Pastor Apollo Quiboloy

The House of Representatives has released a subpoena against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, chairman of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and spiritual adviser to former president Rodrigo Duterte. 

A copy of the subpoena that that sent to House reporters late Monday afternoon, Feb. 19 showed that it had been signed by Speaker Martin Romualdez, Parañaque City 2nd district Rep. Gus Tambunting, and Secretary General Reginald Velasco. 

Tambunting chairs the House Committee on Legislative Franchises, which is currently tackling measures pertaining to alleged franchise violations of SMNI as well as the revocation of the franchise itself. 

In connection with this panel investigation, Quiboloy was directed through the subpoena to appear during a hearing on March 12 within Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City, where House members hold office. 

A subpoena is a strong-worded summon. “Please be advised that failure to comply with this Order will constrain the Committee to resort to Section 11 of the Rules of Procedure Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation of the House of Representatives on the power of contempt,” it stated. 

Contempt procedures involve incarceration at the House.

(Speaker’s office)

Crucial appearance 

The Tambunting panel had opted to issue a subpoena to Quiboloy following his absence in the committee hearings held on Dec. 5 and 11, 2023, and Feb. 7, 2024, despite receiving multiple invitations. 

Surigao del Sur 2nd district Rep. Johnny Pimentel, vice chairman of the panel, stressed Quiboloy's crucial role in the ongoing inquiry. 

“We deemed it necessary to compel Pastor Quiboloy's attendance at the next hearing. He is the main actor in this inquiry, and there are numerous questions that demand his clarification, particularly regarding the ownership of Swara Sug (registered name of SMNI),” Pimentel said. 

During the Feb. 7 hearing, SMNI's legal counsel, Mark Tolentino, claimed to the committee that Quiboloy held the title of "honorary chairman" at the network and was not actively involved in its daily operations. 

However, lawmakers maintained that Quiboloy is the actual "beneficial owner" of both Swara Sug and SMNI, which regularly airs his sermons.