Senators want authorities to check on Quiboloy's alleged victims

MANILA — At least three senators reminded authorities on Monday that the arrest of self-styled televangelist Apollo Quiboloy should not mark the end of the issues against him.

Senator Win Gatchalian emphasized the need for authorities to prioritize checking the situation of Quiboloy's alleged child-victims, as well as the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City.

"Importante ngayon yung DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development) magkaroon ng joint search sa mga batang ito na siguraduhin natin na tong mga batang ito ay maaalagaan ng kumpleto kung wala silang magulang," Gatchalian said.

(It's important for the DSWD to conduct a joint search for these children and ensure they are properly taken care of, especially those without parents.)

Gatchalian suggested that the delay in Quiboloy's arrest was not primarily due to influential figures protecting him but rather because of his supporters' efforts to shield him.

"At normal naman yun dahil isa siyang religious leader," Gatchalian added.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III, on the other hand, highlighted the need for both the Senate and the House of Representatives to consider empowering their members to issue arrest and search warrants.

With Quiboloy already under arrest, Pimentel believes that the Senate's investigation into the religious leader should now be transferred to the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, chaired by Senator Ronald dela Rosa.

"Kung pwedeng purely, ilipat na namin yung investigation sa Public Order (committee) para ma-review na niya yung pagkilos ng PNP when enforcing a warrant of arrest. Kasi hindi pa rin ito moot and academic kasi, this can still be repeated in the future," Pimentel said.

(If we can, let's refer the investigation to the Public Order panel so the PNP's actions when enforcing an arrest warrant can be reviewed. This is not yet moot and academic, as it could still happen again in the future.)

In a separate interview, Dela Rosa admitted that he had failed to actively participate in previous hearings conducted by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, which spearheads the investigation into Quiboloy.

Dela Rosa attributed his absence to conflicting schedules but vowed to attend the next hearing regarding Quiboloy.

Like many Davaoeños, Dela Rosa expressed relief at Quiboloy's surrender.

"Masaya tayo, parang nabunutan ng tinik ang mga tao dun sa Davao," Dela Rosa said.

(We are happy, it feels like a thorn has been removed for the people in Davao.)

When asked if former President Rodrigo Duterte, a known friend of Quiboloy, was also relieved by this development, Dela Rosa responded: "I presume."