Hontiveros: Trafficking, child abuses charges vs Quiboloy a nod to Women's Month
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, March 4 lauded the Department of Justice (DOJ) for finally pushing through with the filing of qualified trafficking and child abuses cases against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
This, after the DOJ ordered the filing of sexual abuse against a minor and qualified trafficking earlier this day.
“Isang napakalaking tagumpay ito para sa bawat babaeng inalipusta at sinamantala ni (This is a major triumph for each women who was insulted and taken advantaged of by) Apollo Quiboloy,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
The senator said she is very much thankful to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla for finally acting decisively on this matter.
“Pero mas higit na pasasalamat sa mga naglakas loob na magsalita, sa lahat ng mga tumestigo at mga patuloy na nakikipagugnayan sa opisina ko para magsiwalat ng kanilang katotohanan (But we are even more thankful to those who dared to speak, to all those who testified and those who continue to contact my office to reveal their truth),” added Hontiveros.
The chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality further said the cases filed before the DOJ is a welcome first step towards the victim-survivors’ cry for justice, peace, and healing.
“The Senate will continue with its mandate to investigate, in aid of legislation, the decades-long abuses perpetrated by Quiboloy. We will ensure that these inquiries will result in strengthened laws for our women, our children, and the most vulnerable among us,” she stressed.
“This positive development is a gift to every woman this Women’s Month,” the lawmaker emphasized.
Hontiveros’ panel is currently investigating Quiboloy, his religious sect amidst allegations of corruption, human trafficking, child abuse, forced labor hurled against him.
Likewise, the senator said Quiboloy would be cited by the panel in contempt if he fails to still appear at the continuation of the Senate’s investigation on the issue.
The Senate panel has scheduled the next hearing on Tuesday, March 5. Hontiveros said they still expect the religious leader to participate in the hearing even though his camp still does not communicate with the panel.
“If he doesn’t appear tomorrow, I will cite them in contempt and order for their arrest,” she warned.