Pastor Apollo Quiboloy (left), Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas (MANILA BULLETIN, Facebook)

Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas has slammed what she called the "special treatment" of detained pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church.

This, after Quiboloy's medical furlough was extended until Nov. 16 despite the serious charges of child sexual abuse and trafficking filed against him.

"This is a clear display of double standards in our justice system. While Quiboloy, who faces grave charges of sexual abuse of minors, easily gets medical furlough extensions, many political prisoners with severe illnesses are left to suffer or die in jail without proper medical attention," Brosas said.

The Makabayan solon went as far to suggest that Quiboloy was benefiting from a "double standard".

Brosas pointed out that numerous political prisoners have been repeatedly denied humanitarian considerations despite having more serious medical conditions. 

"We have witnessed how political prisoners like Jesus Alegre died in detention after being denied proper medical care. This selective application of compassionate considerations is deeply disturbing," she said.

The senatorial aspirant further noted that many powerful figures seek medical furloughs as a way to avoid police detention.

“Hindi ako magugulat kung sa susunod ay nakasuot na siya ng neck brace (I won't be surprised if he'll wear a neck brace next time),” Brosas said.

“We cannot allow the powerful to manipulate our justice system while victims continue to suffer," Brosas said.

"We demand equal treatment before the law. If medical furloughs can be readily granted to powerful personalities like Quiboloy, the same consideration should be extended to political prisoners who are seriously ill. The justice system should not bow down to privilege and power," she concluded.