In Senate Resolution No. 967, Binay said that it is the “duty of the Senate to help protect and maintain the natural, biological, and physical diversities of environment, particularly on areas with biologically unique features, to sustain human life and development.”

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Binay, who chairs the Senate tourism committee, said that she was mad upon seeing that a resort was constructed within the location of the Chocolate Hills.

“We understand the importance of development, but there should be boundaries. If the DENR continues to issue ECCs in the guise of ‘tourism development,’ then I believe they have misunderstood what ecotourism is all about, and they have become complicit to defacing a natural monument they’re supposed to oppose,” she said.

The  Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said that as of Wednesday, its local officials had been instructed to check whether the resort was compliant with a temporary closure order issued in September 2023.

Speaking with Rappler, Captain’s Peak Resort administrator Julieta Sablas confirmed that their business establishment had received the closure order but that they were appealing the decision.

She also admitted that they were still in the process of obtaining an environmental compliance certificate. – Rappler.com

With 22 affirmative votes, and no objections or abstentions, the approved Senate Bill No. 2507 will be transmitted to Malacañang for signing by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

“This is what we have been waiting for. This is what we asked from the sitting president during the 2022 campaign period. This is the fulfillment of everyone’s dream here in Negros – to be united and not separated by seas anymore,” said Negros Occidental Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer.

Aside from Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental, the NIR will also include the island province of Siquijor.

The Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) and Negros Oriental Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NOCCI) hailed the passage of the NIR bill as a positive development for the twin Negros provinces and cities, as well as for Siquijor.

Frank Carbon, chief executive officer of the MBCCI, said the NIR would greatly benefit the areas in terms of electric power supply and peace and order.

With the NIR, Carbon said many roads linking Negros Occidental and Oriental would soon be paved.

That, he said, would mean a significant improvement in the peace and order situation in Negros as the NIR would create a good business climate.

Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, chair of the Senate’s committee on local government who sponsored the measure, said the idea to create NIR was conceived 30 years ago.

Ejercito said he is a Negrense at heart because his mother, former San Juan City Mayor Guia Gomez, is from Silay City, Negros Occidental.

“A promise fulfilled,” said Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri. Although his family settled in Bukidnon in Northern Mindanao, Zubiri said he also considers himself to be a Negrense because Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, is his birthplace.

Zubiri said the measure means that whenever Negrenses need to follow up their documentation in the regional offices, it will only be on the island of Negros.

Bacolod City Representative Greg Gasataya said the Senate approval of the measure would be a “game changer” for people in Negros, including his city, as it would pave the way for easy access to public services.

Gasataya also said he was optimistic that the NIR would significantly improve the quality of life because of the consolidation of government resources and policies to address regional challenges and promote economic growth.

Initially, the NIR was created through Executive Order No. 183-2015 issued by the late president Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino.

Regional offices were set up in Bacolod City and Dumaguete City in just a span of two years as a result of that.

But citing funding constraints for the new regional offices and manpower, former president Rodrigo Duterte threw out Aquino’s two-year-old order through EO No. 83-2017. But talk that circulated in Negros at that time suggested that Duterte did so because he lost in Negros Occidental during the 2016 presidential elections.

Months after the 2022 elections, several lawmakers in the House of Representatives and Senate filed bills for the revival of the NIR.

In the Lower House, consolidated bills were pushed by representatives from Negros Occidental: Juliet Marie Ferrer, Alfredo Marañon III, Gerardo Valmayor Jr., Jose Francisco Benitez, Bernadino Yulo, and Mercedez Alvarez-Lansang, Jocelyn Limckaichong of the 1st District of Negros Oriental, and Bacolod’s Gasataya. Representative Joseph Stephen Paduano of Abang Lingkod Partylist also helped push the measure.

In the Senate, the measure received support from Ejercito, Zubiri, and senators Win Gatchalian, Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr., and Lito Lapid, whose bills were consolidated. – Rappler.com

Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri himself considered it a “big challenge.” In the Senate, 18 votes are needed to pass Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 “proposing amendments to certain economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution,” which he co-authored with senators Loren Legarda and Sonny Angara.

Majority vote is needed for the bill to be submitted to a bicameral conference committee before it gets voted on in a plebiscite.

“It’s a challenge, it’s a big challenge because I think the rift between our friends at the House and our friends here at the Senate is a factor because this resulted in trust issues,” Zubiri told reporters in a mix of English and Filipino.

The Senate President is referring to the rift between the two chambers in relation to the push to amend the Constitution. The squabble started when senators signed a manifesto rejecting the House’s new push for charter change, which proposes that both chambers vote jointly on proposed amendments.

