House panel cites Quiboloy for contempt over absence in hearing

MANILA – The House Committee on Legislative Franchises on Tuesday cited in contempt Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy over his repeated failure to appear before its hearing on the alleged franchise violations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel moved to cite Quiboloy in contempt for his non-appearance at Tuesday's hearing, citing his refusal to obey the summons without a legal excuse and acting in a disrespectful manner as grounds under Section 11 of the House rules.

"The fact that he has not been appearing in these hearings, in this committee, just shows that he has no respect for this committee. It just shows that he acts like God. He acts with impunity. He takes this hearing for granted. Ipinagwawalang bahala niya. Importante po siya dito," Pimentel said.

(The fact that he has not been appearing in these hearings, in this committee, just shows that he has no respect for this committee. It just shows that he acts like God. He acts with impunity. He takes this hearing for granted. He is simply ignoring this hearing even though he is crucial here.)

Pimentel noted that the House has previously issued a subpoena to Quiboloy following his absence from the committee hearings held on Dec. 5 to 11, 2023, and Feb. 7, 2024, despite receiving multiple invitations.

According to Quiboloy's lawyers, the KJC leader has not been involved in the management and daily operations of SMNI since 2018, noting that he only holds the title of "honorary chairman".

However, lawmakers maintained that Quiboloy is the actual "beneficial owner" of Swara Sug Media Corporation, which runs and operates SMNI.

Pimentel said it is very clear that Quiboloy has no intention of appearing before the panel.

"Therefore, Mr. Chair, under House rules, it is our obligation to show these people who take this committee for granted the sanctions that could be meted under our House rules. Therefore, Mr. Chair I move to cite for contempt Pastor Quiboloy on the grounds which I have stated," Pimentel said.

Lawyer Ferdinand Topacio, meanwhile, said they have already provided legal justification for the non-presence of Quiboloy through a letter submitted to the House panel.

"The gist of it states that based on all the previous hearings of this honorable committee, we have an idea of the information being required and we have stated in this letter very respectfully that Pastor Quiboloy around four years now has had no hand whatsoever in the running of SMNI, whose franchise is under consideration," Topacio said.

He noted that three KJC officials are in a better position than Quiboloy and possess the necessary competence to respond to the panel's queries.

Topacio also confirmed that Quiboloy is still in the Philippines.

Among SMNI's franchise violations include its failure to deliver truthful and balanced reporting to its audience and transferring its shares without prior approval by Congress.

The panel also approved House Bill 9710, which seeks the revocation of SMNI's franchise. (PNA)