DAVAO CITY, Philippines – The ongoing case against televangelist Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is being used by the government as a distraction from more pressing issues in the Philippines, according to Quiboloy’s lawyer, Atty. Israelito Torreon.
Torreon argues that the government’s rapid actions against Quiboloy are intended to divert public attention from critical problems such as rising rice prices and other essential commodities and the administration’s inadequate response to the West Philippine Sea issue.
“Yes, as a matter of fact, this is a perfect example of the ‘wag the dog’ theory being implemented by the present administration,” Torreon stated. “They do not want people focusing on the high prices of basic commodities, the unfulfilled promise of P20 per kilo of rice, or our handling of the West Philippine Sea. The administration wants to divert attention from these hard issues, so they are using the Quiboloy case to entertain the public and keep them talking about Pastor Apollo Quiboloy instead of rice prices, basic commodities, and corruption.”
Torreon also expressed surprise that, despite the government’s swift actions against Quiboloy, the court has yet to respond to their motion for reconsideration, which has been pending for three years. “It seems our motions are being ignored while the government’s actions against Pastor Quiboloy are expedited,” he added.
In the afternoon of July 17, the Philippines News Agency reported that the Office of the Solicitor General has formally asked the Supreme Court (SC) to dismiss the petition filed by fugitive religious leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy questioning the contempt, arrest, and detention order issued against him by the Senate.
In a 45-page comment dated July 8, the Senate, through the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG), asked the SC to dismiss the petition filed by Quiboloy, who remains at large, and deny the latter’s plea for a temporary restraining order against the Legislative chamber which is conducting an inquiry on alleged irregularities in the operation of Quiboloy’s group.
“Had he attended the Senate hearings as is expected of all citizens, he would not have been placed in this predicament. Invariably, it would be incorrect to anchor the claim of urgency (by Quiboloy) on mere speculation that respondent Senate would openly and knowingly violate his (Quiboloy) constitutional right against self-incrimination,” the OSG said in its comment.
Torreon also remarked that it feels like they are living in a “glass house,” with the government closely monitoring all their movements “While we are sleeping in the night drones are flying above us ” to catch Quiboloy.
Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. earlier stated that the government is ready to listen to Pastor Quiboloy’s side of the cases he is facing but emphasized the necessity of enforcing the law and using the government’s strength to arrest the fugitive leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
While Quiboloy’s legal team advances their arguments, Torreon insists that the true issues facing the public, such as economic pressures and high commodity prices, are being overshadowed by the high-profile case against his client.
The post Quiboloy case used as a diversionary tactic by the government, Lawyer claims appeared first on NewsLine Philippines.
Quiboloy case used as a diversionary tactic by the government, Lawyer claims
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