Apollo Quiboloy (left) and Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (PHOTO: Official Facebook page of Bongbong Marcos/INQUIRER FILES)
Updated on February 28, 2024 at 10: 59 a.m.
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday laughed off controversial pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s allegation of an assassination plot, saying, “Why would anyone want him dead?”
“I just, hindi ko naintindihan sinasabi niya. Bakit siya i-assassinate?” said Marcos in an ambush interview.
(I just do not understand what he is saying. Why would he be assassinated?)
Marcos was addressing allegations made by Quiboloy that he wanted the latter dead. The controversial pastor said that the United States was in cahoots with the President to have him killed.
READ: Quiboloy claims slay plot in anti-US, Marcos rant
Marcos said that perhaps Quiboloy was afraid due to the allegations against him.
“The best way to diffuse the situation for him is to testify in the committees in the House and the Senate,” said Marcos.
“We’re trying to be fair here and allowing him an opportunity and fora to make his case. So, I think he should take advantage of that,” said Marcos.
READ: Hontiveros: Quiboloy can’t skip Senate inquiry
The self-proclaimed son of God made the claims against Marcos after he earned the ire of both chambers of Congress after failing to show up to hearings on his alleged crimes.
In the Senate, Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality Chair Sen. Risa Hontiveros subpoenaed Quiboloy after he failed to show up in hearings to address sexual abuse allegations.
Meanwhile, lawmakers from the House of Representatives are mulling a bill canceling the franchise of Quiboloy’s Sonshine Media Network International.
He has ignored both the House and the Senate.
READ: Apollo Quiboloy on FBI’s ‘most wanted’ list
Quiboloy has a long list of controversies, ranging from being the spiritual adviser to former president Rodrigo Duterte to being on the Federal Bureau of Investigations’ Wanted List.
The pastor is wanted in the United States for labor and sex trafficking.