Former president Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa (Malacañang, Facebook)

The notion that ex-President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa can be held criminally liable in connection with fugitive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is gaining traction in the House of Representatives.

Among the latest to agree with this belief on Tuesday, Sept.,10 are Deputy Majority Leader Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude Acidre and Taguig City 2nd district Rep. Pammy Zamora.

The elder Duterte could allegedly be charged with harboring Quiboloy, as he acted as the administrator of the latter’s estate, including the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City where the pastor hid from police for two weeks.

Meanwhile, Vice President Duterte and Dela Rosa could be held liable for obstruction of justice after apparently misleading arresting officers as to the whereabouts of Quiboloy, who is facing serious charges here and in the United States (US).

Zamora says the former president should take these allegations seriously, as his close ties with Quiboloy are now under strict scrutiny.

“We just want to clarify what role the former President could have played. In fact, this gives the former President the proper forum to enlighten us on the intricacies of his relationship to Mr. Quiboloy,” she said.

“Similarly, we want to know why VP Sara and Senator dela Rosa claimed he was not in Davao City. However, it was later revealed that he was still within the KOJC compound.” Zamora added. She suggested that such actions are detrimental to national agencies.

Acidre supported Zamora’s position, and said that the actions of powerful figures should not place them above the law.

“The law must apply to everyone equally, regardless of their position or influence. If these allegations are true, then we must hold these individuals accountable for harboring a fugitive and possibly obstruction of justice,” he said.

Acidre further noted that the investigation should also explore whether Dela Rosa could face charges for downplaying Quiboloy's offenses.

“Statements by Senator Dela Rosa, who expressed admiration for Quiboloy and questioned the veracity of the allegations, may complicate matters. While personal opinions are one thing, officials must exercise caution when dealing with such sensitive legal matters,” said the party-list solon.

The lawmakers also stressed the importance of ensuring that the justice system remains impartial and functional under the Marcos administration.

“The rule of law must prevail,” Zamora said. “If those in power interfere with ongoing investigations, it will undermine the integrity of the country's justice system.”


HAVE YOU READ THIS?

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/9/harboring-quiboloy-solons-want-duterte-probed-for-role-at-kojc


Acidre expressed confidence that this case would test the strength of the Philippine justice system.

“This is a very significant moment for our country. The charges against Quiboloy are serious, and it is crucial that our institutions dispense justice and demonstrate that no one is above the law,” he said. Any interference could damage public trust, he noted.

Both administration lawmakers pointed to the troubling implications of allowing a fugitive to avoid justice through political influence.

“If we don’t address this now, it sets a dangerous precedent. The people expect us to ensure that justice is served, regardless of who is involved,” Zamora said.

“We will continue to monitor developments and ensure that this case proceeds without interference. Our responsibility as lawmakers is to uphold the law, and we will do everything in our power to make sure that happens,” Acidre said.