Senate panel head Risa Hontiveros (right) moved to hold Apollo Quiboloy in contempt and requested an arrest warrant against the sect leader on March 5, 2024. PHOTO FROM SENATE SOCIAL MEDIA UNIT; INQUIRER FILES
MANILA, Philippines — The Liberal Party (LP) backed Senator Risa Hontiveros’ call for the issuance of an arrest warrant against alleged sex offender Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, LP spokesperson Leila de Lima pointed out that “mounting evidence against him [Quiboloy] paints a disturbing picture of abuse, and delaying justice only serves to embolden perpetrators and further victimize the vulnerable.”
READ: Senate panel seeks arrest of Quiboloy for skipping probe of his alleged crimes
The political party is also “deeply troubled” by reports that some senators are reluctant to compel Quiboloy to appear before the Senate.
“Let us be unequivocal: influence and political affiliation must never be a shield against accountability. The wheels of justice must turn for all Filipinos, regardless of power or position,” the LP statement read.
The group likewise emphasized that the public deserves to know the truth and called for a justice system that “protects the weak and the marginalized, not one that bows to the pressure of the powerful.”
Moreover, the LP urged senators to ensure an unbiased and equitable justice process.
“The Liberal Party calls upon all Filipinos to raise their voices in support of a just and impartial system of accountability,” the LP statement read.
“Let us send a clear message: acts of abuse will be investigated and prosecuted, regardless of the perpetrator. We must work together to ensure that the Philippines becomes a nation where the rule of law truly prevails,” it added.
READ: LIST: Senators who signed against contempt order for Apollo Quiboloy
On March 5, the Senate panel conducting a probe into Quiboloy’s alleged crimes sought his arrest as he skipped its hearing.
Panel head 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.
However, Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, Robin Padilla, Christopher Go, and JV Ejercito expressed opposition to the issuance of a contempt order against Quiboloy.
Statement of the Liberal Party
9 March 2024The Liberal Party stands firmly behind Senator Risa Hontiveros' call for the issuance of an arrest warrant against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. The mounting evidence against him paints a disturbing picture of abuse, and delaying (1/5) pic.twitter.com/X2wajTYatE
— Leila de Lima (@AttyLeiladeLima) March 9, 2024