Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, December 14) — Sen. Risa Hontiveros has formally requested the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue an immigration lookout bulletin order against controversial megachurch leader Apollo Quiboloy as the senator intends to investigate sexual abuse and human trafficking allegations involving his religious group, Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC).
“In the interest of justice and due process, it is my strong desire to ensure that he will be physically present in the Senate for the hearing,” the senator said in her letter, which was received by the DOJ on Thursday.
The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality is set to probe the reported cases of “large-scale human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse and violence, and child abuse” of Quiboloy’s KJC.
According to the notice issued, the Hontiveros-led panel will conduct its public hearing on Jan. 23, 2024, at 10 a.m.
DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano on Wednesday said the agency will not be issuing the lookout order just yet unless there is an ongoing investigation.
He, however, acknowledged that a Senate probe may be enough, as what happened during the chamber’s inquiry into the Pharmally scandal.
The Senate investigation into the Davao City-based pastor stemmed from Hontiveros’ resolution and privilege speech on Monday.
Quiboloy’s legal counsel Ferdinand Topacio challenged Hontiveros to bring her allegations to court instead of the upper chamber, claiming the senator is not a credible person when it comes to presenting testimonies.
On Feb. 5, 2022, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released the “wanted” posters for Quiboloy and two other church members for sex trafficking charges.
In the Philippines, Quiboloy faces two complaints — one for libel and one for rape, child abuse, and qualified trafficking in persons.
Clavano said both were dismissed at the prosecution level and are pending review at the DOJ.
