FROM DAVAO TO MANILA Rally held at LiwasangBonifacio in Manila by supporters of televangelist Apollo Quiboloy. (File photo by GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)
MANILA, Philippines — Lawmakers from the House of Representatives have again asked why prayer rallies, supposedly organized for Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy, have been used for espousing violent and misogynistic ideas.
In a press briefing on Monday, House Deputy Speaker David Suarez, 1-Rider party-list Representative Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez, and Zambales 1st District Representative Jefferson Khonghun asked why these actions — including the use of expletives — have been a common theme in the prayer rallies.
The rallies, which call to support Quiboloy and Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), have been attended by past administration officials and allies, including former president Rodrigo Duterte, his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, and Senators Ronald dela Rosa and Bong Go.
“Well, it’s only now that we see a prayer rally where you hear people cursing, but I am still thankful that whatever we heard at these prayer rallies, the administration has not retaliated,” Khonghun said.
“I think it would be better for them to stop these because it does not help the country and we think only a few really want these activities,” he added.
“It shouldn’t be called a prayer rally because they have not done anything but spread hate through the words uttered during these events,” he noted.
Gutierrez said while the Constitution guarantees free speech, he is disappointed with the statements mentioned during the prayer rallies.
“In addition to that, of course, freedom of speech and expression is fundamental in our democracy and while we may not agree with what people say, we have to respect the right to say it […],” Gutierrez said.
“But I have to express my deep disappointment in certain statements, certain controversial statements, because we should never allow political dissent to boil down to espousing violence,” he lamented.
“There were some statements that were made by men that seemed misogynistic, that would support acts of violence upon particular women,” he added.
Gutierrez did not mention anyone in particular, but several lawmakers have already called on former Biliran representative Glenn Chong to publicly apologize to First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos, whom he threatened to slap.
Last March 16, Surigao del Norte 2nd District Representative Robert Ace Barbers and Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel demanded accountability.
He said threats to slap President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s wife is conduct unbecoming of a gentleman — especially considering that the country is celebrating National Women’s Month.
READ: Ex-solon Chong urged to apologize for slap remarks on first lady
Suarez and Malasakit-Bayanihan party-list Representative Anthony Rolando Golez Jr. also believe that Chong must apologize to Araneta-Marcos.
“He should. I mean the words that he uttered against our First Lady are totally uncalled for. He should, so I don’t only demand it, but I think out of common courtesy and basic human nature, I think he should,” Suarez said.
“He may have his misgivings. He may feel bad about certain things in life, but to say that on TV I think it’s totally uncalled for,” he pointed out.
READ: House cites Quiboloy for contempt for snub of hearings