‘Quiboloy’s defiance may lead to SMNI closure’

MANILA, Philippines — The refusal of Apollo Quiboloy to honor the House of Representatives’ March 12 subpoena could risk the closure of his Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), which is being investigated for alleged violations of its legislative franchise, a congressman has warned.

“By not showing up, he’s already acting in bad faith,” Rep. Johnny Pimentel of the second district of Surigao del Sur said. “If he is not hiding anything and if he is not afraid of anything he should appear in the hearings.”

The vice chairman of the House committee on legislative franchises had moved for the issuance of a subpoena to the self-styled “Appointed Son of God,” who has repeatedly refused to appear before the panel headed by Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting.

“We have invited him not once but several times already, unfortunately he has not attended our hearings,” he said, adding this is the basis for the summons, aside from numerous violations of SMNI’s franchise that lawmakers have uncovered.

Quiboloy, who faces human trafficking and sex charges in the US, sits as SMNI’s honorary chairman.

It’s about time that Quiboloy gives his side of the story, he said.

Pimentel issued a warning that should Quiboloy fail to attend the next hearing on March 12, then they will be forced to cite him in contempt and therefore order his immediate arrest.

Two other lawmakers from different districts in Mindanao have urged Quiboloy to comply with congressional subpoenas if he really has nothing to hide.

“If you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to fear,” Rep. Cheeno Miguel Almario of the second district of Davao Oriental said after a defiant Quiboloy vowed to ignore subpoenas issued by the House and the Senate.

“The thing is, quite frankly speaking, if you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to fear,” Almario added.

“We also want to hear from their side so that we can have a better understanding on how to move forward with the things we are trying to achieve. There should be a transparent submission of information,” he reiterated.

“It’s really up to him if he wishes to face us or not. But of course, we know that he’s a national figure, and many are waiting. So, he should give his side on the issue,” Rep. Peter Miguel of the second district of South Cotabato said.

The House committee on legislative franchises headed by Tambunting and the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality led by Sen. Risa Hontiveros have separately issued subpoenas against Quiboloy.