5 senators to block issuance of arrest warrant vs. Quiboloy — Padilla

Senator Robin Padilla has gathered the support of four senators who are members of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality in blocking the Senate’s issuance of a contempt order against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.

In a press conference, Padilla said he and Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, Bong Go, and JV Ejercito have signed a written manifestation objecting to the Senate’s arrest of Quiboloy.

During the continuation of the Senate panel’s investigation on the alleged human trafficking and sexual abuses within KOJC, Senator Risa Hontiveros on Tuesday cited Quiboloy in contempt after the religious leader repeatedly ignored the subpoena issued by the Senate as he invoked his right to due process.

Minutes after the Senate panel decided on Quiboloy’s arrest, Padilla raised his objection to the ruling.

Under Section 18 of the Rules of Procedures Governing Inquiries in Aid of Legislation, “a majority of all the members may… reverse or modify the aforesaid order of contempt within seven days.”

The Senate committee has 14 members which means Padilla would need to get the support of eight senators to block the issuance of an arrest warrant against the KOJC leader.

Villar confirmed to reporters that she has already signed the document that raises objection to Quiboloy’s arrest.

In a text message to GMA News Online, Ejercito said, “Secretary Remulla already announced the filing of cases. It will be moot and academic as the Senate can only recommend filing of such, since DOJ will be filing soon as announced.”

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday announced that qualified human trafficking and child abuse cases would be filed against Quiboloy.

Remulla said the Department of Justice (DOJ) has granted a petition of review, directing the Office of the City Prosecutor of Davao City to file a case against Quiboloy for sexual abuse of a minor in 2011, in violation of Republic Act 7610 or the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.”

Meanwhile, the qualified trafficking case will be filed in a Pasig City court. — VDV, GMA Integrated News