Sen. Imee Marcos (File photo from the Senate Social Media Unit)
MANILA, Philippines — While recognizing the power of Congress to issue a subpoena, Sen. Imee Marcos reminded her colleagues about giving due process and respecting one’s right against self-incrimination.
At the regular Kapihan sa Senado on Thursday, Marcos was asked about the call of her brother, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, for pastor Apollo Quiboloy to face the congressional probes.
“We are aware that it is indeed the power of the Congress and the Senate to issue subpoenas, and that is a fundamental power,” the senator said, partly in Filipino. “But let us remember that substantive and procedural due process must be given, along with the right against self-incrimination.”
“What I mean is, I am deeply saddened by the events surrounding SMNI [Sonshine Media Network International] and Pastor Quiboloy,” she added. “He has been kind to us, and above all, he has truly helped many people. So, it saddens me that it has come to this. I hope that this can be resolved in a peaceful and quiet manner.”
The self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” is now the focus of separate investigations by the Senate and the House of Representatives.
In the Senate, Quiboloy is being investigated for alleged sexual abuse, forced labor, and other offenses within his church.
On the other hand, the House focuses its probe on the supposed violations of the SMNI franchise.
Pastor, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, also reportedly owns SMNI.
He is now being compelled by the two chambers to attend their hearings.
“For now, it’s there. We are in a legal situation. That will just be followed through because that’s where we are now,” Senator Marcos said. “But even then, I hope it can be resolved as soon as possible. And then, those who are talking about extradition, there’s no extradition request. So why the rush? It’s too much.”
Quiboloy has been on the wanted list of the US Federal Bureau of Investigation for alleged “conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children; sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; conspiracy; bulk cash smuggling.”