MANILA – Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio slammed what she called as the “trial by publicity” against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy who is accused of child abuse and human trafficking.
In a video message posted on SMNI’’s social media accounts, Duterte-Carpio said that, just like everyone, Quiboloy deserves to be given a fair trial in the right court.
“Sa mga ginagawang pagdinig ay tila pinatawan na ng guilty verdict si Pastor Quiboloy kahit na nakabatay lamang ang pagdinig na ito sa mga paratang ng mga testigo na nagkukubli ng kanilang katauhan at hindi mapatunayan ang kredibilidad,” Duterte-Carpio said.
“Marami sa atin ang naniniwala na ang dinaranas ngayon ni Pastor Quiboloy ay isang pandarahas at hindi patas,” the Vice President added.
Quiboloy was earlier cited in contempt by Sen. Risa Hontiveros for his refusal to follow the subpoena issued by the Senate regarding the inquiry on various allegations against him.
The religious leader has further said that he would not submit himself to the Senate probe and would only face the allegations against him before the courts.
Meanwhile, in the latter part of her video message, Duterte-Carpio described the suspension of the operations of SMNI, the media arm of the KOJC, an issue of media freedom.
“Lagi po tayong manalangin para sa hustisya at katotohanan. Justice and the truth cannot be achieved in trial by publicity, but by a day in court,” the Vice President said.
The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) ordered a 30-day suspension of the operations of SMNI in December, 2023 due to alleged violation of the terms and conditions of its franchise.
The said NTC order was once again extended last January pending final decision on the ongoing administrative case against the network./PN
