MANILA — The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday said it has yet to rule on Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy's motion to stop the Senate from implementing its arrest warrant against him as they await the Senate's comment on the petition. 

READ: Senate issues arrest order for televangelist Apollo Quiboloy

In a press briefing, SC spokesperson Camille Ting said the Senate had been asked to comment on Quiboloy camp's prayer for the issuance of temporary restraining order (TRO) against the Senate's order compelling him to attend its inquiry.

"The respondents in this case, they were required to file a comment within 10 days — on the petition, as well as the prayer for issuance of TRO and writ of preliminary injunction," Ting said.

Ting said the SC issued the order on April 3. However, the 10-day period would only begin upon receipt of the order.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros, who initiated the probe against Quiboloy, said she has yet to receive a copy of the SC's order.

READ: Camp of televangelist Apollo Quiboloy to file SC petition vs. Senate arrest order

"While we have yet to receive and read the Order, we certainly will comply with the directive of the SC," Hontiveros said.

"Handa ako para sagutin ang anumang utos ng Korte Suprema. My counsel, former Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio, is with me, ready to study, deliberate, and respond as soon as possible," she added.

In a statement, former Senate President Franklin Drilon said the Senate arrest order can still be implemented.

"The Supreme Court, in refusing to grant the TRO prayed for by Quiboloy, upheld the principle of separation of powers between the equal branches of the government," he said.

The Senate last month issued an arrest order for Quiboloy after he repeatedly refused to appear and answer allegations of sexual abuse made by former members of his religious group.