Key allies of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who recently declared himself the new leader of the opposition party, find themselves under intense scrutiny.

The Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality has initiated a probe into the alleged abuses perpetrated by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a close friend and political ally of Duterte.

Quiboloy, the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), faced a subpoena on Tuesday, though he was notably absent during the inquiry.

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros, the panel chair, emphasized that no one, not even Quiboloy, is exempt from the laws of the State: “Kahit ang Korte Suprema ay walang kapangyarihang pigilan ang ganitong inquiries ng Senado, at ang pag-require sa mga taong humarap dito (Even the Supreme Court has no power to stop Senate inquiries, and require individuals to appear).”

Hontiveros condemned Quiboloy’s absence as a lack of respect for the Senate, clarifying that the investigation is not religious persecution but an inquiry into the alleged manipulation of beliefs for abusive practices.

“This is an inquiry into using belief or faith of others to commit abuses and damages to people who were fooled, weakened, and abused,” she stated.

The committee extended two invitations to Quiboloy, both unanswered.

Instead, a letter was sent to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, the contents of which were not disclosed.

Hontiveros, in a privilege speech last year, stressed the ongoing nature of the offenses attributed to Quiboloy, including physical assaults and sexual abuse against women and children within the KOJC, PNA reported.

Three former members of Quiboloy’s religious sect, including two Ukrainian women, testified on Tuesday, accusing him of serially raping them over several years, Inquirer reported.

Their testimonies echoed similar allegations that have led to Quiboloy being wanted by United States authorities for sex trafficking and other crimes.

A victim identified as “Amanda” tearfully recounted how Quiboloy sexually abused her starting at the age of 17. She, along with two Ukrainian women named “Sofia” and “Nina,” claimed they were instructed to massage Quiboloy before facing sexual abuse.

The victims revealed that they were coerced into this situation under the guise of religious sacrifice.

Hontiveros expressed concern that these crimes might be ongoing within the KOJC compound, emphasizing that the alleged abuses resembled those in another cult, Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. in Surigao del Norte.

Quiboloy, known for surrounding himself with attractive women, allegedly forced members into begging, selling items, and using fake school documents to fund the religious group.

As the Senate probe unfolds, Quiboloy has challenged his accusers to file charges in court. He labeled the accusations as salacious and demonizing, urging his critics to take the legal route.

His lawyer, Ferdinand Topacio, questioned the motives behind the Senate investigation, emphasizing that the legislative body should focus on legislative amendments rather than engaging in what he called a “trial by publicity.”