More and more lawmakers have expressed their belief that ex-President Rodrigo Roa Duterte can be held criminally liable for harboring Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, a fugitive from the law, as the former acted as the administrator of the latter’s estate, including the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) compound in Davao City.

Tingog Rep. Jude Acidre said that Vice President Sara Duterte, Sen. Bato Dela Rosa, and others may be held liable for obstruction of justice after apparently misleading arresting officers as to the whereabouts of Quiboloy, who is facing charges here and in the United States (US).

Meanwhile, Taguig Rep. Pammy Zamora, a House Assistant Majority Leader, said the former president should take these allegations seriously, as his close ties with Quiboloy are now under strict scrutiny.

“We just want to clarify what role the former President could have played. In fact, this gives the former President the proper forum to enlighten us on the intricacies of his relationship to Mr. Quiboloy” Zamora said.

“Similarly, we want to know why VP Sara and Senator dela Rosa claimed he was not in Davao City. However, it was later revealed that he was still within the KOJC compound.” Zamora added, suggesting that such actions are to the detriment of our own national agencies.

Acidre supported Zamora’s position, saying that the actions of powerful figures should not place them above the law.

“The law must apply to everyone equally, regardless of their position or influence,” Acidre stated.

“If these allegations are true, then we must hold these individuals accountable for harboring a fugitive and possibly obstruction of justice,” he added.

Acidre further noted that the investigation should also explore whether Dela Rosa could face charges for downplaying Quiboloy’s offenses.

“Statements by Sen. Dela Rosa, who expressed admiration for Quiboloy and questioned the veracity of the allegations, may complicate matters. While personal opinions are one thing, officials must exercise caution when dealing with such sensitive legal matters,” Acidre said.
The lawmakers also stressed the importance of ensuring that the justice system remains impartial and functional under President Marcos’ administration.

“The rule of law must prevail,” Zamora said. “If those in power interfere with ongoing investigations, it will undermine the integrity of the country’s justice system.”

Acidre expressed confidence that this case would test the strength of the Philippine justice system.

“This is a very significant moment for our country. The charges against Quiboloy are serious, and it is crucial that our institutions dispense justice and demonstrate that no one is above the law,” he said, adding that any interference could damage public trust. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The provincial government of Benguet has proposed a sisterhood agreement with the province of Northern Samar.

This proposal, made through Board Member Marie Rose Fongwan-Kepes, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan committee on trade, industry, was made during their recent visit to Northern Samar for a four-day benchmarking trip in the last week of August.

“We are proposing a sisterhood with Northern Samar so that, in the future, our provinces can collaborate and share resources to boost livelihoods and support our communities,” Fongwan-Kepes said during the visit.

The Benguet officials visited key investment sites in Northern Samar, including the renewable energy plant under construction in San Isidro, as well as top tourist attractions and emerging tourism destinations in the province.

Fongwan-Kepes explained that Benguet’s visit was driven by their search for effective strategies to complete their own Local Investments and Incentives Code (LIIC).

“We couldn’t finalize our LIIC, so we sought a province with an effective LIIC, and we found Northern Samar, which even received a Presidential Award for its efforts. That’s why we came here—to learn from them,” she said.

She added that Benguet is looking for ways to increase its resources beyond the traditional revenue streams from the national tax allotment (NTA), which will ultimately benefit their people.

One of the key takeaways for the Benguet delegation was Northern Samar’s “Green Lane” initiative, which streamlines investment processes.

Fongwan-Kepes noted that Northern Samar’s strong collaboration with municipal local government units (LGUs), through strategic Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and key executive orders, has significantly improved the ease of doing business in the province. The efficient coordination with national government agencies also ensures alignment with national policies and objectives.

The proposed sisterhood agreement is seen as mutually beneficial, particularly for Northern Samar in the field of agriculture.

Benguet, known for its advanced agricultural systems and practices, can share its expertise with Northern Samar to help enhance the province’s agricultural potential.

The formal signing of the memorandum of understanding between Benguet and Northern Samar is scheduled for November this year, when Governor Edwin Ongchuan and other Northern Samar officials are invited to Benguet for the occasion.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)