Atty. Ferdinand Topacio at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay, May 31, 2023 | FILE PHOTO: INQUIRER.net / Ryan Legogo
MANILA, Philippines — “Therefore I send you prophets and wise men and scribes, some of whom you will kill and crucify, and some you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from town to town.”
The legal counsel of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) sect leader and alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy quoted this verse from the Book of Matthew as a reaction to what he called “persecutions” against his client pertaining to the recent actions taken by the Senate after he opted to skip the chamber’s probe on his alleged crimes.
“Persecution is what happened to the Apostles, and this is still happening today, as predicted by Jesus (John 16:1–4). Those who bring God’s message are persecuted, jailed, and killed, as what happened before to the prophets whom God sent to warn Israel of His coming judgment,” Atty. Ferdinand Topacio said in a statement sent to INQUIRER.net.
However, contrary to the verse Topacio quoted, the upper chamber did not begin its probe merely because Quiboloy was “spreading the word of God.” The Senate started its inquiry last January 23 after former members of KJC claimed to have witnessed instances of sexual abuse within the organization.
Other witnesses also claimed that some church members were allegedly subjected to “exploitative activities” such as begging and soliciting money.
READ: Victim-survivor tells all: KJC conceals sexual abuse, calls it a ‘special privilege’
The self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” has been served with two subpoenas issued last February 19 and 21 by the Senate to show up in person to attend the hearing. But Quiboloy disregarded both orders, having earlier claimed that he was hiding because of threats against his life.
This compelled the upper chamber to cite him in contempt and request an arrest warrant against him.
READ: Senate panel seeks arrest of Quiboloy for skipping probe of his alleged crimes
Topacio further said that despite these “persecutions,” “God will send more messengers, to provide further opportunity for the world to hear the gospel,” as stated in another verse from the Book of Matthew.
“Also, it provides further evidence against those who reject God’s truth. The scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ era will persecute and murder many of these future messengers. They will even pursue them when they try to flee persecution (Acts 8:1–3). This is what is happening to Pastor Quiboloy at the hands of this government,” he added.
Aside from the Senate, some leaders of the lower chamber also warned that a contempt and an arrest order awaits Quiboloy should he skip the hearing of the lower chamber’s Committee on Legislative Franchises on March 12.
Last February 7, Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel moved that a subpoena be issued against Quiboloy amid the committee on legislative franchises’ hearing on bills and resolutions related to Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).
The panel issued the subpoena after some lawmakers pointed out the need for Quiboloy’s presence to answer questions related to SMNI that only he could answer.