Senators want separate voting by the chambers to ensure that their voice is not diluted in the process. Zubiri said that the Senate and its 24 members cannot cast any meaningful vote against the 316 members of the House.

University of the Philippines professor and political analyst Ela Atienza said this is the primary reason why the Senate opposes charter change. “The Senate’s reluctance to back Cha-Cha initiatives is more personal because the House leadership tried to undermine the Senate by pushing for a people’s initiative earlier that will diminish the Senate’s power to vote as a separate chamber in case the two Houses vote on proposed amendments as a constituent assembly.”

Senators echo the concern of many that while proposals to amend the Constitution are focused on economic provisions, no one can stop the inclusion of proposed provisions on term limits and other political provisions. They fear that the Senate will be abolished if political amendments, such as a shift to a unicameral parliamentary form of government, will be introduced.

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Charter change rift deepens between Senate, House

The Senate is currently deliberating on RBH6. Meanwhile, the House already wrapped up its version, RBH7, in just six days. The House version mirrors the Senate’s which allows foreign investments in the country’s public utilities, education, and advertising sectors.

The two differ though in one contentious line that says “each House vote separately” on the amendments.

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Angara, who chairs the Senate subcommittee on amendments and revision of codes, had said that the upper chamber would likely finish their discussions by October.

The dissenters

Although it’s not up for voting yet, some senators already said that they are voting against RBH6.

At a press conference on Monday, March 11, Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said they have a “fighting chance” to gather at least seven votes to “put down” RBH6. She said that she could sense that the no vote on RBH6 would not be limited to the two members of the Senate minority.

“Batay sa sense namin sa minority na hindi lamang kaming dalawa ang magno-no sa Cha-Cha. Kahit ‘yung Resolution of Both Houses 6 dito sa Senado, mula sa halos simula ng pag-uusap namin ni SP, alam na nila na no talaga ang posisyon ko kahit sa sinasabing economic only provisions amendments na nakapaloob sa RBH 6,” she said.

(Our sense in the minority is that we’re not the only ones who will say no to Cha-Cha. Even the Resolution of Both Houses No. 6 here at the Senate, ever since the start of our discussions with the Senate President, he knows my “no” position even on the economic only provisions included in the RBH6 is firm.)

In a statement on Monday, Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III said that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s possible intervention in RBH6 will only “help a little.” He earlier claimed that he and eight other senators were ready to vote against RBH6.

“The credibility of the President among senators has fallen to an all-time low when it comes to the subject matter of charter change. Hence, presidential endorsement may help the proponents of Senate RBH 6 but only a little. Everything that the President says will be taken with ‘a grain of salt,'” he said.

Apart from the two-member minority bloc, Senator Cynthia Villar already expressed her opposition to RBH6, noting that “there was a chance” that seven senators, including herself, would vote “No” on the bill.

“They claim they are only after the economic provisions. But when they open up the Constitution, nobody can stop them from changing other provisions, including the political portions. That’s not good,” she said. Political observers said that Senator Cynthia would likely influence her son, Senator Mark Villar.

Meanwhile, presidential sister Senator Imee Marcos has been very vocal about her dissenting opinion on charter change. She had led a Senate inquiry into alleged bribery in the push to secure signatures to amend the charter through a supposed people’s initiative.

Before the Senate started deliberating on RBH6, Majority Leader Joel Villanueva claimed that “a lot of senators” were not interested in supporting RBH No. 6 filed by Zubiri. He was also among the senators who had traded barbs with House members in relation to charter change via people’s initiative.

Rappler reached out to Villanueva to ask whether his position on the issue has changed or not, but he has yet to reply as of posting.

In February, Senator Nancy Binay said that proposed economic amendments to the charter are “not a magic solution” as she urged her fellow lawmakers and the public to “carefully listen to all perspectives before making any decisions regarding the proposed constitutional amendments.”

“Base sa unang hearing, parang mas marami kaming naging resource persons na mas mabigat ang hindi muna napapanahon ang pagpalit ng ating Konstitusyon,” Binay said.

(Based on our first hearing, it seems that most of our resource persons are strongly against constitutional amendments at this time.)

If all these seven senators vote against RBH6, then the push for charter change will be junked. For Zubiri, forcing senators to vote “yes” to RBH6 will mean losing his Senate leadership.

