Apollo Quiboloy (MANILA BULLETIN)

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio has confirmed before the House Committee on Legislative Franchises on Tuesday afternoon, March 12 that controversial Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is still in the Philippines. 

"Yes of course [he is still in the country], you're honor, he is not going anywhere you're honor," Topacio told House Deputy Speaker Quezon 2nd district Rep. David Jay-jay Suarez, who asked about his client's whereabouts. 

Topacio mentioned earlier in the hearing that he was scheduled to meet with the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church leader tomorrow, Wednesday, March 13. 

"Kasi may mga balita no nangibang-bansa na daw siya (Because there are news that he has gone abroad)," noted Suarez. 

"Ay hindi po, magpapakuha po ako ng picture at iva-Viber ko po sa members ng committee (No sir, I'll have my picture taken with him and send it to the committee members via Viber)," the lawyer said. 

Quiboloy no-showed the hearing of the committee despite the issuance of a subpoena against him. 

The panel is probing the alleged franchise violations of television network SMNI, where Quiboloy is the honorary chairman.