TELEVANGELIST Apollo C. Quiboloy should appear before the House Legislative Franchises Committee as his presence would allow lawmakers to clarify the alleged violations of Sonshine Media Network International’s (SMNI), Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David C. Suarez said on Monday.
“Pastor Quiboloy has to respect the legislative process of Congress,” he said. He was invited and he was asked to present himself so that he can clarify issues regarding the investigations being conducted by the committee on franchise.”
The House issued a subpoena for Mr. Quiboloy, who has consistently snubbed committee hearings on alleged violations of SMNI despite multiple invitations from the House panel.
Earlier, Mr. Quiboloy said he is in hiding because of an alleged threat to his life.
“I don’t think the pastor has anything to fear, Mr. Suarez said. “I mean this is a Legislative Franchise Committee hearing, we have done this in the past.”
“It’s important to remember that the power to compel attendance is very important for the House of Representatives in order to make effective and wise judgments regarding legislation it aims to make,” Cagayan de Oro Rep. Lordan G. Suan said. “That’s why it is very important for our resource persons to appear in Congress so that we will have informed decisions.”
“What we’re after for is the truth,” Mr. Suarez added. — Kenneth Christiane L. Basilio
