MANILA — Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is facing possible contempt and even arrest if he refuses a subpoena from the House of Representatives, a lawmaker said Tuesday. 

Senate, House order Quiboloy to attend hearings

The Lower House earlier issued a subpoena to the Davao-based televangelist in connection with the hearing on a bill seeking to revoke the congressional franchise of Swara Sug Media Corporation, which operates as Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

This, after Quiboloy failed to appear before the committee hearings held on Dec. 5 and 11, 2023, and Feb. 7, 2024 despite receiving multiple invitations.

"Vice Chairman Johnny Pimentel requested the physical presence of Apollo Quiboloy because of the inability of the lawyers to answer some questions," Parañaque Rep. Gus Tambunting, chairman of the House of Representatives committee on legislative franchises, said. 

He added: "We’ve invited Apollo Quiboloy 2 or 3 times in the past and he would not appear. He would always say 'he's not here, he’s not well, he’s abroad'...so the subpoena was issued."

Tambunting noted reportorial documents submitted by SMNI to the committee are different from the ones SMNI submitted to the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

He said Quiboloy has been summoned to appear and testify before the House Committee on Legislative Franchises at 1 p.m. on March 12.

Asked what would happen if Quiboloy does not appear at the March 12 hearing, he said: "Magkakaroon ng contempt order. That would depend on the committee pero pwede siyang ipaaresto in case hindi siya mag-attend."

He rejected a proposal that lawmakers should just go to Davao and conduct the hearing there. 

"Hindi puwede. We cannot give him special privilege. Bakit kami ang pupunta roon eh ang dami ho namin? Ang daming resource person, siya isang katawan lang," he said. 

SMNI legal counsel Mark Tolentino earlier told lawmakers during the Feb. 7 hearing that Quiboloy held the title of "honorary chairman" at the network and was not actively involved in its daily operations.

Lawmakers, however, maintained that Quiboloy is the actual "beneficial owner" of both Swara Sug and SMNI, which regularly airs his sermons.

Quiboloy is ultimate beneficial owner of SMNI: lawmaker

House Bill 9710 filed by 1-Rider Party-list Rep. Rodge Gutierrez is seeking the revocation of SMNI’s franchise due to "multiple grave infractions in violation of its franchise grant" including red-tagging, fake news, and baseless accusations against House members, the former vice president, and private individuals.

The bill indicated that SMNI openly admitted to undergoing a transition from a non-stock, non-profit corporation to a sole corporation under Quiboloy in 2006. Later, in 2023, the controlling stake was transferred to Bro. Marlon Acobo, with both actions taking place without obtaining congressional approval.