“Alam mo ‘pag inutusan ko sila gawin ‘yan mawawala talaga ako as Senate president, (You know, if I force them to vote yes to charter change, I really will no longer be Senate president) I will no longer have the trust and confidence of more than 14 senators if I force a vote, force them to vote on the affirmative,” Zubiri said, referring to the 14 senators who signed a manifesto of support for his leadership amid ouster rumors.

‘Senate independence’

Political analyst Cleve Arguelles said that this development from the upper chamber is a manifestation of the “nature of the Senate of being more independent of Malacañang’s wishes than its counterpart in Batasan.”

“Senators, like the President, also enjoy a national constituency, mandate, and support. I think this is very important in their ability to counterbalance the weight of the combined influence of the House and Malacañang,” Arguelles said.

But is it really about the Senate reflecting its independence from the executive branch? Or is it because the senators will be at a disadvantage in case charter change pushes through? Like other elective officials, senators are keenly aware of the consequences of supporting unpopular measures.

“They’re also presidents and vice presidents in waiting whose choices now may influence public support for them in the future,” Arguelles said.

Remember when senators railroaded the passage of Maharlika bill at the pleasure of the President? In May 2023, the Senate swiftly passed Senate Bill No. 2020, or the proposed Maharlika Investment Fund Act of 2023. Their vote came after an 11-hour plenary session that saw senators scrambling to pass the priority legislation of the Marcos administration. Prior to its passage, the President had already boasted about this bill during his trips abroad.

The Senate took a beating from the railroaded passage of the controversial measure. With the 2025 elections just around the corner, and with the 2028 elections not too far away, lawmakers are weighing all decisions that could affect public favor.

A survey conducted by pollster Octa Research in December 2023 and released in January 2024 found that only one in every 100 Filipinos identified charter change as an urgent national concern. The top concern of Filipinos is fighting inflation.

Another factor at play in the charter change discussion is the political influence of popular figures, such as former president Rodrigo Duterte and daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, who are both opposed to charter change. The Duterte family even held a prayer rally against the push to amend the 1987 Constitution under the Marcos administration in Davao City.

Some senators are close allies of the Dutertes, among them, senators Bong Go, Bato dela Rosa, and Francis Tolentino.

But in Philippine politics, the unexpected is a given. With the Senate seen to end deliberations on RBH6 in October, will the proponents get the needed votes? Or will more senators end up voting against charter change? – Rappler.com

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One thing we agree on is that political differences should not be a reason to avoid discussions. The trick is, we try to figure out what we can agree on.

In my most recent training session, we agreed that Apollo Quiboloy should be arrested and brought to trial for the crimes of which he is accused. These crimes have been highlighted by the Senate committee investigation led by Senator Risa Hontiveros. Sexual abuse, child abuse, human trafficking, labor exploitation have been testified to by eight witnesses who are credible.

Senator Hontiveros’ investigation is by no means the only process that has brought about credible evidence of heinous crimes committed by the “appointed son of God”. The Department of Justice has ordered the filing of charges  for child abuse and qualified human trafficking. If convicted, the man who says he decides whether I will roll past the pearly gates, will himself enter the gates of Bilibid. 

Similarly, a US court has unsealed a warrant of arrest for Quiboloy, making him desired not only in heaven but also in court in the US. Truly a most wanted man.

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[EDITORIAL] Kalaban mo ang mga senador na protektor ni Quiboloy

Our man Robin-NOT

The other thing my fitness coach and I agree on is that Senator Robin Padilla has defiled himself before the temple of Apollo in a farce that would have Aristophanes turning in his grave. (Look it up Robin. Or have your staff google it for you.)

“Respectfully” objecting to Senator Hontiveros’ move to cite Quiboloy in contempt without giving a reason is a bit like saying “gonna comb my mustache in a public hearing in the Senate with all due respect”. Some things are just inexplicable. Not miraculous, inexplicable.

Later, St. Robin the obtunded, gave his reason for objecting by saying he felt that the self-proclaimed “owner of the universe” is a victim.

In any case, the move to dishonor the Senate and sacrifice its powers to cite in contempt and then arrest those who defy the legitimate use of its authority, shows us that Robin is willing to sacrifice the integrity of the institution he is supposed to serve for the benefit of a new religious movement and its leader. Sounds cultish, oh, sorry, saintly to me. 

Also Padilla doesn’t seem to have read the Constitution. He explains further that his objection is based on the Constitutional provision on the separation between church and state. I guess he interprets this to mean that any son of a man can call himself “messiah” and no longer be subject to our criminal laws.

He has seemingly sworn an oath of friendship to Quiboloy that he considers higher than the oath he swore to the Republic when he became a member of the Senate.

