Senator Risa Hontiveros smiles during a hearing of the Senate Committee on Local Government on Thursday, which discussed proposed measures aimed at empowering barangays and promoting the good governance agenda. (Senate Social Media Unit)
Senator Risa Hontiveros said she has no reason to fear Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy, who is wanted in the United States on human trafficking charges.
She issued the statement after Quiboloy’s legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, filed libel and cyber libel complaints against her, Rep. Percy Cendana, and Rep. Leila de Lima shortly before noon Wednesday.
Hontiveros said she would not be intimidated.
“If Quiboloy truly believes in justice and God, he should face the allegations against him and be held accountable instead of turning the issue around. As for me, I have nothing to fear,” she said.
“Quiboloy is the one wanted by the FBI and accused of serious crimes, including human trafficking, sexual abuse and child abuse. Victims have pointed to him as the person who allegedly forced them to beg to enrich himself. Women and minors have also accused him of sexual abuse,” she added.
Hontiveros said the victims and Filipinos who courageously spoke out against Quiboloy should be protected.
“As long as they seek justice, I will stand by them,” she said.
Topacio filed the complaints over remarks the lawmakers made after news broke that the US government had formally requested Quiboloy’s extradition.
He argued that the lawmakers’ statements violated Quiboloy’s constitutional right to be presumed innocent while legal proceedings are ongoing.
“When the news broke that our good Pastor Apollo Quiboloy was facing an extradition request, these three personalities made comments that, in our view, were defamatory against Pastor Quiboloy, even though the cases involving the allegations against him have not yet been resolved and are still ongoing. Under our Constitution, an accused is presumed innocent,” Topacio said outside the courtroom.
The complaints cover multiple counts of libel and cyber libel under the Revised Penal Code and the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.