Iginiit ng mga abogado ni Pastor Apollo Quiboloy na hindi inakusahan ng katiwalian ng kanilang kliyente si Senador Manny Pacquiao. Kaugnay ito sa P100-million cyberlibel complaint na isinampa ng mambabatas laban sa religious leader sa Makati City Prosecutor’s Office.
Ayon kay Attorney Marie Tolentino, abogado ni Quiboloy, ginamit lang ng kanilang kliyente ang karapatan nito na magbigay ng kritikal na pagsusuri sa senador na isang opisyal ng gobyerno.
"We maintained that every citizen has the right to inquire, to hear, to speak and make commentaries about the actions of public officials, the interest of society and maintenance of good government, demand a full discussion of public affairs," paliwanag ni Tolentino sa binasang pahayag.
BASAHIN: Pacquiao, inireklamo si Pastor Quiboloy ng cyberlibel
"In a democratic society, public officials like Senator Manny Pacquiao should expect criticisms and critical evaluation from the performance of citizens whom they are expected to serve," patuloy niya.
Sabi pa ni Tolentino, "To this end, Pastor Quibloy merely exercised that right, in a proper respectful manner."
Hinala pa nila, posibleng may kaugnayan sa Eleksyon 2022 ang isinampang reklamo ni Pacquiao laban sa kanilang kliyente.
"In fact, he never made an accusation against the senator but only floated the question regarding that matter on behalf of the people who wanted answers," ani Tolentino.
"The complaint of Senator Pacquiao may be considered retaliatory and a political move on his part considering the election is coming," dagdag pa niya.
Hindi pa raw nila nababasa ang reklamo ni Pacquiao pero handa umano silang sagutin ito.
"We will await for the fair and impartial resolution of the prosecutor of Makati," ayon kay Tolentino.--FRJ, GMA News
