Pasig court allows Quiboloy, 5 co-accused to attend Senate probe

A Pasig City court has allowed Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy and his five co-accused to attend the continuation of the Senate investigation into the alleged human trafficking and sexual abuses within the religious organization scheduled on October 23.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros shared a copy of the order of Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 159 Presiding Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa granting the Senate committee's request for Quiboloy and his co-accused's appearance in the legislative investigation despite the religious leader's opposition.

In rejecting Quiboloy's objection to the Senate panel's request, the court noted that the Philippine National Police and the state prosecutors interposed no objection to Quiboloy's attendance to the inquiry.

Apart from Quiboloy, the court allowed Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada alias Enteng, Ingrid Canada, Paulene Canada, and Sylvia Cemanes to attend the Senate probe.

"After a careful evaluation of the arguments brought forth by the parties as well as the PNP, the Court hereby resolves to GRANT the request of the Honorable Chairperson of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality for the appearance of all Accused before the public hearing of the said Senate Committee on October 23,2024 at 10:00 a.m.," the order read.

Estacio-Montesa also indicated that the Court recognizes the inherent power of the legislative department to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.

The presiding judge cited a Supreme Court jurisprudence in which it was ruled that "even if a case is still pending final adjudication by the court, still, such circumstance would not bar the continuance of the committee investigation."

Another SC ruling was cited by the Pasig Court where it was ruled that "the mere filing of a criminal or an administrative complaint before a court or a quasi-judicial body should not automatically bar the conduct of legislative investigation."

On Quiboloy invoking his right against self-incrimination, the court said that the SC has already ruled such can be cited "only when the incriminating question is being asked, since they have no way of knowing in advance the nature or effect of the questions to be asked of them."

Further, the Pasig court emphasized the SC's ruling which said that "[t]he unremitting obligation of every citizen is to respond to subpoena, to respect the dignity of the Congress and its Committees, and to testify fully with respect to matters within the realm of proper investigation."

Quiboloy is facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, before Pasig City RTC Branch 159.

Meanwhile, Quezon City Branch 106, where Quiboloy also faces charges of child abuse and sexual abuse, no longer responded to Hontiveros' request for Quiboloy to allow him to attend the Senate probe following the order of the Pasig City court.

"I would like to inform you that replying to your letter has been rendered moot and academic, as the Pasig City Regional Trial Court already granted your request," read the letter sent by Branch Clerk of Court Kim Arniño to Hontiveros.

Quiboloy's camp has repeatedly denied the allegations raised against him before the Senate and the courts.

Some of his accusers are former KOJC members.

The KOJC leader earlier said he will not submit himself to the Senate inquiry into the allegations of sexual abuse made by former members of his religious organization.

Quiboloy said he would only face the allegations against him before the courts. —KBK, GMA Integrated News