House panel cites Quiboloy in contempt for snubbing SMNI franchise hearings

MANILA, Philippines — The House legislative franchises committee on Tuesday cited embattled preacher Apollo Quiboloy in contempt after he again refused to attend the panel’s hearing into the alleged franchise violations by the television network connected to his church.

In connection to the contempt ruling, the House sergeant at arms has also been directed to physically bring Quiboloy to the Batasang Pambansa complex. 

In his motion to cite Quiboloy in contempt, Rep. Johnny Pimentel (Surigao del Sur, 2nd District), committee vice chairperson, said that the panel may cite any individual in contempt for ignoring its summons. 

That Quiboloy has thrice snubbed the House panel hearings on a bill that seeks to revoke SMNI’s legislative franchise shows that the preacher “acts like god” and “acts with impunity,” Pimentel said.

“It is very clear that he has no intention whatsoever of appearing in this committee. Under House rules, it is our obligation to show these people who take this committee for granted the sanctions that can be meted,” Pimentel said, adding that the committee has given the Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder enough time to face House lawmakers since it began its hearing in November.

Pimentel also criticized the “delaying tactics” of Quiboloy’s legal representative, lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, who told the panel that he would attempt to convince Quiboloy to show up to the next committee hearing.

House Deputy Speaker Rep. David Suarez (Quezon, 2nd District) said that the House committee’s hearings into SMNI’s alleged franchise violations have already lasted five months. Suarez said this demonstrates the “patience” and “leniency” of the committee toward Quiboloy, who, according to Topacio, refuses to face lawmakers due to concerns with his right to due process.

While Topacio argued that Quiboloy had the right to skip the House committee hearing as he no longer runs the day-to-day operations of SMNI, Rep. Jude Acidre (Tingog Partylist) said that SMNI’s franchise is a “continuing privilege” given by the House.

“Therefore Quiboloy, being the original grantee of the franchise, has a duty to attend,” Acidre said.

Rep. France Castro (ACT Teachers) also pointed out