Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros welcomed Friday the appearance of megachurch leader Apollo Quiboloy and his co-accused for their arraignment on the human trafficking case filed against them, calling this development a huge step towards justice.
“Ang pagpapaharap sa kanila sa hukuman ay isang malaking hakbang tungo sa ganap na hustisya (Their presence before a trial court is a significant step towards absolute justice),” said Hontiveros in statement.
Hontiveros—who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality—noted that the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder and his followers “caused unspeakable pain to women, children, and the most vulnerable.”
Quiboloy and his four cohorts– Jackielyn Roy, Sylvia Cemañes, Cresente, Paulene, and Ingrid Canada—stood accused of trafficking female KOJC members, including minors, to please the pastor and raise funds for his megachurch.
Hontiveros thanked witnesses like alias ‘Amanda,’ who came forward to reveal the “systemic abuses” orchestrated by Quiboloy. “Until now, her courage has inspired more victim-survivors to fight for justice,” the senator said.
Hontiveros is leading the Senate investigation into multiple allegations versus the KOJC founder. She said Quiboloy and his four co-accused will also be summoned before the Upper Chamber to attend the hearing.
“The Senate hearing will continue. We will have Quiboloy and his co-accused face the Senate. There are other victims who want to testify and fight for their character, dignity, and the whole truth,” Hontiveros said.
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