3 more senators back bid to stop Quiboloy detention

Three senators have joined Sen. Robinhood Padilla’s bid to block the detention of pastor Apollo Quiboloy for defying the Senate investigation on the alleged sexual abuses in his ministry.

- MARC JAYSON CAYABYAB

In a press briefing yesterday, Padilla confirmed that he has the support of Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos and Bong Go to overturn the contempt order of committee chairperson Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who is investigating Quiboloy for alleged abuses in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Padilla is seeking majority support from the other members of the Senate women, children, family relations and gender equality committee to overturn or modify Hontiveros’ order for Quiboloy to be cited for contempt and detained at the Senate.

He defended Quiboloy from being prejudged guilty in the committee inquiry, where witnesses testified that they were raped and forced to raise money for the church.

Padilla said Quiboloy is a “comrade” in his fight against communism, and that the pastor’s network SMNI showed his films.

“He is not just a friend. He is a comrade who shares my principles against armed communist struggle,” Padilla said.