MANILA – The Supreme Court (SC) has asked the Senate to comment on the petition Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to nullify the contempt order against him.
SC Spokesperson Camille Ting said in a media briefing on Wednesday that the High Court gave the Senate 10 days upon receipt of notice to submit its comment.
The Senate has issued a contempt order against Quiboloy for his refusal to attend the inquiry being conducted by the committee on women children, family relations, and gender equality.
The Senate panel of Sen. Risa Hontiveros is investigating Quiboloy for allegations of “large-scale human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse and violence, and child abuse” in the KOJC.
The camp of Quiboloy contested the Senate’s contempt order before the SC, arguing that the committee of Hontiveros was “acting like a court” and had deemed the controversial pastor guilty.
“(Quiboloy) cannot be duped into appearing in a trial by publicity. The Senate is not the dispenser of justice in this country. Only the courts can declare the guilt or innocence of Pastor Quiboloy,” Quiboloy’s camp said.
Aside from the Senate, Quiboloy has a separate contempt order from the House of Representatives for not attending the inquiry on the alleged violations of Swara Sug Media Corporation franchise.
Quiboloy also faces a warrant of arrest from Davao Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 12 for violating Republic Act 7610 or the Anti-Child Abuse Law, specifically the provision on sexual abuse of minor and maltreatment.
Aside from Quiboloy, also issued arrest warrants for the same case are Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemañes.
Quiboloy also has a separate arrest warrant from a Pasig court for Qualified Human Trafficking charges under Section 4 (a) of Republic Act No. 9208./PN