Gang of Four

Guilty of similar “saintly” behavior are Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos and Bong Go who have also opposed the move to cite Quibble boy in contempt.

Senator Cynthia Villar says that she opposes the move because she is friends with the pastor and he has been good to her family. This reminds me of the observation of some that the Villar style of governance starts with the first principle, “what is good for my family is good for the nation.”

If I were to choose a Marcos for canonization, I would choose Imee. She says amusing things, went to extremes to get a UP degree and once even hinted she understood the concept of an apology for her father’s misdeeds. But it is good that UP did not give her a law degree. Her reason for coming to the aid of the “self-appointed savior” like a latter-day Veronica, is that she is unsure that the Senate was investigating in aid of legislation. So let me summarize and interpret for her, the opinion of Jaye Bekema, who does have a law degree.

First, we need laws that define consent and sexual abuse in the context of religious settings where patriarchal norms, the surrender of will and unquestioning allegiance to the leader (a common sign of cults) is the norm. Second, we need to improve laws to protect workers rights because working in a volunteer labor arrangement still means that one should be fully protected from abuse. Lastly we need to look at the guarantee of religious freedom as this relates to anti-trafficking laws (Robin, hello! Finished with the mustache yet?).

But alas, in this instance, Senators Villar and Marcos prove yet again that being a woman and occasionally spouting pro-woman words don’t necessarily make you a woman’s advocate. Did these two not bother to hear the heart-rending testimonies of child abuse and sexual abuse? Do they not yet understand the decades-old call not to invalidate women when they speak of abuse? And before these two or their defenders say that there have been false accusations in past, may I remind them of the nature of the evidence presented?

Please do not gaslight us by saying that your unprincipled partisanship is actually impartiality.

Must Read

PRIMER: Investigations, cases against Apollo Quiboloy

As for Senator Go, he doesn’t seem to have a reason. Or at least I could not find a news report for his reasons. He has nothing to say. As it has been in the past, so it is now, so it will be forever and ever – he has nothing to say. He seems not to question the way. His is to obey.

The only question I ask is, “who is he obeying exactly?” My fitness coach and I ask also, why do they obey? What is their agenda? Are helicopter rides and free air time enough of a reason to behave as if one is a citizen of the Kingdom? Please say that a senator’s vote cannot have become so cheap. But then again, what am I saying? That there is a price? A higher price for joining the Kingdom of Jesus Christ? Heaven forbid!

Smite me

I suppose I have booked myself an appointment with the “appointed” for my lack of faith in his cosmic power and heavenly righteousness. Let me raise the stakes.

So what happens next? I assume he cannot come in person to smite me because there is scuttlebutt that the transcendent and omnipotent  has gone into hiding. Likely,  I will be hit by a lightning bolt when I step outside. I will put in my will, instructions for my sons whom I have anointed (with baby oil when they were little) but not appointed, to inform Rappler of my demise.

But I am actually less afraid of Quiboloy’s superpowers than I am of the abuse of decency by the Senate’s gang of four. Afraid for the Senate, afraid for our women, afraid for our country. – Rappler.com

Sylvia Estrada Claudio is a medical doctor who also holds a PhD in psychology. She is Professor Emerita of the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

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“Maninidigan po tayo. Hindi ko po tinatanggal kanino man ang maging kaibigan o tumanaw ng kabaitan ‘nya sa pamilya. Pero kahit kaibigan natin, kahit naging mabait sa pamilya natin, kapag ang akusasyon sa kanya ay pang gagahasa, pang aabuso sa bata, panlilinlang, di ba’t ang tama nating gawin bilang Senado ay paharapin ‘yung tao na yun sa komite,” Hontiveros said on Monday, March 11.

(Let’s be firm. I’m not taking away from you your friendship or appreciate his being good to your family. But, even if you’re friends with him, even if he’s nice to your family, when the accusation is about rape, child abuse, and deceiving, the right thing to do, as the Senate, is to encourage him to face the committee.)

Four senators have signed an objection letter that seeks to reverse a Senate panel’s decision to hold the embattled Quiboloy in contempt for not showing up during its continuing investigation into the alleged abuses committed against former workers of the Davao-based religious group Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Hontiveros said that as of Monday, no other senators have signed the objection letter to stop Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri from ordering Quiboloy’s arrest so the preacher could be brought to testify before the committee chaired by the opposition senator.

Eight signatories that constitute the majority in the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality, are required to overturn the March 5 ruling of Hontiveros to cite Quiboloy in contempt.

