Assistant Minority Leader and Gabriela partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas on Sunday demanded church leader Apollo Quiboloy, who was indicted by US prosecutors for sex trafficking, to "stop playing victim" as well as "stop likening himself" as "modern-day Joseph."
Brosas in a statement said Quiboloy, leader of Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, is playing victim although "he was the one who victimized many women and minors based on his indictment charges."
"For someone who is accused of molesting minors and trafficking victims to the US, Quiboloy must really be thick-faced to liken himself to Biblical figures. Sumuko na lang dapat siya (He should surrender)," the lawmaker, whose party is pushing for women's rights, said.
Brosas said Quiboloy must not describe himself as "modern-day Joseph," a biblical figure who was maltreated despite being innocent.
The lawmaker said they have a big difference.
Brosas called on the Department of Justice to issue at least a hold-departure order against Quiboloy while the extradition request remains pending from the US government.
She said it would be a big challenge for the administration of Duterte, whose daughter was endorsed by Quiboloy as his vice presidential bet, not to protect the indicted pastor.
On Saturday, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released "wanted" posters of Quiboloy and two other associates.
In its website, FBI said Quiboloy is wanted for "Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud and Coercion, and Sex Trafficking of Children; Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion; Conspiracy; Bulk Cash Smuggling."