Quiboloy is just an ‘honorary chairman’ of SMNI – lawyers

FILE PHOTO: Lawyers of alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy says the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) leader has not been involved in the management and operations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) since the last quarter of 2018. Photo from Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — Lawyers of alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy on Friday clarified that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) leader has not been involved in the management and operations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) since the last quarter of 2018.

In a letter to House committee on legislative franchise head and Rep. Gus Tambunting, lawyers Ferdinand Topacio, Joselito Lomangaya, and Raphael Antonio Andrada said Quiboloy is only an “honorary chairman” of SMNI.

“It is important, however, to clarify that Pastor Quiboloy has not been involved in the management and operations of [SMNI] since the last quarter of 2018, and in fact, was therefore definitely no longer such when the franchise of SMNI was renewed [on] 22 August 2019,” states the letter dated March 8.

READ: Senate panel seeks arrest of Quiboloy for skipping probe of his alleged crimes

“In addition, the Securities and Exchange Commission was informed of his substitution by Mr. Marlon Acobo as Executive Pastor of the [KJC] in a filing last 19 December 2022, as reflected in the amended Articles of Incorporation released [on] 04 January 2023,” it also says.

Quiboloy’s lawyers also told Tambunting that “all the information and documents” that may be required by the House panel for its inquiry into SMNI’s franchise can be obtained from the following individuals:

• Marlon Acobo, current executive pastor of the KJC
• Atty. Eunice Ambrocio
• Maria Norfelly Marimon

“We are confident that these individuals can contribute valuable insight and information pertinent to your Honorable Committee’s investigation. Therefore, we respectfully request that the Committee issues the corresponding subpoenae to the aforementioned individuals in the stead of PACQ,” the letter notes.

READ: 3 more senators oppose Quiboloy contempt, arrest orders

On March 5, the Senate panel conduction a probe into Quiboloy’s alleged crimes sought his arrest as he skipped its hearing.

Panel head Senator Risa Hontiveros moved to hold Quiboloy in contempt and requested an arrest warrant against the sect leader.

“Pursuant to Section 18 of the Rules of the Senate, as chair of the Committee, with the concurrence of one member here with me, I cite in contempt Apollo Carreon Quiboloy for his refusal to be sworn or to testify before this investigation. This committee requests the Senate President to order his arrest so that he may be brought to testify,” Hontiveros said during the hearing.