A House panel on Wednesday, February 7, issued a subpoena to Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy due to his non-attendance in a hearing regarding Sonshine Media Network International's (SMNI) legislative franchise.
During the House Committee on Legislative Franchises's hearing on House Bill No. 9710, Gabriela Women Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas called on the panel chair to summon the religious pastor, who is said to be SMNI's honorary chairman, for him to answer their inquires.
"I think it is about time, Mr. Chair, for Pastor Quiboloy na pumunta rito and to answer our specific questions [...] I think it is about time na paupuin natin, paharapin natin, at matanong natin nang diretso si Pastor Quiboloy kasi hindi ito masasagot ng mga attorneys lang," she underscored.
Just in > Kamara mag-i-isyu ng subpoena laban kay Quiboloy…nahaharap sa pag-aresto kung hindi sisipot sa hearing ng Kamara @dzrhnews
— milky rigonan 💋 (@milkyrigonan) February 7, 2024
Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel moved to issue a show cause order against the SMNI host which later got approved by the committee.
The lawmaker warned of a possible issuance of a contempt order against Quiboloy.
"If Pastor Quiboloy does not appear, then we'll be constrained to move for a contempt order. If he again fails to attend, a warrant will be issued," Pimentel said.
Under House Bill No. 9710 filed in December 2023, 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez called for the revocation of SMNI's legislative franchise.
He cited that SMNI had allegedly committed multiple violations in its legislative franchise when it engaged in red-tagging, fake news peddling, and labeling government officials a "terrorist."
Moreover, Gutierrez said the broadcast media did not comply with the reportial requirement mandated by its legislative franchise.
