Lawmakers have leveled serious accusations against Vice President Sara Duterte regarding her defense of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who faces a litany of accusations both domestically and internationally.

ACT Teachers party-list Representative France Castro technically branded Duterte as a “child rapist” coddler” and “human trafficker” enabler” for her purported support of Quiboloy.

Castro’s condemnation was sharp, questioning VP Duterte’s awareness of the numerous allegations against Quiboloy both locally and abroad, Inquirer reported.

According to Castro, the Vice President’s actions set a detrimental precedent, indicating support for an individual accused of heinous crimes.

“Doesn’t Vice President Duterte know about the numerous cases against Quiboloy here and in other countries?” Castro asked, expressing concern over VP Duterte’s apparent defense of the religious leader.

Quiboloy, the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), faces a host of charges, including sex trafficking, as per the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“So it seems that Vice President Duterte is setting a very bad example because we believe she’s coddling Quiboloy, who is an accused child rapist,” Castro said.

Despite these grave allegations, Duterte has come under fire for her apparent defense of the religious leader.

Senator Risa Hontiveros, on the other hand, criticized Duterte, urging her to focus on pressing issues such as the education system’s woes instead of defending Quiboloy.

Hontiveros emphasized the need for the Vice President’s attention to be directed towards more substantial matters affecting the nation.

“I hope the Vice President would redirect her focus to the overall problems and needs of our education system that until now is in a crisis, instead of focusing her energy into defending a Quiboloy who is accused of abusing children and students,” Senator Hontiveros stated, highlighting the importance of prioritizing national issues over individual allegiances.

The Senate inquiry into Quiboloy’s alleged offenses has stirred controversy, with VP Duterte denouncing it as a form of “trial by publicity.”

However, lawmakers assert the importance of holding Quiboloy accountable for his actions, citing multiple charges against him in the Philippines.

“In the hearings conducted, it seems like Pastor Quiboloy has already been given a guilty verdict, even though these hearings are only based on the allegations of witnesses who conceal their identities, and the credibility cannot be proven,” Duterte said, expressing her concerns over the fairness of the Senate inquiry.

Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur 2nd District Representative Johnny Pimentel disclosed that an arrest order against Quiboloy had taken effect following the religious leader’s absence during a House of Representatives panel hearing.

Quiboloy’s failure to attend hearings concerning alleged franchise violations of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) led to the issuance of a contempt order against him.

“As expected, no feedback [from Topacio]. I knew from the very beginning it was just (a) delaying tactic,” Pimentel said, highlighting the frustrations over Quiboloy’s repeated absence and lack of cooperation in the investigation.

Despite repeated invitations, Quiboloy remained absent from hearings, prompting lawmakers to take action.

Deputy Speaker David Suarez stressed the significance of penalizing Quiboloy for his repeated defiance, emphasizing the need to uphold accountability.

The House investigation into SMNI’s franchise violations shed light on possible infractions, including failures to provide balanced programming and inform Congress of significant changes.

Lawmakers scrutinized SMNI’s compliance with franchise regulations, signaling the gravity of the allegations against the broadcasting network.