Photo credit: JV Ejercito

Senator JV Ejercito has officially withdrawn his support from a document opposing the contempt order filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros against Kingdom of Jesus Christ Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

The announcement was made through a letter addressed to Senator Robinhood Padilla, where Ejercito cited serious allegations of rape discussed during the recent Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality hearing as the basis for his reconsideration.

In the letter, Senator JV Ejercito stated, "After thoughtful contemplation, I would like to respectfully inform you of my intention to withdraw my signature affixed in the document objecting against the contempt order directed towards Kingdom of Jesus Christ Pastor Apollo Quiboloy."

Ejercito underscored that recent developments, including information about the Department of Justice pursuing charges of sexual abuse and qualified trafficking against Pastor Quiboloy, had a significant impact on his decision.

The Senator expressed his belief that the public hearing would provide an opportunity for the Pastor to clear his name, showing confidence in a fair and impartial proceeding under the committee chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros.

In an earlier press conference, Senator Robinhood Padilla disclosed that Senator JV Ejercito is among those withdrawing support for the contempt order against Pastor Quiboloy. Padilla also mentioned that Senators Imee Marcos, Cynthia Villar, and Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go have signed a written manifestation opposing the issuance of an arrest order against Quiboloy.

Padilla's group faces a looming deadline of five days to persuade additional senators to sign an objection letter, aiming to prevent Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri from ordering Quiboloy's arrest for testimony before Senator Risa Hontiveros' committee.

Padilla acknowledged the ongoing efforts, "Kailangan ko pa ng tatlo. May mga nakausap na ako na sa mga napakagandang paliwanag nila, tinatanggap ko na hindi sila pumirma. At ‘yan ang mga bagay na ikinatutuwa at ikinalulungkot. Siyempre ikinatuwa dahil buhay ang demokrasya sa Senado, nalulungkot dahil hindi ko pa nakukuha ang walong boto hanggang sa ngayon.”