MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robin Padilla on Tuesday opposed a Senate committee’s motion to cite alleged sex offender and sect leader Apollo Quiboloy for contempt.
“Ipagpaumanhin po ninyo, akin pong tinututulan na ma-contempt si Apollo Quiboloy with all due respect,” said Padilla during Tuesday’s Senate panel hearing on Quiboloy’s alleged crimes.
(Forgive me, I oppose this call to cite Apollo Quiboloy for contempt with all due respect.)
Padilla did not categorically state why he objected, but he did say that he talked to Senator Risa Hontiveros regarding the matter.
READ: Senate panel orders arrest of Quiboloy for skipping probe of his alleged crimes
In return, Hontiveros said Padilla’s objection is well noted, adding that under the rules of the chamber, members of the committee may reverse or modify the order.
“Meron naman po tayong gabay mula sa ating Rules – Section 18. Ito po ‘yung Rules of Procedures governing inquiries in aid of legislation,” said the head of the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality.
(We have a guide from our Rules – Section 18. This is the Rules of Procedures governing inquiries in aid of legislation.)
“So ‘yung Section 18 po tungkol sa contempt ang nakalagay po doon (So Section 18 about contempt is what is written there) – a majority of all the members of the committee may, however, reverse or modify the aforesaid order of contempt within seven days. So, well noted,” she added.
Earlier in the hearing, Hontiveros moved to cite Quiboloy for contempt and requested the Senate leadership to order the arrest of the controversial leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
“Pursuant to Section 18 of the Rules of the Senate, as chair of the Committee, with the concurrence of one member here with me, I cite [for] contempt Apollo Carreon Quiboloy for his refusal to be sworn or to testify before this investigation. This committee requests the Senate President to order his arrest so that he may be brought to testify,” the senator asserted.
Hontiveros’ action did not come as a surprise as she previously issued a stern warning against Quiboloy: attend the probe or be arrested.
The Senate has issued two subpoenas to the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” to compel him to face the legislative inquiry.
Both orders, however, were ignored by Quiboloy who earlier said he is in hiding as he claimed threats against his life.
However, the Philippine National Police previously said it had not intercepted any information indicating threats to the life of the sect leader.