Ejercito withdraws objection to Quiboloy arrest order

MANILA, Philippines — Senator JV Ejercito said he has formally withdrawn his signature on the document seeking to reverse a Senate panel’s request to cite for contempt and possibly arrest alleged sex offender and Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy. 

Ejercito told reporters that he just made the decision on Thursday afternoon.

“After careful review of the facts, witness testimonies, and additional information, such as the allegations of rape during the last committee hearing, I have decided to withdraw my signature today,” said Ejercito in a statement.

“Furthermore, my consultations have revealed strong precedents indicating that ongoing cases can still be heard and investigated in the Senate. This means Pastor Quiboloy will get an opportunity to present his side,” he added.

Ejercito said he initially backed Senator Robin Padilla’s bid to block the Senate panel on women’s contempt order against Quiboloy “in consideration of procedural practicality.”

“This was based on the fact the Department of Justice has already pursued charges of sexual abuse and qualified trafficking against Pastor Quiboloy,” he explained.

Padilla is currently in pursuit of votes to block the Senate panel on women’s contempt ruling against the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God.”

He has seven days, or until March 12, to gather eight votes among the members of the chamber’s panel on women. With Ejercito’s move, Padila now only has four signatures, including his own.

The senators who have signed the reverse-contempt document are as follows:

• Senator Robin Padilla
• Senator Bong Go
• Senator Cynthia Villar
• Senator Imee Marcos