Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel has raised the possibility of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy facing arrest for his non-appearance at a House of Representatives panel hearing. Despite Quiboloy’s lawyer requesting a brief reprieve, Pimentel stated that the arrest order came into effect on Friday, March 15, as there was no response from Quiboloy’s legal counsel regarding his attendance.
The House committee on legislative franchises had summoned Quiboloy to address alleged franchise violations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), which is linked to the pastor. However, Quiboloy’s lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, failed to provide any feedback to the committee, leading to Quiboloy being cited for contempt.
Pimentel, who serves as the vice chairperson of the House committee on legislative franchises, expressed his anticipation of such a delay tactic, stating, “As expected, no feedback [from Topacio]. I knew from the very beginning it was just (a) delaying tactic.”
The call for Quiboloy’s appearance stemmed from a request by Gabriela Party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, who raised concerns about SMNI’s ownership and alleged connections to Quiboloy. Brosas highlighted instances where SMNI hosts expressed gratitude towards Quiboloy, suggesting his involvement with the network.
In response, SMNI lawyer Mark Tolentino defended the hosts’ expressions as part of their freedom of speech, emphasizing that thanking Quiboloy was not indicative of his direct involvement with SMNI.
Pimentel had previously sought a subpoena against Quiboloy after Brosas’ complaints about his repeated absence from hearings. Despite invitations extended since December, Quiboloy had consistently failed to appear before the committee, prompting Pimentel and Parañaque 2nd District Rep. Gus Tambunting, the committee’s chairperson, to move for holding Quiboloy in contempt.
The situation underscores mounting scrutiny on Quiboloy and his purported ties to SMNI, raising questions about potential legal repercussions amid his continued non-compliance with legislative proceedings.