SENATOR Robin Padilla appealed to a Senate committee to allow Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ to attend the hearing virtually.
This comes despite Risa Hontiveros’ statement expressing a preference for Pastor Quiboloy to personally attend the committee on Women and Children’s investigation to address the allegations against him.
In an interview, Robin mentioned that even his fellow senators, namely Lito Lapid, JV Ejercito, and Nancy Binay, are open to virtual attendance.
“If it could be allowed. I hope they understand each other, because the committee of Senator Risa and the legal team of [Quiboloy] are the ones talking. I hope they come to an agreement regarding the virtual or online attendance,” Sen. Robinhood Padilla stressed.
Padilla hopes that the rules of legislative hearings, even with virtual attendance, will prevail.
The senator also stressed the need for dialogue between Hontiveros’ committee and Pastor Apollo’s legal team.
He also criticized Hontiveros’ statement that medical and security reasons cannot be considered for the hearing.
“If they say it’s medical, it won’t be accepted, if it’s security…those who can be told to give a show cause [order], It’s like saying it’s not acceptable. Due process seems to be lost. I hope we listen to it first,” Sen. Padilla added.
Padilla also pointed out that Pastor Apollo is being targeted, citing simultaneous hearings in the House, Senate, Department of Justice, and even in America.
“I believe in these two points. First, Pastor is being targeted. There are hearings in the House, Senate, [Department of Justice], hearings in America. If you think you’re not being targeted, then I don’t know what this is,” he added.
Aside from being targeted, Sen. Padilla also mentioned real security threats to the KOJC leader, particularly from communist rebels.
