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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider VP Duterte wants fair fight vs Quiboloy, hits 'trial by publicity'

VP Duterte wants fair fight vs Quiboloy, hits 'trial by publicity'

Published Mar 12, 2024 05:23 am

Vice President Sara Duterte on Tuesday, March 12, slammed the “trial by publicity” being done against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder and leader Apollo Quiboloy, who is the subject of a Senate panel probe regarding abuses inside his organization and the proliferation of fake news by KOJC’s broadcasting arm.

VPSD_Quiboloy.jpg
Vice President Sara Duterte and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy (Ali Vicoy/KOJC)

 

In a video message posted by Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) on X (formerly Twitter), the official called for “justice” and “fair fight” for the embattled religious leader.
 

“Lagi po tayong manalangin para sa hustisya at katotohanan (Let us always pray for justice and truth). Justice and the truth cannot be achieved in trial by publicity but by a day in court,” she said.
 

The official also questioned the testimonies of witnesses and their credibilities.
 

“Sa mga ginagawang pagdinig ay tila pinatawan na ng guilty verdict si Pastor Quiboloy kahit na nakabatay lamang ang pandinig na ito sa mga paratang ng mga testigo na nagkukubli ng kanilang katauhan at hindi mapatunayan ang kredibilidad (In the hearings happening, it seems that Pastor Quiboloy has been given a guilty verdict despite the allegations of witnesses who hide their identities and cannot prove their credibility),” Duterte said.
 

“Marami sa atin ang naniniwala na ang dinaranas ngayon ni Pastor Quiboloy ay pandarahas at hindi patas (Many of us believe that what Pastor Quiboloy is experiencing is abuse and unfair),” she added.
 

The video statement, which was not published in the Vice President’s social media, also said that the indefinite suspension of SMNI is an issue of “media freedom.”
 

Quiboloy, an avid supporter of the Dutertes and who was earlier accused of allegedly giving Duterte and her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, bags of guns, is facing an inquiry by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality over allegations of rape, human trafficking, and other abuses within the KOJC.
 

He is also facing a congressional investigation over the involvement of SMNI in the proliferation of fake news before the House of Representatives. 
 

After he earlier refused to attend both hearings, the lawmakers issued a subpoena against him.
 

He was also cited in contempt by Senator Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate panel, but this was blocked by Senator Robin Padilla.

Related Tags

SMNI Sara Duterte kingdom of jesus christ Pastor Apollo Quiboloy
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