By Junex Doronio
MANILA — An air-conditioned detention facility that promises a “pleasant experience” is awaiting the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” and former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s spiritual adviser Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy at the House of Representatives.
This was revealed on Thursday (14 March 2024) by House Secretary General Reginald Velasco who said the lower chamber may issue the arrest order for Quiboloy next week.
“These rooms are air-conditioned, accessible to the relatives of the person in detention, and the media whenever necessary. You can monitor their stay and hopefully, they will enjoy their stay here. We promise them a pleasant experience,” Velasco said, describing the detention facilities for those ordered arrested by lawmakers.
The House of Representatives earlier issued a subpoena to the Davao-based televangelist in connection with the hearing on a bill seeking to revoke the congressional franchise of Swara Sug Media Corporation, which operates as Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).
“It will be ready by tomorrow so it can be served by next week. It will be signed by the chairman of the franchise committee and any authorized House official can sign it. It’s either me or the Speaker [who] can sign the warrant of arrest,” Velasco further said in a press conference.
He added that the arrest warrant will likely be released on Monday or Tuesday next week.
During the Feb. 7 hearing, SMNI legal counsel Mark Tolentino stood firm that Quiboloy only held the title of “honorary chairman” at the network and was not actively involved in its daily operations.
However, the lawmakers were not convinced and believed that Quiboloy was the actual “beneficial owner” of both Swara Sug and SMNI, which regularly aired his sermons.
(el Amigo/MNM)
