him.
He recalled working with religious leaders on the government’s peace efforts when Pampanga Rep. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was still the president.
“I was not yet a senator at that time. I was an actor known for giving away money. But not even once did Pastor Quiboloy ask me for money. As they say in English, not even once,” Padilla said, speaking partly in Filipino.
“And when I ran for senator and sought the pastor’s help, not even once did the pastor ask me for money, not even a cent.”
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Padilla made the remarks during the hearing of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality on alleged abuses and other crimes being thrown at Quiboloy and his church.
READ: Senate issues subpoena against Apollo Quiboloy
Like other witnesses who faced the Senate probe into Quiboloy and KJC, the senator also asserted his right to express his own opinion.
“I’m also speaking freely that never once was I or anyone in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ asked for money. Not even once.)
Padilla clarified that he was not taking sides but stressed that those making the accusations should be able to face the person they were accusing.
READ: Alleged grandchild of Quiboloy turns against him
“I just want to say that if we accuse and stand up, whether we are afraid or not, we need to face the ones we are accusing with our faces seen and recognized because that’s what the next generation will remember about how we stood up,” he said.
The Senate has already subpoenaed Quiboloy to attend the probe and answer all allegations hurled at him.