Alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy (left) and Senator Risa Hontiveros PHOTO FROM SENATE PRIB; INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — Alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy has yet to confirm if he will heed the Senate’s call and attend the next hearing on his alleged crimes, Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Wednesday.
Hontiveros, in a press conference, said Quiboloy’s camp only received the upper chamber’s subpoena.
The document simply directs Quiboloy to attend the Senate’s probe on March 5.
“Ang formal pa lang na action ay ang pagtanggap sa subpoena ng Senado. Wala pa pong pag signify na iho-honor ang subpoena at haharap dito,” Hontiveros said.
(The only formal action is to accept the Senate’s subpoena. There is no indication yet that the subpoena will be honored and it will be dealt with.)
Earlier on Wednesday, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. himself urged Quiboloy to appear before Congress and address all allegations against him.
Marcos’ remark was backed by opposition lawmaker Hontiveros who is currently leading the probe on Quiboloy’s alleged crimes.
“Sang ayon po ako kay Presidente. Dapat humarap talaga si Apollo Quiboloy sa pagdinig pati dito sa Senado at gaya ng sinabi ko noong isang araw, bukas ang Senado para sa kanyang panig at siya lamang ay aming hinihintay,” said Hontiveros.
(I agree with the President. Apollo Quiboloy should really appear in the hearing here in the Senate and as I’ve said the other day, the Senate is open for his side and he is the only one we are waiting for.)
Hontiveros then assured Quiboloy that he will be given the chance to answer questions and present his side on the issue.
“The committee always observes respect for the different resource persons, anumang panig sila ng resolution na iniimbestiga,” she emphasized.
(The committee always observes respect for the different resource persons, whatever side they are on the resolution being investigated.)
As for the alleged threats against Quiboloy’s life, Hontiveros wondered — “who would want to do that?”
She likewise emphasized what is being asked of Quiboloy is simple: To appear before the chamber and face all the allegations against him.