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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Hontiveros to file complaint vs people behind video of alyas 'Rene'

Hontiveros to file complaint vs people behind video of alyas 'Rene'

Published Jun 30, 2025 01:48 pm

At A Glance

  • The senator is referring to the video of Michael Maurilio or alias "Rene" who claimed he was paid by the lawmaker to speak lies against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. The video has been viral on social media and was even shared by Sen. Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on his Facebook account.
Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Monday, June 30 that her legal team will be filing criminal complaints against the persons behind the video of a man who claimed that he was coerced to testify against detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.
Hontiveros is referring to the video of Michael Maurilio or alias “Rene” who claimed he was paid by the senator to speak lies against Quiboloy. The video has been viral on social media and was even shared by Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa on his Facebook account.
“Make no mistake: This isn’t just an attack on my office. This is an attack on truth-telling. Kaya hindi natin hahayaan na takutin nila ang mga witnesses, at sindakin nila ang Senado (That’s why we will not let them intimidate the witnesses, and will not let them intimidate the Senate),” Hontiveros said during a press conference at the Senate.
“Kaya, sa mga nasa likod ng video na ito (Those who are behind this video): You have crossed the line. Sobra na kayo,” she said.
“I have consulted with my legal team and on Wednesday (July 2), we will file a complaint with the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation). We will work with them for a full investigation into the people who created this video, and the networks amplifying it,” she stressed.
Hontiveros further pointed out that even if Michael recanted his earlier testimony, she said he is only one out of the 14 witnesses who testified before the Senate Committee on Women and Children’s investigation into the human trafficking, rape, sexual and labor abuses involving Quiboloy and other KOJC leaders.
“Michael exposed people who trusted the Senate with their stories. And these are people who are already afraid. Now, they are in danger—again! Yan ang talagang ikinagagalit ko (That’s what really makes me angry),” she said.
“Hindi lang ito paninira (This isn’t just an attack). Those responsible for this video crossed a line and they will be held to account,” the lawmaker reiterated.
“Because no one -no one- gets to endanger our witnesses, my staff, or harass the Senate with impunity. We will not let this slide. We will fight back. Hindi nila mapipigilan ang katotohanan (They can’t stop the truth),” she said.
During the Senate panel’s investigation last year, the man identified as “Rene” surfaced as a witness claiming that Quiboloy had hurt hiim and that he was sexually abused by several KOJC members.
It was also “Rene” who said he witnessed former president Rodrigo Duterte and vice president Sara Duterte carrying firearms when they visited Quiboloy.
Quiboloy is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail and facing a non-bailable charges of qualified human trafficking and violation of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

Related Tags

Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) PCol. Jean Fajardo Pastor Apollo Quiboloy Risa Hontiveros Human trafficking Sexual abuse
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