How did Vice President Sara Duterte knew of Michael Maurillo’s statement against Sen. Risa Hontiveros even before the video of him recanting his testimony on embattled religious leader Apollo Quiboloy became viral?

Hontiveros raised this question after taking note of the vice president’s call for the Senate witness to file counter charges to strengthen his claims he was threatened by the senator to testify against Quiboloy and other leaders of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).

“I stand by the statements I made earlier na pawang kasinungalingan ang nasa video (that the statements in the video were all lies),” Hontiveros said.

“If Michael has executed a new affidavit containing lies about me and the victim survivors of Quiboloy, then in my opinion this opens him up to perjury in addition to the case I filed,” she said.

“I am also very, very curious kung paano nakuha ni VP Sara ang salaysay ni Michael ahead of his fake news video (how did VP Sara got Michael’s statement ahead of his fake news video),” she pointed out. 

But until now, Hontiveros said she believes that Maurillo was telling the truth during the Senate hearing on the human trafficking, sexual abuse, labor and rape allegations on Quiboloy and KOJC leaders.

But should he file counter charges against her, Hontiveros said Maurillo will be facing perjury charges. 

“I would have no objection to that. And if he issues an affidavit against me and against the other witnesses who testified against Quiboloy and KOJC leaders…then that could possibly open him up to charges of perjury as well as the cyber libel charges I filed against him yesterday,” she said.

Asked if she believes the recantation of Maurillo was politically motivated, Hontiveros said she is not discounting this possibility.

“As to whether the reason or the motivation is tied up with politics, well, anything is possible,” the senator said.

“But we couldn't investigate it anymore, so that's why I asked the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) for help,” she said.

“And in any case, my main concern is what Michael Maurillio and the people or group behind this video were doing.The vloggers were spreading this video and adding to the lies,” she said. 

“These are a coordinated and systematic (attack) not only against me but more so to the other witnesses who bravely testified and tried to overcome their fears as victim survivors. These witnesses who before, lost their voices and whom the Senate fought for through our investigation but whom they are now threatening again. These people, these groups want to bury the true stories of these victim survivors,” she stressed.

Hontiveros said she will not back off from the fight until justice is served to the victims of Quiboloy. 

“They really crossed the line in going after the witnesses and insulting the Senate,” she said.