House panel orders Quiboloy’s arrest

MANILA, Philippines — Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy is facing arrest for contempt of a House of Representatives committee, which also approved the revocation of franchise of the TV network he reportedly owns.

Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, chairman of the committee on legislative franchises, granted the motion of Surigao del Sur Second District Rep. Johnny Pimentel to cite the KOJC leader in contempt for snubbing the panel’s summons for him to attend hearings on the Sonshine Media Network Inc. (SMNI) franchise.

Five other lawmakers – Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Deputy Speaker David Suarez, Tingog party-list Rep. Jude Acidre, France Castro of ACT Teachers and Arlene Brosas of Gabriela – seconded Pimentel’s motion.

“There having no objection and with a unanimous vote, pastor Quiboloy is therefore cited for contempt,” Tambunting said as he banged the gavel to conclude yesterday’s hearing, the sixth so far on the SMNI franchise issue since September 2023.

At the Senate, a move to cite Quiboloy in contempt is on hold as the chamber’s leadership has opted to serve him first a show-cause order compelling him to explain within 48 hours his refusal to cooperate in a Senate probe on allegations of sex trafficking, rape and other abuses leveled against him by former followers.

Upon the request of lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, who said he stands as a “general counsel” to Quiboloy, the House panel gave the sect leader until March 15 to present himself to the panel or face arrest by the House sergeant-at-arms.

“You report to us on or before March 15, that will be final, we will implement it (contempt order). If you can do it before March 15, much better,” Tambunting told Topacio, but apparently addressing Quiboloy.

Topacio, who also said he is a counsel for KOJC, appealed to lawmakers’ compassion, saying he would be meeting Quiboloy in Davao City today.

“Just a deferment, your honors, a few days. I’ll be seeing my client. I’ll give my best effort and I will advise him accordingly,” he told Tambunting.

The committee also approved a motion by Rep. Rodge Gutierrez of party-list 1-Rider for the revocation of the legislative franchise of SMNI