Quiboloy told to ‘walk the talk’, answer House probe queries

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Apollo Quiboloy

MANILA, Philippines — Several lawmakers have urged Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) and Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy himself to stand by their catchphrase of promoting the truth by answering questions at Congressional inquiries.

In a press briefing on Monday, Deputy Speaker David Suarez said since SMNI has always talked about fighting for the truth, they should support calls for Quiboloy to attend the House committee on legislative franchises.

Quiboloy has been asked to attend the House panel’s hearing regarding SMNI ownership, which the pastor has denied any involvement with. Last Friday, Quiboloy told the committee that he did not have the details needed for the House probe.

“You know this SMNI, every time they come out, they always boast about fighting for the truth and what’s right.  So if they are for what’s true and what’s right, why not come here and share your side of the story.  Why are you afraid, and why would you hide?” Suarez asked.

“I mean, it begs a lot of questions when it comes to the integrity and sincerity of SMNI, of Kingdom of Jesus Christ, when it comes to the investigation of the legality of their franchise.  So, my appeal to them, just be honest with your call for the truth.  Show up here at the House of Representatives.  You have nothing to be afraid of, we will even give you good food, just answer lawmakers’ questions,” he added.

Suarez also stressed that Quiboloy should not be treated differently from other resource persons who were asked by the House to attend proceedings, including investigations in aid of legislation.

“I think Pastor Quiboloy has to respect the legislative process of Congress. He was invited and he was asked to present himself so that he can clarify issues regarding the investigations being conducted by the committee on franchise. Yes, I understand that he sent a letter, but I wouldn’t want to preempt what the committee would decide with regards the actions to be taken,” Suarez noted.

“The information with Pastor Quiboloy is vital because we believe that he is involved here, and he knows something that would allow the committee to study the possible violations of SMNI at ng Swara Sug (Media Corporation) with regards to the franchise they have […] So, I don’t think Pastor Quiboloy should be an excuse from the many people that have presented themselves and became resource persons for any issue that the House has taken,” he added.

The attention of the House probe shifted to Quiboloy after SMNI officials constantly denied that the pastor was the previous owner of the network, despite hosts thanking him constantly for airing their programs.

Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel made the motion after Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas suggested that it might be time to force Quiboloy to face the panel, as there were still questions that only he could answer.

Initially, SMNI was being probed for airing misleading information after Laban Kasama ang Bayan host Jeffrey Celiz wrongly claimed that Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez spent P1.8 billion on travel in just a year.

House Secretary-General Reginald Velasco clarified that the entire House only spent P39.60 million for foreign trips from January to October 2023. 

The developments eventually prompted the National Telecommunications Commission to suspend SMNI’s operations.

Old arguments

1-Rider party-list Rep. Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez meanwhile said that Quiboloy’s arguments — that he is not involved in SMNI’s operations — are not new. 

However, Gutierrez noted that several hearings have already indicated that Quiboloy used to have a major involvement in SMNI.

“That’s not new anymore, with all due respect to whatever sentiment they may have during the initial deliberations that we’ve had in the hearings of the committee […] but I think we have to understand that after multiple deliberations already, the committee has seen fit to actually invite Pastor Quiboloy,” Gutierrez said.

“So, whether or not the reason will stand, we have to see as far as we’re concerned under Congress, the pastor needs to attend,” he added.

Aside from the House probe, Quiboloy was also asked to attend a Senate hearing, this time on his alleged sex crimes supposedly committed in the United States.

On March 5, the Senate committee on women asked for Quiboloy’s arrest after he skipped the chamber’s investigation despite a subpoena from the committee.

Senator Risa Hontiveros moved to cite Quiboloy for contempt before requesting that an arrest warrant be issued against the pastor.