Senator Risa Hontiveros announced that the Senate is actively preparing for the upcoming hearing related to the case of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a religious leader and self-proclaimed "appointed son of God."
Hontiveros stated that the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, which she chairs, will resume its investigation into the alleged abuses by Quiboloy on October 23 at 10 a.m.
She also noted that the Committee will send a request to the court to seek permission for Quiboloy to attend the hearing, similar to how they have approached other resource persons in the custody of the court or law enforcement.
"May mga bago pang victim survivors na hahabulin rin ang kapirasong hustisya sa pamamagitan ng pag confront sa dati nilang leader," Hontiveros said during a press briefing on Thursday.
Quiboloy faces charges of qualified human trafficking and multiple counts of sexual abuse, and he is also listed on the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation's most wanted list.
He was apprehended by authorities on September 8 after weeks of search operations at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City, where they aimed to serve his arrest warrant.
Hontiveros' take on Quiboloy's Senate bid
"Ang masasabi ko lang po ay talagang magpakita naman sila ng kaunting hiya," said Hontiveros.
Hontiveros reiterated that Quiboloy is facing serious charges related to various forms of abuse against children and other vulnerable sectors of society.
She further expressed her confidence in the ability of Filipinos and voters to reject the candidacy in question.
"Kasi ang dapat iboboto ay mga lawmakers, hindi po lawbreaker," Hontiveros added.
