With his libel case against SMNI News owner Pastor Apollo Quiboloy still pending, PROMDI Party standard bearer Sen. Manny Pacquiao has declined the broadcast channel’s invitation to a public forum among presidential candidates.

However, Pacquiao also cited another reason for rejecting the free public exposure opportunity. He said he cannot in conscience participate in the event since Quiboloy has been indicted to multiple criminal cases in the United States and has been included in the 'wanted' persons list of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“As much as I would like to participate in every debate and public forum related to my bid for the presidency, I am compelled to decline the invitation of SMNI, which is owned by Apollo Quibuloy, who, according to the US government, has molested and abused children,” he said.

“I cannot, in good conscience, be part of any activity organized by a man wanted for detestable crimes and who unconscionably used the name of the Lord in vain for religious scams,” the internationally-acclaimed boxing icon stated.

Unlike Pacquiao, UniTeam presidential bet Bongbong Marcos prioritized the SMNI invitation over a CNN News Channel presidential debate that is scheduled on Feb. 15, Tuesday.

Marcos' presidential bid is being supported by Quiboloy.

According to Pacquiao the pending cyber libel case he filed against Quiboloy also led to his decision to decline the SMNI investigation. He pointed out that his presence in the presidential forum program might fuel speculations that might affect the case.

A deeply religious individual, Pacquiao last year filed a multimillion-peso libel and cyber libel case against Quiboloy who claims to be the “appointed son of God” as head and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name church (KOJC).

The filing of the complaint before the Makati City Prosecutor’s Office stemmed from Quiboloy’s television appearance and social media post where he allegedly accused Pacquiao of misusing government funds in relation to the construction of the Saranggani Sports Training Center.

Quiboloy’s attack against the Pacquiao followed the latter’s move last year to expose the alleged “web of corruption” in the Duterte administration.

In his complaint, Pacquiao, who used to be a congressman representing his home province Saranggani, accused Quiboloy of showing on TV and social media the decades old facilities.

Quiboloy, together with KOJC officers Teresita Dandan and Helen Panilag, was indicted before a US federal grand jury for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion and sex trafficking of children, sex trafficking by force, fraud, coercion, conspiracy and bulk cash smuggling.

The 71-year old KOJC leader has been appointed spiritual adviser of President Rodrigo Duterte.