MANILA: The Regional Trial Courts (RTC) of Pasig and Quezon City have granted permission for Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), to attend a Senate probe regarding alleged abuses within religious organizations. The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality is set to resume its inquiry on October 23.
According to Philippines News Agency, Judge Rainelda Montesa of Pasig RTC Branch 159 ordered authorities to escort Quiboloy and several co-accused to the Senate, ensuring maximum security measures. Despite Quiboloy’s opposition, which cited concerns over constitutional rights and legislative overreach, the court ruled that legislative investigations should not be barred by the filing of criminal or administrative complaints.
Quiboloy’s legal team argued that the Senate’s inquiry overlaps with ongoing court proceedings and raised concerns about presumption of innocence and self-incrimination. However, the Pasig court referenced a precedent case to support
its decision, emphasizing the independence of legislative investigations from judicial processes.
Meanwhile, Quezon City RTC Branch 106 acknowledged receipt of a request letter from Senator Risa Hontiveros but noted that the Pasig court’s decision had already addressed the matter. The Senate’s request, sent on October 14, seeks to have Quiboloy present during the legislative investigation. The Pasig RTC handles human trafficking cases, while the Quezon City RTC deals with child sexual abuse charges against Quiboloy and his co-accused.