Quiboloy labels Senate probe unfair and a trial by publicity

Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, along with his co-accused, take their oath during the Senate hearing of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality in Pasay City on Wednesday. Quiboloy and other members of the religious group face allegations of human trafficking and sexual abuse involving women and children members of the church. —Inquirer/Marianne Bermudez

MANILA, Philippines — Embattled Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy labeled the Senate investigation against him as unfair and a trial by publicity.

In an ambush interview on Wednesday after the Senate committee on women’s hearing headed by Sen. Risa Hontiveros, Quiboloy said the committee is not responsible for deciding whether he is guilty or not.

“This one is like a trial by publicity, we don’t have a resource person, nothing from us, everything comes from the other side,” Quiboloy said.

“With these heavy allegations, without facts, they need to testify in court where I can defend myself, and know the truth,” he added.

Quiboloy made his first appearance at the Senate hearing following his arrest last month on charges of child abuse and human trafficking.

He also pointed out that the hearing failed to discuss some matters regarding the KOJC incident and 16 days’ shields.

“The KJC incident, there’s no mention of human rights. Until now, the young people and women are still traumatized, still unable to leave the house. Still shaking whenever they see the police, ‘those 16 days’ shields, not mentioned,” Quiboloy said.

Quiboloy asserted that the Senate hearing lacked fairness and preferred to answer the allegations against him in court.

“So, this is not our committee, this is not a fair committee. When I answer, it’s in court, if there are allegations in court, it would be addressed in court.”

Quiboloy and four of his cohorts were arrested on Sept. 8 —Emmanuel John Abris, INQUIRER.net trainee