More human trafficking and sexual victims are eager to testify against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy now that he is facing the courts, Senate deputy minority leader Risa Hontiveros said.
“Papaharapin natin si Quiboloy at mga kapwa niya akusado sa Senado. Maraming biktima pa ang gustong mag-testigo para ipaglaban ang kanilang pagkatao, ang kanilang dignidad, at ang buong katotohanan (We will make Quiboloy and his cohorts face the Senate. Many victims still want to testify to defend their humanity, their dignity, and the whole truth),” Hontiveros said.
The senator pointed this out even as Quiboloy and his co-accused pleaded not guilty on Friday, September 13 when they faced the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 159. Quiboloy and his co-accused namely Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemane are facing a non-bailable case.
“Karapat-dapat managot sa batas si Apollo Quiboloy. He and his co-accused have caused unspeakable pain to women, children, and the most vulnerable (Apollo Quiboloy deserves to be held accountable by the law. He and his co-accused have caused unspeakable pain to women, children, and the most vulnerable),” he said.
“Ang pagpapaharap sa kanila sa hukuman ay isang malaking hakbang tungo sa ganap na hustisya (Bringing them to justice is a big step towards full justice),” the lawmaker stressed.
Hontiveros further thanked “Amanda” the first witness who came forward to her office to disclose the crimes committed by Quiboloy and his leaders in the KOJC.
“Partikular na nagpapasalamat tayo kay alias Amanda. Siya ang isa sa unang nag-testify in public, sa pamamagitan ng Senado, para isiwalat ang sistematikong panggagahasa, pang-aabuso, at pananamantala ni Quiboloy (We are particularly grateful to alias Amanda. He was one of the first to testify in public, through the Senate, to reveal Quiboloy's systematic rape, abuse, and exploitation),” she said.
“Until now, her courage has inspired more victim-survivors to fight for justice. Kaya magpapatuloy ang aming Senate hearing (The Senate’s hearing on the matter will continue soon),” she said.