Senator Cynthia Villar said she signed the petition because Quiboloy is her friend. “Kaibigan ko si Pastor Quiboloy. Mabait siya sa aming pamilya at nagtataka ako dyan sa case na yan, kaya medyo hindi ako masyadong naniniwala dyan sa case na yan,” she said.

(Pastor Quiboloy is a friend. He is nice to our family and that’s why I’m doubtful of the cases against him. That’s why, somehow, I don’t believe them.)

The Senate committee on women has one more day to convince other senators to uphold the contempt order.

“Patuloy akong nananawagan na manaig ang paninindigan kasama ng mga kabaro at menor de edad na walang taong mas mataas sa batas,” Hontiveros said.

(I’m continuously urging my colleagues to stand firm for those who were abused that no man is above the law.) – Rappler.com

Ilan ito sa mga katangiang sinabi nating dapat taglayin ng mga pipiliin nating senador noong 2019 at 2022, ayon sa surveys. Noong 2019, kung kailan ibinoto natin sina Bong Go, Imee Marcos, at Cynthia Villar; noong 2022, nang ibinoto natin si Robin Padilla. 

Ang tanong tungkol sa apat na mambabatas: nakikita ba natin sa kanila ang mga katangiang ito? 

Nitong Marso 5, nagdesisyon si Senator Risa Hontiveros – ang tagapangulo ng committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality – na i-hold in contempt ang pastor na si Apollo Quiboloy. Hiniling ni Hontiveros kay Senate President Migz Zubiri na ipag-utos ang pag-aresto sa pinuno ng Davao-based na Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). 

Ito ay matapos na isnabin ni Quiboloy nang ilang ulit ang imbitasyon, kalaunan ay subpoena, ng komite na humarap sa pagdinig tungkol sa mga umano’y pang-aabusong ginagawa niya at ng kanyang mga alipores sa KOJC at sa brodkaster nilang SMNI o Sonshine Media Network International. Sa madaling sabi, binastos niya ang institusyong halal ng taumbayan. 

Bakit nagpipilit si Hontiveros na makaharap at direktang matanong si Quiboloy? Dahil ambibigat ng mga paratang sa kanya ng mga dating miyembro at manggagawa niya: panggagahasa sa menor de edad, sexual abuse maging sa kalalakihan, trafficking o pangangalakal ng mga tao, pangingikil sa mga OFW, pang-aabuso at pagpapahirap sa mga empleyado, pag-aareglo ng mga pekeng kasal sa ibang bansa. 

Dahil anumang makakalap sa imbestigasyon ng Senado ay gagamitin sa pagbuo o pagrerebisa ng mga batas, kailangang mabuo ang kuwento, mapagtahi-tahi ang mga detalye, maunawaan ang mga kalagayan o pangyayaring nagbibigay-daan sa mga inilalarawang pang-aabuso. Ang layunin ay mapatibay ang ating mga batas upang maprotektahan at mapagsilbihan ang mamamayan – layunin na, di ba, dapat ay naiintindihan at sinusuportahan ng bawat senador? (BASAHIN: [OPINION] The Quiboloy contempt order: Legislative overreach or valid exercise of Senate power?)  

Bukod na usapin ito sa mga kasong kriminal na kinakaharap ni Quiboloy at mga alipores niya sa Amerika, kung saan nasa wanted list sila ng Federal Bureau of Investigation. Hindi rin ito nakadepende sa mga kasong isinampa ng Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) laban sa kanila. Ibig sabihin, maaaring isulong, at dapat isulong, ang tatlong ito nang sabay-sabay. (BASAHIN: PRIMER: Investigations, cases against Apollo Quiboloy)

Balik tayo kina Padilla, Go, Marcos, at Villar. Pumirma sila sa isang sulat na kumokontra sa kapasiyahan ng committee chairperson. Ayaw nilang masabing binastos ni Quiboloy ang Senado; ayaw nilang maipaaresto ito para humarap sa pagdinig. Kahit na mismong si Pangulong Marcos ang nagpayong ilatag niya ang kanyang panig sa harap ng mga akusasyon; kahit na sinabi ng BFF niyang si dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na magpaaresto na lang siya. 

May pitong araw mula Marso 5 para mabaligtad ng mga sumusuporta kay Quiboloy ang kapasiyahan ni Hontiveros. Batay sa kalakaran sa Senado, kailangan ng boto ng mayorya ng mga miyembro ng komite para mangyari ito. Labing-apat ang miyembro; walo ang mayorya; apat pa ang kailangang makumbinsi ng pasimunong si Padilla para magtagumpay sila. 

