MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Risa Hontiveros on Thursday challenged detained televangelist Apollo Quiboloy to face the trafficking and sexual abuse cases against him instead of turning the tables on his accuser.
Hontiveros made the statement after Quiboloy’s legal counsel, Ferdinand Topacio, announced that the pastor will file libel and cyber libel charges against the senator and two other lawmakers.
"If Quiboloy truly believes in justice and God, he should face the charges against him. He should just answer, instead of turning the tables," Hontiveros said in a statement.
"As for me? I have nothing to fear," the senator added.
Hontiveros said that aside from the cases against him in Philippine courts, Quiboloy is also wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on sex trafficking and fraud charges.
"Quiboloy is wanted by the FBI. Quiboloy is accused of serious crimes. He is charged with human trafficking, sexual abuse, and child abuse. He is the one the victims have accused of forcing them to beg so that he can get rich. He is accused of being a sexual abuser of women and minors," the senator said.
"What we must protect are the victims and our countrymen who dared to speak out and stand up against Quiboloy. As long as they demand justice, I will stand by them," she added.
