SENATOR Risa Hontiveros, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, pressed for answers from alleged victims of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) pastor Apollo Quiboloy during a hearing.
The victims shared harrowing accounts of sexual abuse and exploitation within the organization, raising serious concerns about the abuse of power within religious institutions.
Despite warnings from well-meaning individuals to abandon the investigation, Senator Hontiveros remained resolute, driven by the disturbing testimonies of young girls and minors who claimed to have been manipulated under the guise of religious devotion.
“We pushed because of the stories I heard of young girls that we heard were being groomed into what he called pastorals, and forced to provide sexual services to this so-called son of God. Having sex with Apollo Quiboloy is said to be a way of worshiping the Father, and sacrificing oneself for the Great Creator. We pushed this hearing because of the story of toddlers who are forced to beg on the street and are not educated, so that the self-proclaimed Son of God can buy helicopters, expensive cars, big houses in different countries,” Hontiveros stated in Filipino.
The senator’s investigation highlighted the disturbing reality of abuse that can occur within religious organizations, where individuals may be vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation. Hontiveros expressed concern about the limitations of current laws in addressing these issues, particularly within religious settings.
“Are our rape laws sufficient to navigate the gray area of consent, sexual agency, and religious freedom? Are our labor laws sufficient to address the situation of religious volunteers who are forced to work and are denied benefits such as SSS, Philhealth, and PAGIBIG?” Hontiveros asked.
The hearing exposed the need for a comprehensive approach to safeguarding vulnerable individuals, particularly within religious organizations. Hontiveros’ determination to expose these alleged crimes and her call for legal reform highlight the urgent need to ensure that religious institutions are held accountable and that individuals are protected from exploitation and abuse.
This case raises critical questions about the boundaries of religious freedom and the responsibility of religious leaders to protect their followers. The Senate investigation into Quiboloy’s alleged actions is a crucial step towards ensuring that religious institutions are held accountable and that individuals are protected from exploitation and abuse.
