While hiding from Congress, Quiboloy hurls conspiracies on social media

MANILA, Philippines — Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives have threatened to arrest and cite in contempt pastor Apollo Quiboloy for evading their summons to separate committee investigations on his actions as the leader of a megachurch and founder of television network SMNI.

Urged to face the accusations against him — including allegations he sexually and physically abused members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), according to Senate witnesses — Quiboloy has instead opted to hurl conspiracies on social media that he is in hiding due to an “assassination” plot against him approved by the president, among others.

In a 37-minute audio recording posted on Facebook, Quiboloy claimed that the United States government is in cahoots with President Marcos Jr. to conduct “rendition” on him instead of extradition and that the plot involves “killing” him and his church leaders.

“I have been given to foreigners. If this is true, own up to it. If I’m wrong, correct me. My life is now in danger,” Quiboloy said in Filipino.

Based on “reliable sources” that he did not name, the controversial pastor said that his 11 compounds are currently being monitored by people “conducting surveillance with the aim of killing or kidnapping me and my leaders.”

“Me, my leaders, they want to kill us all,” Quiboloy said.

The televangelist added that it is “not my fault” that he is close to former President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter, Vice President Sara Duterte.

Among other conspiracies he shared in his audio message, Quiboloy claimed that there was a $2 million bounty on his head and that there are plans to “plant” bombs, guns and drugs in his properties, which would then be incorporated by someone else.

Both the House and the Senate issued subpoena orders against Quiboloy last week — a legitimate power that lawmakers can use to compel witnesses and key figures to show up to Congress as part of an investigation of an issue. 

To recall, the House agriculture and food committee in February 2023 issued subpoena orders against warehouse owners who did not attend hearings in connection to the onion shortage and price inflation in 2022.

In November 2023, the Senate issued