Caritas Philippines is the humanitarian, development, and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The humanitarian and advocacy arm of the Catholic Church on Friday called on senators to “remain steadfast” in uncovering the truth about the accusations against Televangelist and alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy.
Caritas Philippines, the humanitarian, development, and advocacy arm of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), made the pronouncement after some Senators chose to defend Quiboloy when the Senate committee led by Senator Risa Hontiveros ordered his arrest on Tuesday for once again failing to show up before the lawmakers.
READ: Senate panel seeks arrest of Quiboloy for skipping probe of his alleged crimes
“Caritas Philippines emphasized the need of ensuring justice for the alleged victims of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and other criminal activities involving Quiboloy and his church, the ‘Kingdom of Jesus Christ’,” the church organization said through CBCP.
“We call on Congress, particularly the Senate, to remain steadfast in its pursuit of truth and justice,” it added.
‘Uphold the rule of law’
Caritas Philippines then urged the Senate to “uphold the rule of law” and “ensure that everyone, regardless of their status or influence, is held accountable for their actions.”
The church agency previously appealed to Quiboloy to appear before the Senate inquiry and other investigations.
“This is not about silencing him or denying him his rights; it is about ensuring that all voices are heard and that the truth prevails,” it said.
Caritas Philippines then urged Filipinos to unite in “upholding the dignity of every human person and ensuring that the scales of justice tip in favor of the vulnerable and the voiceless, not the powerful and the privileged.”
Allegations of abuses
Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed appointed “Son of God,” is currently being investigated in the Senate for allegations of abuses he committed against women and children.
During the Senate panel on women’s Tuesday hearing, Senator Risa Hontiveros moved to cite Quiboloy for contempt and requested an arrest warrant against the controversial sect leader.
However, Senator Robinhood Padilla proposed a resolution opposing the issuance of an arrest order for Apollo Quiboloy.
So far, only Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, and Christopher “Bong” Go have agreed to sign the letter, as Senator JV Ejercito withdrew his signature yesterday.
READ: 3 more senators oppose Quiboloy contempt, arrest orders
READ: JV Ejercito: Withdrawing from pro-Quiboloy reso ‘right thing to do’
To lift the contempt order, eight out of the 14 members of the Senate women and gender equality committee need to sign Padilla’s resolution.
Quiboloy is currently facing several criminal charges in the United States, including 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.