Escudero on Quiboloy: Court arrest order has priority over Senate summon

Kingdom of Jesus Christ sect leader Apollo Quiboloy (file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — Arrest warrants issued by courts against Apollo Quiboloy will be prioritized over the Senate panel on women’s capture order against the fugitive televangelist, Senate President Chiz Escudero said on Monday.

“Kung titimbangin ang arrest warrant na inisyu ng korte at subpoena na inisyu ng Senado, malayong mas matimbang ang arrest warrant na inisyu ng husgado at korte,” Escudero told reporters in an ambush interview.

(If we weigh the arrest warrant issued by the court against the subpoena issued by the Senate, it is clear that the arrest warrant issued by the court weighs more.)

Davao and Pasig courts have separately issued arrest orders against Quiboloy for sexual abuse and human trafficking charges.

The Supreme Court, however, granted the Department of Justice’ bid to transfer Quiboloy’s sexual abuse case from a court in Davao to Quezon City to avoid miscarriage of justice.

Apart from these events, the Senate panel on women headed by Senator Risa Hontiveros is likewise seeking Quiboloy’s arrest.

READ: SC transfers Quiboloy cases from Davao to QC

“So, marahil, unang mai-implement yun. Kung saka-sakali at matapos yan, doon na lang magre-request,” Escudero emphasized, referring to the court’s arrest warrant.

(Perhaps, it will be implemented first. If ever it gets done, only then will the request be made.)

“Kung ma-implement na ang warrant of arrest galing sa korte, doon na lamang siguro magre-request si Senator Risa o ang Senado na dalhin dito si Pastor Quiboloy para mag attend ng pagdinig,” he explained.

(If the warrant of arrest from the court gets implemented, maybe Sen. Risa or the Senate can make the request there for Pastor Quiboloy to attend the hearing.)

“Priority pa rin yung criminal case palagi,” he said.

(Criminal case is still the priority.)

The newly-instated Senate chief did not categorically answer whether or not the Senate probe on Quiboloy’s alleged crimes will continue under his leadership.

He just noted that it is “ongoing as far as he knows.”

“Naantala lamang noon dahil nga hindi pa ma-locate si Quiboloy na isinubpoena na ng komite,” he recalled.

(It was only delayed because Quiboloy, who was already subpoenaed by the committee, is nowhere to be found.)

‘An orderly implementation’

Policemen stormed the compound of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) in Sasa, Davao City early Monday morning to arrest Quiboloy.

The sect leader’s followers initially met the arresting authorities with a protest at the establishment’s gate.

“Nakita kong ininterview ang isang abogada na kumakatawan diumano sa KJC. Sabi nya ay naging maayos naman daw,” Escudero said when asked about the raid.

(I saw a lawyer allegedly representing KJC being interviewed about the matter. She said it was orderly.)

READ: Hontiveros presses PNP to get Quiboloy’s guns: ‘Why so slow?’

“Noong simula ay medyo may kaguluhan pero naging maayos naman daw ang implementasyon — kung tama ang pagkakarinig ko,” he noted.

(At first, there had been a commotion but the implementation eventually became orderly — if I heard it correctly.)

“Nagkasundo silang labing anim na tao lang ang papasok sa kada parte ng compound at naging maayos naman daw, ika nga, yung pag serve ng warrant,” the Senate leader relayed the information.

(They agreed that only 16 individuals would go inside and check each part of the compound and I heard that the serving of the warrant was orderly.)

“Wala akong napakinggang balita na wala silang warrant na dala,” he added.

(I did not hear news that the arresting authorities had no warrant.)