Ilista natin ang pangalan ng mga kailangan nilang kumbinsihin: Nancy Binay, Pia Cayetano, Grace Poe, Raffy Tulfo, Joseph Victor Ejercito (pumirma pero umurong din), Mark Villar, Loren Legarda, Joel Villanueva, at Koko Pimentel.

Sila rin ang kailangan nating paalalahanan na tatandaan natin ang kanilang mga pangalan kapag muli silang tumakbo bilang senador o kumandidato para sa ibang posisyon. Ilaglag ang sinomang makikinig kay Padilla at pipirma. Dahil ang pagpirma para salagin ang imbestigasyon kay Quiboloy ay panlalaglag din sa ordinaryong mamamayan na dapat nilang ipinagsasanggalang. 

Sabi ni Padilla, kaibigan niya si Quiboloy, pinahiram siya nito ng helicopter nang nangangampanya. Sabi ni Cynthia Villar, kaibigan niya si Quiboloy, kaya mahirap paniwalaan ang mga ibinibintang sa kanya. Sabi ni Imee Marcos, ano raw ba ang mabubuong batas sa imbestigasyong ito na para sa kanya ay puro “kuwentuhan” lang. Si Bong Go, well, kung saang panig ang “amo” niyang si Duterte, doon siya. 

Kaya sorry na lang kay “Amanda,” na umano’y ni-rape ni Quiboloy noong kabataan niya, kasi kaibigan ng apat na senador si Quiboloy. Sorry na lang kay “Rene” na hinalay ng kalalakihang opisyales ng KOJC, kasi kaibigan ng mga senador si Quiboloy. Sorry na lang kay “David,” na pinagtrabahong walang suweldo sa SMNI, dahil kaibigan ng mga senador si Quiboloy. Sorry na lang kay Reinalyn, na bilang OFW ay pinuwersang ibigay sa KOJC ang 90% ng kanyang sahod sa ibang bansa sa halip na ipadala sa kanyang pamilya. 

Sorry na lang sa mga biktima ng mga akusadong nagtatago sa ngalan ng relihiyon at nakaaasa sa proteksiyon ng mga koneksiyon nila sa Senado. Sorry na lang na ang ilan sa ibinoto natin – na malaon ay hihingi na naman ng boto natin – ay wala palang malasakit sa mahihirap at inapi, isasantabi ang makatarungan, hindi tutulong sa nangangailangan, gagamitin ang puwesto para paboran ang kakilala, mangungunsinti ng kalikuan, walang habag sa naaapi, hindi nakaka-inspire. 

O baka naman mas malaking tao, at hindi talaga si Quiboloy, ang pinoprotektahan nila? 

Matapos aminin ni Quiboloy na nagtatago na siya, itinalaga niya si Duterte bilang administrador ng lahat ng ari-arian ng Kingdom of Jesus Christ. 

Gaano kayaman ang religious group ni Quiboloy? Sabi ni Duterte mismo, niregaluhan siya ng kanyang kaibigan ng ilang lote at bahay, ilang magagarang sasakyan. At sabi nga ni Senator Padilla, nagpapahiram ng helicopter sa kampanya. Ayon din sa isang testigo, binigyan nito ng bulto-bultong armas ang mag-amang Duterte nang dumalaw sa bundok na pag-aari rin niya at kung nasaan ang kanyang mansiyon.    

Kaya kung sakaling ang Senate committee investigation ni Hontiveros, o ang mga kaso ng DOJ, o ang mga kaso sa US ay umabot sa pagsilip sa bank accounts at paghalughog sa mga ari-arian ni Quiboloy o ng KOJC, malamang na madamay din ang kayamanan ng “administrador” (baka beneficial owner?) na si Duterte. (Bilisan daw, sabi ni dating senador Leila de Lima, kung gagawin ito ng pamahalaan, dahil baka mailipat ang mga pera at titulo.)  

Lalo nang sorry sa “maliliit” na biktima na naglakas-loob tumestigo para sa pagsusulong ng mga batas na may pangil at mas makabuluhan. At least, daig nila sa tapang ang ilang senador na dapat sana’y kagalang-galang. – Rappler.com

But the question remains: Is the ongoing Quiboloy investigation by Senator Hontiveros a valid exercise of the powers of the Senate? We tackle the issues one by one.

Is this an investigation in aid of legislation?

