House Speaker Martin Romualdez (Photo from House of Representatives)
MANILA, Philippines — House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez has belied claims by Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy that the Philippine government is conniving with foreign entities, saying that such statements only divert serious legal issues that the pastor is facing.
Romualdez, in a statement on Wednesday, stressed that Philippine government officials like him and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. operate “within the bounds of our constitution and laws.”
“I have taken note of the recent statements made by Pastor Quiboloy. While I understand the gravity of the accusations he faces on the international stage, specifically from the FBI, it is important to clarify that the Philippine government and its officials, including myself and President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr., operate within the bounds of our constitution and laws,” Romualdez said.
“We are committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring the safety and security of all individuals, without exception,” he added.
According to Romualdez, the government remains focused on serving the people, and are not engaged in any criminal activities.
Instead, Romualdez urged Quiboloy to address legal issues he is facing through the proper channels.
“The claims of connivance with foreign entities for illicit activities are unfounded and divert attention from the serious legal matters at hand. Our focus remains on serving the Filipino people and fostering relationships that benefit our nation, devoid of any engagement in criminal activities,” he said.
“We encourage Pastor Quiboloy to address his legal challenges through the proper legal channels and respect the legal processes in place,” he added.
Romualdez’s statements came after Quiboloy, in a video uploaded on the ‘Totoong Boses ng Bayan’ Facebook page, addressed issues thrown against him — including sex-related crime allegations, which are being discussed at a Senate panel.
During the latter part of the video, Quiboloy asked if Marcos and the government has partnered with the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation to have him killed and handed over to American officials.