MANILA – The Senate has issued a show cause order against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy for his refusal to attend in inquiries regarding the child abuse and human trafficking accusations against him.
In an order dated March 13, 2024, the televangelist was ordered to explain within 48 hours why he should not be arrested and detained in the Senate for snubbing its investigation.
“You are hereby ordered to show cause within a non-extendible period of 48 hours from receipt of this Order why you should not be ordered arrested and detained at the Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms,” the order reads.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality chair, is leading the investigation on Quiboloy’s alleged human trafficking activities and children and women abuses.
Hontiveros’ committee has already issued three invitations to Quiboloy dated January 23, February 19 and March 5, but the televangelist has snubbed all the three invitations.
Last week, Hontiveros ruled that Quiboloy would be cited for contempt after the religious leader repeatedly ignored the subpoena issued by the Senate, and invoked his right to due process.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, however, asked Hontiveros to issue a show cause order first before proceeding with subpoena if Quiboloy will still not respond within 48 hours.
“Kasi naglabas na ng ruling yung Supreme Court. Remember the Pharmally issue about the indirect contempt? So under the ruling of the Supreme Court, we must exhaust all legal avenues, in other words, due process,” Zubiri said.
“’Pag nag-show cause order si Ma’am Risa at hindi pa rin satisfactory ‘yung explanation, sagot, at ayaw talaga pumunta dito, then it is ministerial on the part of the Senate to release a warrant of arrest,” the Senate President added.
Quiboloy already has a separate contempt order from the House of Representatives for his refusal to attend the inquiry on Sonshine Media Network International’s franchise./PN