According to the Supreme Court, the Senate’s investigative powers are limited to investigations in aid of legislation. Consequently, any inquiries conducted by the Senate must have a demonstrable legislative angle. The hearings surfaced several areas where legislative reform might be warranted. Some examples, already laid down by Senator Hontiveros in her opening remarks at the March 5, 2024 hearing, are below:

The first is the issue of sexual abuse within secretive religious organizations and how consent is mediated in the context of a hierarchical and faith-based dynamic. Is there meaningful legal consent when the victim “agreed” but did so under the belief that she was making a religious sacrifice? What amendments in our law need to be made to consider the effects of isolation, dependence, and physical and psychological control within charismatic religious organizations on a woman’s sexual agency and capacity to give consent?

The second is the inability of our labor laws to sufficiently address “voluntary” labor arrangements where there is no clear employer-employee relationship but there are clear violations of labor and occupational safety and health standards. What legal regime governs these arrangements? Proof of the lack of clarity here is the inability of both DOLE and SSS to categorize alias Rene, the SMNI “worker” who received no salaries and no benefits during his entire tenure.

The third is the interaction of our anti-trafficking laws with the constitutional principle of religious freedom. Is there abuse of power and position, or exploitation of vulnerability (elements of the crime of trafficking in persons), or is it the exercise of a religion of its doctrines and tenets? What amendments are necessary to ensure maximum protections to victims of predatory religious practices, while not stifling the free expression of religion?

Is Apollo Quiboloy’s right to due process violated by compelling his appearance in the Senate?

The Supreme Court actually already disposed of this question in the case of Reghis Romero et al. v. Jinggoy Estrada and the Senate Committee on Labor (2009), which is based on similar facts. In the case mentioned, the petitioner Reghis Romero sought to be excused from the Senate inquiry of the committee on labor because 1) there is a case already pending in court; 2) because his right against self-incrimination would be violated; and 3) the investigation was meant to investigate Romero’s liability for plunder and was not an investigation in aid of legislation.

The petition was dismissed and the Supreme Court upheld the Senate.

On the right against self-incrimination, the Supreme Court held that the right may be invoked only by the petitioner “only when the incriminating question is being asked, since they have no way of knowing in advance the nature or effect of the questions to be asked of them.” Therefore, the subpoenaed party has to actually be present during the investigation. The risk of self-incrimination only presents itself when the question is verbalized and heard by the party.

It must be noted that even in the very recent case of Linconn Ong v. Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, the petitioner actually attended the hearing and testified before the committee. This is also the case in the ruling of the Supreme Court in Neri v. Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.  There is no jurisprudence whatsoever to support the invocation of the right against self-incrimination as a way to excuse oneself altogether from attending the hearing.

The Supreme Court could not be more clear in the Romero case that “the unremitting obligation of every citizen is to respond to subpoenae, to respect the dignity of the Congress and its Committees, and to testify fully with respect to matters within the realm of proper investigation.”

The Department of Justice has filed charges against Apollo Quiboloy and his top officials. What effect does this have on the Senate hearing?

Absolutely nothing. It is well-settled that the filing or pendency of any prosecution or administrative action should not stop or abate any inquiry to carry out a legislative purpose. A Senate investigation and court proceedings have very different purposes. A Senate investigation does not determine innocence or guilt – rather, it seeks to identify gaps in the law and develop the necessary tools to address these gaps.

Both, however, are sovereign functions, supported by the Constitution, and one cannot be more important than the other. As held in the case of Standard Chartered Bank (Philippine Branch) v. Senate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies, “the exercise of sovereign legislative authority, of which the power of legislative inquiry is an essential component, cannot be made subordinate to a criminal or administrative investigation.”

Does the investigation on sexual abuses and human trafficking violate the separation of Church and State?

No, the separation of Church and State does not give blanket immunity to religious leaders to commit criminal acts. To quote Thomas Jefferson on religious freedom, “the declaration that religious faith shall be unpunished does not give immunity to criminal acts dictated by religious error.” Sex trafficking and child abuse are egregious crimes, and blanket immunity to religious leaders will only allow unspeakable acts to persist and cause victims to suffer in silence and self-blame.

In like manner, religious leaders are also not exempt from attendance to Senate investigations in aid of legislation. It may be recalled that the six bishops implicated in the so-called “Pajero bishop scam” and accused of receiving Pajero vehicles from the former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo faced the Senate blue ribbon investigation. They are citizens like any other citizen, and held to the same penal laws as other Filipinos.

What are the implications of withdrawing the contempt citation and arrest order against Pastor Quiboloy?

A decision to withdraw the contempt citation and arrest order weakens the Senate’s mandate to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation. Allowing this under the pretext of violation of due process and the right to self-incrimination will allow high government officials and powerful individuals to avoid facing Senate hearings. It will reduce the legislature’s power to subpoena and cite witnesses in contempt and diminish one of the most historically-proven strategies to hold power to account.

