The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) called on all leaders on Monday, Aug. 26, to take a stand in protecting the rights of every Filipino by supporting the judicial processes designed to bring “perpetrators to justice.”

“It is particularly painful when public figures, who should be champions of justice and defenders of the vulnerable, seem to downplay these horrific acts or align themselves with those accused of such egregious crimes,” DSWD said in a statement.

DSWD, the agency tasked with safeguarding the well-being of the nation's most vulnerable, stated that it “cannot stay silent in the face of the serious charges” against Apollo Quiboloy.

“The allegations of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and abuse of minors strike at the very core of what we stand for: protecting those who cannot protect themselves,” DSWD said.

The agency noted President Marcos' frequent expressions of how deeply he is affected by the “suffering of the innocent.”

“He speaks for so many of us when he says that nothing is more painful than seeing a child in need, in pain, or left without hope,” DSWD said. “It is this same pain that drives our work at the DSWD,” the agency added.

Behind every case

Amid the controversies surrounding Quiboloy, DSWD expressed support for the alleged victims.

“We must never forget that behind every case are real children, real mothers, and real families who are suffering,” DSWD said.

As it stands with the victims, DSWD affirmed its “commitment to ensuring that they receive the justice they deserve and that their voices are heard.”

“We call on all leaders to stand with us in protecting the rights of every Filipino child and to support the judicial processes that are in place to bring perpetrators to justice,” DSWD said.

The agency also supported President Marcos in his commitment to creating a better future for every Filipino child—where “no one is left behind or left to suffer alone.”