Ejercito retracts support for Padilla’s move to block Quiboloy’s arrest

Senator JV Ejercito has withdrawn his signature in the written objection being routed by Senator Robin Padilla to his colleagues, which seeks to block the issuance of an arrest warrant against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.

Ejercito made the decision hours after Padilla disclosed that he was able to secure the former’s support and those of Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos, and Bong Go to protect Quiboloy from a possible arrest warrant from the Senate.

“After thoughtful contemplation, I would like to respectfully inform you of my intention to withdraw my signature affixed in the document objecting against the contempt order directed towards [KOJC] Pastor Apollo Quiboloy,” Ejercito said in his letter sent to Padilla on Thursday afternoon.

Ejercito cited the “serious allegations of rape,” which were raised during the previous hearings of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality. Ejercito said these have prompted him to carefully review the facts, testimonies, and additional information relevant to the accusations against Quiboloy.

In addition, the lawmaker mentioned the recent charges of sexual abuse and qualified trafficking which were being sought by the Department of Justice (DOJ) against the KOJC leader.

“The public hearing of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality is a venue for the Pastor to clear his name. I believe that our Committee Chairperson will facilitate a fair and impartial proceeding,” Ejercito said.

Practical

In a separate statement, Ejercito said his initial decision to support Padilla was “in consideration of procedural practicality” due to the DOJ’s move to pursue charges against Quiboloy.

The lawmaker also noted “strong precedents,” which indicate that ongoing cases can still be heard and investigated by the Senate.

“This means Pastor Quiboloy will get an opportunity to present his side,” Ejercito said.

Padilla earlier disclosed that he talked to Senators Grace Poe and Raffy Tulfo, who explained their decision not to support the move to block Quiboloy’s arrest.

Other members of the committee that have yet to make a stand on the issue are Senators Nancy Binay, Pia Cayetano, Mark Villar, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, and Majority Leader Joel Villanueva.

In a Viber message to GMA News Online, Villanueva said, “As Majority Leader and ex-officio member of all standing committees, we give deference to the chairperson on how they will proceed with their respective committees. At the same time, we will ensure that the manner of conducting hearings is in accordance with the Rules of the Senate.”

4 signatures needed

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 the arrest warrant.

As of posting time, Padilla has five days left to gather more signatures.

During the continuation of the Senate panel’s investigation on the alleged human trafficking and sexual abuses involving the KOJC last Tuesday, Senator Risa Hontiveros 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. — VDV, GMA Integrated News