ONE of Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy‘s lawyers suspects that the issuance of the arrest warrant by Regional Trial Court Branch 12 in Davao against the honorable pastor and his co-accused may have political implications.
According to Atty. Israelito Torreon, information about the case against Pastor Apollo, particularly the sudden involvement of Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who previously had no interest in these cases, was received immediately.
“We cannot help but suspect that this is politically related because in the past, Sen. Risa Hontiveros did not show such interest in this case— with due respect to her— her name was not heard before following up on this case, it’s only now that cases against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy have suddenly resurfaced, so there are reasonable grounds to believe that the revival of this case is indeed politically motivated, that is our suspicion and I also think it has a basis,” said Atty. Israelito Torreon, Counsel for Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy.
According to Atty. Torreon, the three accused who are with Pastor Apollo voluntarily surrendered to prove their innocence in the cases filed against them.
“Well, actually, their surrender was voluntary. They wanted to face the case to have a showdown and we have actually advised them that it is the best move so that the people would know who is telling the truth, we are really very thirsty for justice and that is why the accused came out voluntarily in support of the jurisdiction of the honorable court,” Torreon added.
Meanwhile, Pastor Quiboloy’s camp hopes that the motion for reconsideration filed by him will be reviewed to ensure he receives a fair chance in court.
“Because the petition for review has been pending in the department of justice for almost 4 years and if you will follow the Tatad vs Sandiganbayan case, the Supreme Court has ruled that the accused has the right to the speedy disposition of cases.”
“In the Tatad case, the delay in the preliminary investigation was almost three years, here in the DOJ it has been pending for more than 3 years, almost four years now, so one of the grounds we raised is the violation of our client’s right to the speedy disposition of cases.”
“What is good for the gander should also be good for the goose, if the complainant has rights, the accused also has rights,” Torreon stressed.
Meanwhile, Pastor Quiboloy’s camp is prepared to face the cases filed against the honorable pastor and continues to seek judicial remedy because they believe that truth and justice will prevail.
“Honestly, Sir Admar we are ready— able, and ready to face them in court,” said Torreon.
