Senator Joseph Victor 'JV' Ejercito withdrew his support to the initiative seeking to reverse the contempt citation against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who is facing sexual abuse, human trafficking, and violence allegations.
In an official statement on Thursday, March 7, Ejercito said he decided to withdraw his affixed signature in the objection document after a careful review of facts and testimonies of victims.
"[A]nd additional information, such as the allegations of rape during the last committee hearing, I have decided to withdraw my signature today," he added.
The senator reasoned that he only signed the objection letter "in consideration of procedural practicality" as the justice department had pronounced pursuing sexual abuse and qualified trafficking cases against Quiboloy.
BASAHIN: Pahayag ni Sen. JV Ejercito sa kanyang desisyon na bawiin ang kanyang pirma sa objection letter kontra sa contempt ruling ni Sen. Risa Hontiveros laban kay Pastor Apollo Quiboloy | DZRH News#SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/vc3vA2fEiw
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) March 7, 2024
Ejercito informed Senator Robinhood 'Robin' Padilla, who spearheaded the objection letter, of his intention to withdraw his signature.
He expressed in the letter his trust that the Senate proceedings into Quiboloy's cases "is a venue for the Pastor to clear his name."
"I believe that our Committee Chairperson [Senator Risa Hontiveros] will facilitate a fair and impartial proceeding," Ejercito told Padilla.
LOOK: Nagpadala ng sulat si Sen. JV Ejercito kay Sen. Robinhood Padilla para sabihin na binabawi na niya ang kanyang pirma sa objection letter sa contempt ruling at arrest order laban kay Pastor Apollo Quiboloy | RH28 @RaymundDadpaas #SamaSamaTayoPilipino pic.twitter.com/0n2Qy6nPLs
— DZRH NEWS (@dzrhnews) March 7, 2024
