Photo credit: Apollo Quiboloy

Senator Risa Hontiveros is pushing for the subpoena of Pastor Quiboloy to appear before the Senate Committee on Women and Children in the next hearing. Hontiveros asserts that being a pastor does not grant immunity from the state's authority, emphasizing that even the Supreme Court cannot hinder such inquiries.

Addressing Quiboloy directly, Hontiveros states, "Like any ordinary witness, you can invoke the right against self-incrimination only when and as the possibly incriminating question is propounded." The senator criticizes the pastor's refusal to appear, deeming it a lack of respect for the entire Senate institution.

Moreover, Hontiveros clarifies that the investigation is not an act of religious persecution but a probe into the alleged use of beliefs, faith, or religious convictions to commit reprehensible abuses and harm to individuals whose beliefs have been manipulated, strength taken away, and vulnerability exploited.

Additional witnesses are expected to testify. Hontiveros expresses gratitude to those who have already come forward, including Alias Amanda, Alias Jerome, and Ms. Arlene.