Senator Robin Padilla (File photo from Joseph Vidal/Social Media Unit)
MANILA, Philippines — Amid attempts to issue a contempt order against the religious leader, Senator Robin Padilla said he personally thinks of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy as a hero and a victim.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Padilla refuted claims that he is siding with Quiboloy.
He explained that his efforts to block the Senate panel on women’s contempt order against the sect leader are nothing but a show of democracy.
“May sarili akong dahilan. Ang sarili kong dahilan – para sa akin, naging biktima si Pastor kasi nilabanan niya ang New People’s Army (NPA). Yan ang sarili ko,” he said.
(I have my own reasons. My own reason – for me, Pastor became a victim because he fought the NPA. That’s me.)
“Hindi deserve, para sa mga mata ko, na ang isang taong tingin kong bayani sa pakikipaglaban niya sa komunista, na naging kasama ko, e ganitong klase, papayagan ko maiskandalo? Teka muna,” he noted.
(In my eyes, a person I consider a hero for his fight against the communists, who was my companion, doesn’t deserve to be subjected to this kind of scandal. Hold it.)
He proceeded to ask where the “debt of gratitude” of Filipinos is, noting what Quiboloy had supposedly offered in the fight against communism.
Padilla also emphasized that he’s not blocking the contempt order just because he’s a friend of the controversial sect leader.
He believes that the allegations against Quiboloy should be tackled in court and not in the Senate.
“Meron tayong korte at ang korte natin, yan ang simbolo ng justice. Sa kanila ang justice. Walang pinakamagandang avenue para humingi ng hustisya ang mga biktima kung meron,” he emphasized.
(We have a court, and our court, which is the symbol of justice. Justice belongs to them. There is no best avenue for victims to seek justice — if there are victims.)
“Hindi ako naniniwalang in aid of legislation. Makakagawa tayo ng mga bill ngayon na maapektuhan ang Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Religion yan. Sana naintindihan nyo,” he added later on.
(I do not believe that this is in aid of legislation. We can make bills today that will affect the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. That’s religion. I hope you understand.)
Is someone ordering Padilla?
In the same press conference, Padilla was prodded if there was someone ordering him to block the contempt order and potential arrest of Quiboloy.
Speculations in social media say the senator was only “ordered” by someone to object to the Senate panel on women’s motion.
Some even link these rumors to Quiboloy, being a friend of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
Padilla, however, explained that Duterte’s position on the issue is that Quiboloy should appear before the Senate.
“Magkaiba sa position namin. So, wala akong sinunod na may nag-utos sa akin. Rebolusyonaryo, utusan lang? Sayang naman ang bigote ko. Di ako utusan ng kahit na sino,” said Padilla.
(Our position is different. So, I didn’t follow anyone who ordered me. I am a revolutionary, then just a servant? (If that’s the case,) my mustache is a waste. I am not being ordered by anyone.)
Padilla has until March 12 to counter the contempt ruling against Quiboloy.
He has, so far, gathered the support of his four colleagues, but he needs eight to block the Senate panel on women’s bid.