Sen. Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito clarified that he did not withdraw his position to object to the contempt order against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy due to bashing online but it was more of "doing the right thing."

In an interview on Friday, March 8, Ejercito said that he had his reasons for initially joining Sen. Robinhood Padilla's move to oppose the contempt order issued by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality.

"I had my reasons for signing, for procedural practicality, kaka-announce lang ng Department of Justice (DOJ) (DOJ just announced [the filing of cases]) so it was a reaction on my part. So wala namang masama dun kung ikocorrect mo sarili mo eh kung magbago ka ng desisyon (There is nothing wrong if you will correct yourself, if you will change your decision). We are all human," he said.

"And public perception is secondary. What is important is knowing the right thing, ‘di ba? (right?) So tao lang naman po tayo eh nagbabago rin isip natin (We're only human, we change our minds), there are certain factors. So I did not withdraw because of bashing, sanay na sanay na ako diyan (I'm used to that), it’s a matter of doing the right thing," he added.

Following Padilla's announcement on Thursday, March 7 during a press conference that five senators have joined him in opposing the Senate panel's ruling, Ejercito retracted his position later in the afternoon.

Now, they are only left with four namely Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, Christopher "Bong" Go, and Padilla. Padilla would need to convince four more committee members to overturn the contempt order. Senators Raffy Tulfo and Grace Poe have both decided not to join him in his initiative.

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.

Ejercito said that he spoke with a certain general who hails from Davao. and he was told about the allegations and issue hounding Quiboloy and that it would be better if the latter would personally air his side.

"Mas maganda na rin mabigyan ng chance si Pastor Quiboloy to air is side ‘no para hindi sabihin nilang one sided. Actually nag-advise din ako, sana humarap na rin siya para mapakinggan yung kanyang panig (It's better if Pastor Quiboloy would be given a chance to air his side so they will not say it's one-sided. I am actually advising that he faces the Senate so his side can be heard)," he said.

He added that the allegations are a bit disturbing since it involves rape and it's International Women's Month.

The senator also mentioned that they are open to accommodating him online to address security issues concerning both the Senate and him. He said that Hontiveros can consider it as long as Quiboloy acknowledges the committee.