'My advice, opinion don't matter here': VP Duterte says of Quiboloy's arrest order
By Raymund Antonio and Raymund Antonio
Vice President Sara Duterte on Thursday, March 21, seemed to distance herself from Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder and leader Apollo Quiboloy, saying that her opinion won’t matter in the televangelist’s arrest order and the franchise revocation of KOJC’s media arm, Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).
Vice President Sara Duterte and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy (Ali Vicoy/KOJC)
“Hindi naman na mag-matter iyong advice ko and opinion ko dito (My advice and opinion won’t matter here),” the official said in a media interview in Cambodia when asked about the arrest order issued against Quiboloy by the Senate.
Duterte, a known ally of the embattled preacher, previously raised concern over SMNI and said it was suppression of media freedom.
“What I would suggest sa SMNI is to consult their lawyers kung ano iyong mga pwedeng (what) legal options (they have) with regard to their franchise,” she said.
On Wednesday, March 20, the House of Representatives passed on third and final reading a bill revoking the franchise granted to Swara Sug Media Corp., which operates under the business name SMNI.
The revocation of the franchise was due to the network’s “blatant red-tagging, fake news peddling and violations of broadcasting standards.”
Last week, Duterte, as well as former president Rodrigo Duterte, attended a prayer rally for Quiboloy to ask for prayers and demand “truth and justice” as the latter faces rape, human rights trafficking, and other abuse allegations before the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality.
The vice president’s presence at the rally was questioned by several lawmakers since speakers at the rally also attacked President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos.