5 senators want to block contempt order vs Quiboloy

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 5:12 p.m.) — Five senators are now trying to block the contempt ruling issued by the Senate women and gender equality committee against controversial preacher Apollo Quiboloy, with some arguing that he should not face arrest for snubbing Senate hearings due to his right to due process.

Sen. Robin Padilla, who objected to Sen. Risa Hontiveros’ motion to cite Quiboloy in contempt, said in a press conference on Thursday that Sen. Bong Go, Sen. Cynthia Villar, Sen. Imee Marcos and Sen. JV Ejercito have signed the written manifestation against the contempt ruling on Quiboloy. 

To lift the contempt order on Quiboloy, eight senators out of the 14 members of the Senate women and gender equality committee need to sign the document.

On Tuesday, Hontiveros cited Quiboloy in contempt and ordered his arrest after the religious leader repeatedly refused to attend the Senate committee’s ongoing investigation of the abuses allegedly committed by him and KOJC leaders.

In following through with her earlier warning to have Quiboloy arrested, Hontiveros said that resource persons cannot simply use their right to be presumed innocent or right against self-incrimination to justify their absence from official Senate investigations.

Padilla said that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder — who was recently slapped with cases of sexual abuse and qualified trafficking by the Department of Justice (DOJ) — should not be investigated by two branches of government. 

“Sa resources ng gobyerno… Parang masyadong magastos (On the resources of government… It is too costly,” Padilla said in a press conference on Thursday.

On Thursday afternoon, Ejercito had withdrawn his signature in the manifesto against Quiboloy's contempt order, according to a letter he sent to the office of Padilla, a copy of which was shared with reporters.

Ejerjicto said in his letter that "after thoughtful contemplation," the allegations of rape against Quiboloy had prompted him to "carefully review the facts, witness testimonies and additional information."

"The public hearing of the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality is a venue for the Pastor to clear his