Senate, House issue subpoenas vs Quiboloy

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has issued a subpoena against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) head Apollo Quiboloy to compel him to attend an investigation into allegations of rape and forcing church members to beg or sell goods on the streets to fund his lifestyle.

Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri signed the subpoena at the request of Sen. Risa Hontiveros – chair of the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality, which is leading the probe.

At the House of Representatives, Speaker Martin Romualdez and Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting also issued a subpoena ordering Quiboloy to personally appear before an inquiry on alleged violations of Sonshine Media Network International, a medium used by KOJC.

“Please be advised that failure to comply with this order will constrain the committee to resort to Section 11 of the Rules of Procedure governing inquiries in aid of legislation of the House on the power of contempt,” they warned Quiboloy, noting that an order for immediate arrest might be issued against one who is cited in contempt.

Hontiveros issued a similar warning, urging Quiboloy to heed the subpoena and not underestimate the Senate, which “will not stop until the victims get justice and peace.”

During the Senate hearing yesterday, Bureau of Immigration legal division chief Arvin Cesar Santos gave assurance that Quiboloy is still in the country, despite reports that he has already left. He cited records that showed Quiboloy arriving in the country on July 22 last year. Santos added there is no record of him leaving the Philippines.

Senior State Counsel Mary Grace Quintana said the Department of Justice might issue an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO), especially since the Senate has an ongoing investigation.

But she clarified that the immigration bureau could only monitor Quiboloy’s movement and could not prevent him from leaving the country, even if an ILBO is issued.

In requesting for a subpoena, Hontiveros said, “We are asking to hold Quiboloy accountable so we may be able to save the other victims who are still under his power – victims who are still begging in malls, terminals, buses and streets to support the private