Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, April 29, urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to cancel the passport of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a wanted fugitive who is facing qualified human trafficking and child abuse charges.
In a press release posted on the Senate's official website, Hontiveros stressed the importance of restricting Quiboloy's movements for him to appear before the Senate or the local courts.
"Imbes na magpakita sa Senado o sa mga korte, panay record ng audio message na tila nang-iinsulto pa sa kakayanan ng gubyerno na matuntun siya. This is appalling. This should not be allowed to pass, but only challenge government more to exhaust all means to restrict his movements," she said.
The senator believes that several countries are willing to work with the Philippines to hold the religious pastor accountable for his alleged crimes.
Quiboloy is on the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation's wanted list for "for his alleged participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the United States, via fraudulently obtained visas, and forced the members to solicit donations for a bogus charity, donations that actually were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders."
Hontiveros further stressed that Quiboloy cannot escape from the law forever. "Kung ang puganteng Kongresista ay nahuli, sana naman maaresto din ang puganteng religious leader. Maliit ang mundo. Hindi niya matatakasan ang batas habambuhay."
She earlier called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to recall Quiboloy's gun permits, and the PNP reportedly heeded the call.
Last week, the senator's political party Akbayan wrote a letter-petition urging the justice department to issue a hold departure order to the religious pastor.
