Zubiri wants Quiboloy hearing soon after arrest

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri  (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)

MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said the next hearing on Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder  Apollo C. Quiboloy must be conducted at “the soonest possible time” should the latter’s arrest and detention in the Senate push through.

Zubiri made the remark in an ambush interview following the Senate panel on women’s issuance of an arrest order against Quiboloy. 

“I would suggest that if he is located and the arrest is done — that there should be a committee hearing the soonest possible time,” said Zubiri.

“Ang apela ko lang sa committee kapag natuloy po ang arrest at siya po ay dinala po dito, maghearing na kaagad sila para mapakinggan ang kanyang position on the certain issues raised by Senator Risa Hontiveros,” he added.

(My appeal to the committee is that should he be brought here and his arrest pushes through, just conduct the hearing right away for them to hear Quiboloy’s position on certain issues raised by Senator Risa Hontiveros.)

Quiboloy’s alleged crimes include sexual abuse, human trafficking, and forced labor among members of Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

In a separate interview, Hontiveros assured the public that even on break, Senate committees are still “authorized” to conduct hearings and do their jobs.

Safety guaranteed

Meanwhile, Zubiri said Quiboloy’s rights “will be respected” and that “there will be no harm that will come” should he be arrested and detained in the Senate.

“We’ll [assure]  him that it will be fair [and] that his rights will be respected [and] that there will be no harm that will come to him. We can guarantee that he will be safe in the Senate when he visits, and of course, his decisions and his answers [will be respected],” Zubiri said.

Zubiri emphasized the need to “respect each and every resource person” invited by the chamber’s panels.