As the Senate has come together as one to defend the institution from the sham people’s initiative aimed at diminishing the role of the Senate in amending and revising the Charter, so too must it come together to resist this other threat to the Senate’s constitutionally-protected mandate. – Rappler.com

Attorney Jaye Bekema is the Chief Legislative Officer of Senator Risa Hontiveros. She also teaches Congress and the Law at Silliman University.

When I read that Senator Migz Zubiri signed the subpoena against preacher Quiboloy (PQ) I was relieved, thinking: “Dapat lang (As it should be). No man, no matter what connections he has, can do things with impunity.“

However, PQ has ignored this subpoena and failed to appear at the hearings of the Philippine Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality to address alleged human rights abuses by PQ, his Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and its media arm, Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

Thus, when I read about Senator Padilla signing an objection letter that seeks to reverse a Senate panel’s decision to hold preacher PQ in contempt for failure to comply, I said to myself: “Talaga nga naman (Really now), one bad apple can really infect the whole barrel. Happily, in the Senate’s case, it is not the whole barrel, but just four of them: the original “bad apple“ Padilla, and the three he infected: Christopher Lawrence Go, Cynthia Villar, and Imee Marcos.

The reason Senator Marcos gave was, “Kinakailangan muna na alamin natin muna ang dapat alamin kasi puros kuwentuhan lang.” (First, we need to find out what needs to be known because it’s all just talk for now.)

My answer: Well, DUH…That is precisely why we want PQ to attend the hearings: so he can give his side, so it will no longer be “just talk.”

She said she would rather leave the Quiboloy case in the hands of the courts. However, the Senate hearing is a broad investigation of the human rights abuses by PQ, KOJC, and SMNI, whereas a court hearing against PQ is limited to whether the prosecution can prove he committed the crimes of which he stands accused…and who knows when that will take place, much less reach its conclusion?

Unlike when Senator Padilla first objected to the Senate’s holding PQ in contempt, he has now given his reasons, and I quote: “Dito sa nakikita ko, pagka nagpatuloy sa ganitong proseso parang sinasaklawan na natin, magkakaroon ba tayo ng panukala na sasagasaan natin ang religion? Papunta na ito. Wala na kay pastor, napupunta na doon sa buong organization. Sa buong religion nila.”

(From what I see here, if we continue with this process, it seems like we’re encroaching. Are we going to propose something that will encroach on religion? It’s heading that way. It’s no longer just about the pastor; it’s going to the whole organization. To their entire religion.)

Padilla also cautioned against the Senate’s actions against a religious group, saying senators run the risk of going against the constitutional provision about the separation of Church and State.

First, a clarification: Pastor Quiboloy is not being questioned because he is a preacher. He is being questioned because he is accused of committing criminal acts. If we follow Padilla’s reason to its reductio ad absurdum, is he suggesting that if a priest or, indeed, a preacher like PQ, commits an act of murder, he not be examined/questioned/tried simply because he is religious? Does the public, which needs protection, not deserve to have this alleged murderer attend hearings regarding his alleged crimes?

Why are the four senators opposed to the ruling? Might PQ have a hold on them? Some possibilities are:

1. Fear. If the Senate runs after PQ, who might say which other powerful person they might run after next? And if the Senate can prove PQ committed crimes, or show there is enough reason for the courts to try him, does that mean that this might snowball into more attention given to other cases where crimes have been committed also or foster more acceptance/a feeling of normalcy for powers that be to be held accountable?

2. Gratitude? Senator Padilla himself said, “Ang helicopter pinahiram niya sa akin, ang mga ganoong klaseng pabor.” (He lent me a helicopter, that kind of favor).

Really, Senator Padilla? Just because this helicopter-lender gives you a ride, he can get you to make political decisions that make a mockery of justice?

Utang na loob (Debt of gratitude) is bandied about as a positive Filipino characteristic, an attribute we should be proud of. But what if it interferes with justice? What if it means people who have been wrongly done by (raped, trafficked, etc. – Q’s alleged victims) are denied a full investigation into what took place?

Take “Rene” and “David.”  Rene alleged that he was sexually abused by male staff with the preacher’s approval; David alleged he was tortured by having chili “put in his eyes and on his genitals.”

How can an elected representative of the Filipino people really look at Rene and David in the eye and deny them possible justice simply because the accused gave him a more comfortable ride during his campaign?

Is that really all it takes nowadays? – Rappler.com

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