News Roundup 11 March 2024
Mar 11, 2024 • 4 min Read
AMLC to be invited in next Senate hearing on Quiboloy’s alleged abuses | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros intends to get to the bottom of the alleged money laundering schemes involving Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy and his assets by inviting the Anti-Money Laundering Council to the next Senate hearing on Quiboloy’s alleged sexual crimes.
Hontiveros said in a press conference on Monday that the Senate women and gender equality committee has invited the AMLC to attend the next hearing as the panel seeks to determine the extent to which Quiboloy siphoned funding from KOJC followers through money laundering.
During the last Senate hearing on the allegations against Quiboloy, one overseas Filipino worker from Singapore, Reynita Fernandez, testified that she and other KOJC followers were pressured into remitting 90% of their salaries to the church.
“Based on the recent Senate testimony, Quiboloy may be involved in money laundering because of the reported use of real people’s accounts to get money to Quiboloy in Davao,” Hontiveros said in Filipino.
Hontiveros chairs the Senate women and gender equality committee currently investigating the sexual abuse allegations against Quiboloy and KOJC leaders. On March 5, the Senate panel cited Quiboloy in contempt after he again refused to show up to the committee hearing. Hontiveros has also requested an arrest warrant for Quiboloy to compel him to face the allegations against him and his church in the Senate.
Full Story at: AMLC to be invited in next Senate hearing on Quiboloy’s alleged abuses | Philstar.com
Marcos to boost maritime cooperation, OFW protection in visits to Germany, Czech Republic | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Enhancing maritime cooperation and protecting overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will be the focus of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s back-to-back visits to Germany and Czech Republic this week.
Marcos departed Manila on Monday to visit Berlin and Prague upon the invitations of German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Czech Republic President Petr Pavel.
His visits to the two Central European nations mark his fifth and sixth foreign trips this year.
In his departure speech, Marcos said that his latest trips are “pivotal” in the government’s efforts to deepen relations and enhance cooperation with Germany and the Czech Republic.
According to the president, a joint declaration of intent on strengthening maritime cooperation as well as a cooperation program between the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and Germany’s Federal Institute for Vocational Education and Training (BIBB) will be signed.
Full Story at: Marcos to boost maritime cooperation, OFW protection in visits to Germany, Czech Republic | Philstar.com
Quiboloy told to ‘walk the talk’, answer House probe queries | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Several lawmakers have urged Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) and Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy himself to stand by their catchphrase of promoting the truth by answering questions at Congressional inquiries.
In a press briefing on Monday, Deputy Speaker David Suarez said since SMNI has always talked about fighting for the truth, they should support calls for Quiboloy to attend the House committee on legislative franchises.
Quiboloy has been asked to attend the House panel’s hearing regarding SMNI ownership, which the pastor has denied any involvement with. Last Friday, Quiboloy told the committee that he did not have the details needed for the House probe.
“You know this SMNI, every time they come out, they always boast about fighting for the truth and what’s right. So if they are for what’s true and what’s right, why not come here and share your side of the story. Why are you afraid, and why would you hide?” Suarez asked.
“I mean, it begs a lot of questions when it comes to the integrity and sincerity of SMNI, of Kingdom of Jesus Christ, when it comes to the investigation of the legality of their franchise. So, my appeal to them, just be honest with your call for the truth. Show up here at the House of Representatives. You have nothing to be afraid of, we will even give you good food, just answer lawmakers’ questions,” he added.
Full Story at: | Inquirer News
Duterte as Quiboloy assets chief bares ‘intertwined’ stakes – Hontiveros | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Former President Rodrigo Duterte’s recent appointment as new administrator of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) properties only revealed the “intertwined” interests of the ex-chief executive and alleged sex offender Apollo Quiboloy.
Sen. Risa Hontiveros, during a press conference, noted that Quiboloy’s trust in Duterte must be great to delegate his properties to the former country leader.
INQUIRER.net is contacting Duterte’s camp to get his side of the story.
“I don’t know [what] they want to convey, but the message that is reaching the public is that the issue is increasing, and it is becoming more clearer how intertwined the interests, even the economic interests, of Duterte and Pastor Quiboloy are,” Hontiveros said in Filipino.
“Usually, those who request an administrator for their properties are people who cannot manage their properties. So that’s how much Quiboloy trusts Duterte to entrust to him his properties,” she added.
Full Story at: Duterte as Quiboloy assets chief bares ‘intertwined’ stakes (inquirer.net)
