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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider JV Ejercito withdraws objection to contempt order vs Apollo Quiboloy

JV Ejercito withdraws objection to contempt order vs Apollo Quiboloy

Published Mar 7, 2024 08:57 am

Sen. JV Ejercito has suddenly backed out from opposing the contempt order issued against Kingdom of Jesus Christ Leader Apollo Quiboloy.

Ejercito was initially among the five senators who joined Sen. Robinhood Padilla in objecting to the contempt order which included Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, Christopher "Bong" Go, and Padilla.

He said in his initial statement that he signed the objection letter based on the fact that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has already pursued charges of sexual abuse and qualified trafficking against Quiboloy.

However, later in the afternoon on Thursday, March 7, Ejercito withdrew his intent to participate in it.

"Initially, I made the decision to sign the objection letter, initiated by Sen. Robinhood Padilla on the contempt ruling of Sen. Risa Hontiveros against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, in consideration of procedural practicality," he said.

He cited DOJ who was already handling the cases to be filed against Quiboloy.

"But after careful review of the facts, witness testimonies, and additional information, such as the allegations of rape during the last committee hearing, I have decided to withdraw my signature today," he said.

"Furthermore, my consultations have revealed strong precedents indicating that ongoing cases can still be heard and investigated in the Senate. This means Pastor Quiboloy will get an opportunity to present his side," he added.

He added that the Senate will ensure fairness throughout the proceedings.

With this development, Padilla would need to convince four more members of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality to overturn the contempt order.

Senators Raffy Tulfo and Grace Poe did not join Padilla.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros cited in contempt and requested the arrest of Quiboloy after skipping the latest hearing on the investigation of the human trafficking, sexual abuses, and forced labor allegations hurled against him.

Padilla objected to the decision of the committee to cite Quiboloy in contempt but he did not state his reason during the hearing.

Hontiveros said that a majority of all members of the committee may reverse or modify the contempt order within seven days.

The committee's members include Hontiveros, her vice chair Sen. Nancy Binay, Villar, Marcos, Go, Padilla, Ejercito, Grace Poe,  Raffy Tulfo, Pia Cayetano, and  Mark Villar.

Its ex-officio members are Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate Majority Leader Joel Villanueva, and Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III.

 

Related Tags

Senator JV Ejercito Senator Risa Hontiveros kingdom of jesus christ Senator Robin Padilla Pastor Apollo Quiboloy
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