Bato doubts accusations vs. ‘Son of God’ Quiboloy
By HANA BORDEY, GMA Integrated News Published March 8, 2024 2:18pm Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Friday said he is inclined not to believe the accusations against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy. For the former Philippine National Police chief, Quiboloy, whom he called the “Son of God,” is less expected to commit the sexual […]
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By HANA BORDEY, GMA Integrated News
Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Friday said he is inclined not to believe the accusations against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.
For the former Philippine National Police chief, Quiboloy, whom he called the “Son of God,” is less expected to commit the sexual abuses and other allegations raised against him in an ongoing senate probe.
“Hindi naman ako nakatingin sa kanya 24 hours pero if you ask my opinion about him, he is highly respected. Ako mismo humahanga sa kanya. He is the son of God. So, less expected ko sa kanya na gumawa ng ganong offense,” Dela Rosa told reporters in a phone interview.
(Although I do not monitor him 24 hours a day but if you ask my opinion about him, he is highly respected. I, myself, admire him. He is the son of God. So, less expected of him to commit those offenses.)
“Ang impression ko sa kanya ay respetado siyang tao at hindi niya kayang gawin ‘yung mga ganong kababuyan na ina-allege sa kanya,” the senator who’s friends with Quiboloy also said.
(My impression of Pastor Quiboloy is that he is a respected person and he cannot commit those kinds of dirty acts which he is being accused.)
Apart from Dela Rosa, Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, and Robin Padilla questioned the purpose of the Senate investigation on KOJC which is being led by Senator Risa Hontiveros.
Hontiveros earlier cited Quiboloy in contempt after the religious leader repeatedly ignored the subpoena issued by the Senate as he invoked his right to due process.
Padilla opposed the ruling and is now seeking support from his fellow members of the Senate committee to sign a document blocking the Senate’s issuance of a warrant of arrest against Quiboloy.
So far, Padilla has secured the support of Villar, Marcos and Quiboloy’s fellow Mindanaoan Senator Bong Go.
Padilla has until Tuesday to secure the support of eight or the majority of the 14-member Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality to stop Quiboloy’s arrest.
While he is not a member of the Senate committee that investigates the allegations against the KOJC leader, Dela Rosa said he thinks the probe is “becoming political already,” noting that there are already cases being pursued by the Department of Justice against Quiboloy.
“Anong in aid of legislation ang makukuha natin d’yan sa pag-imbestiga d’yan kung naka-file na ang kaso? Mayroon bang pagkakamali ang pulis sa paghawak, pag-handle ng kaso at pwede natin silang imbestigahan para ma-correct natin? Meron bang pagkakamali ang DOJ sa kanilang ginagawang imbestigasyon at pwede nating ma-correct through legislation?” he asked.
(What laws are we going to produce from investigating that if there are already laws that were being used as basis to file cases against him? Were there any mishandling of the case on the part of the police and the Department of Justice that we should correct through legislation?)
Serious allegations
Senator JV Ejercito initially signed the document, but he later retracted his commitment “after thoughtful contemplation” and in consideration of the “serious allegations of rape” leveled against Quiboloy.
In a virtual press conference Friday, Ejercito clarified that his decision to withdraw his signature was not due to the public’s reaction and explained anew that he initially supported Padilla’s move due to “procedural practicality” given the recent developments in the DOJ.
“Tao lang naman po tayo eh. Nagbabago rin isip natin. There are certain factors. So I did not withdraw because of bashing. Sanay na sanay na ako diyan it’s a matter of doing the right thing,” Ejercito said.
(We’re just humans. We often change our minds. There are certain factors which led me to my decision. So, I did not withdraw because of bashing. I’m used to it. This is a matter of doing the right thing.)
He also emphasized the need for Quiboloy to be heard even if he will only attend the Senate probe virtually.
Ejercito shared that Hontiveros and Senator Nancy Binay had discussed the possibility of allowing Quiboloy to attend the probe virtually, which the Senate committee chairperson considered.
“We just have to hear all sides even Pastor Quiboloy has to be given his chance to air his side…We can go on hybrid, we can go on online…for security reasons for him and for the Senate as a whole, I think that will be more practical, as long as sabi nga ni Senator Risa as long as he acknowledges the committee,” he said. —VAL, GMA Integrated News
