Senator Robin Padilla opposes the Senate probe targeting Apollo Quiboloy, head of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).
In an interview, Padilla stated he won’t back the probe into Quiboloy, calling it an American-driven case.
“Kaso ng Amerikano yon. Kaso na Amerikano ‘yung kay Pastor. Ano yon? Parang ICC (International Criminal Court) din? Sunud-sunuran na naman tayo sa dayuhan? Ganon ba ang dating noon?” Padilla asked.
Padilla stated he wouldn’t back claims arising from investigations in overseas courts, although he acknowledged that Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has every right to initiate such an inquiry.
“Kami, ako lalo, nangangati ako pagka kaso ng puti e… Na-o-offend si [Andres] Bonifacio. Ayoko talaga. Pero kung sa Pilipinas, wala akong magagawa. Pilipino ‘yon e. Kung pagbabasehan natin ay korte ng ibang bansa, no way,” Padilla said.
Padilla suggested that those alleging child and sexual abuse should be probed as well, given that some informants might withdraw their statements.
“Kailangan nating imbestigahan ang mga witnesses kung sila ay nagsasabi ng totoo. Ang tagal naman ninyo na nanonood ng hearing dito. Kakaunti ang witness na nagsasabi ng totoo dito… Magsasabi ng statement ngayon, kinabukasan iba na ‘yung statement,” he said.
Senator Robin Padilla objects probe against Quiboloy
Last Monday, Hontiveros requested a Senate probe into reported mass human trafficking, rape, violence, and child abuse, allegedly hidden by a faith group. In a special speech, she detailed the supposed abuses by Quiboloy’s group.
Hontiveros urged the Justice Department to watch Quiboloy’s travel through an Immigration alert to stop him from dodging charges. Quiboloy’s lawyer Topacio challenged Hontiveros to take legal action and handle it in court.
“Ang ginagawa po ni Senator Risa Hontiveros ay isang panlilinlang sapagkat ang sinasabi po niya, gusto niyang imbestigahan itong mga alegasyon ng human trafficking, may mga testigo raw siya laban kay Pastor Quiboloy at sa grupo ng Kingdom of Jesus Christ, ngunit itong bagay na ito ay hindi po dapat sa Senado iniimbestigahan,” Topacio said.
“Siya ay aking hinahamon. Kung tingin mo matibay ang iyong mga testigo, makatotohanan ang sinasabi nila, bakit hindi mo dalhin sa hukuman kung saan patas ang laban, may due process? Bakit gusto mo sa Senado ang paglilitis, sapagkat sa Senado, lamang na lamang ka, agrabyado kami,” he added.
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