MANILA (UPDATE) — Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the controversial Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church must personally attend the March 5 Senate panel hearing on his alleged abuses as Sen. Risa Hontiveros ruled out the possibility of a virtual attendance.

Quiboloy claims US-Marcos conspiracy against him

"Magpakita muna sya ng kahandaang i-honor yung subpoena at humarap… Mag-appear sa harap ng komite bago siya magsubok na humingi ng ganito o ganyang arrangement sa pagharap niya sa komite," panel chair Hontiveros said.

In the event that Quiboloy snubs the hearing again, Hontiveros said she will immediately order the KOJC leader's arrest.

“Pag hindi siya nag-appear sa March 5, aresto na ang susunod dahil iko-contempt ko siya,” she warned.

A copy of Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri's signed subpoena for the March 5 hearing is now in the process of getting delivered to Quiboloy's base in Davao, according to Hontiveros.

"Paninindigan ng komite 'yung subpoena, kahit nagtatago siya, isi-serve 'yung subpoena sa kanyang known address. Mari-receive 'yan. So ibig sabihin, makararating sa kanya. At by now, alam niya na sinasubpoena siya ng Senado," Hontiveros said.

On Wednesday, Quiboloy said he was in hiding because his life is in danger, citing an alleged “assassination” plot by the United States, with the supposed blessing of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.

US Embassy says Quiboloy to 'face justice for heinous crimes'

Quiboloy is also wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation's (FBI) for sex trafficking and other charges in there.

With or without Quiboloy, the Senate investigation on the self-styled religious leader will continue, Hontiveros said.

HOUSE

Meanwhile, lawmakers of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives also demanded Quiboloy's attendance during their next hearing.

The religious leader is also a subject of a House panel probe over alleged franchise violations of his network SMNI.

"Kay Quiboloy, wag kang mag feelingero kala mo ay hinahabol ka ng mga kababaihan. Hinabol ka dahil sa accountability mo at pananagutan mo sa mga kababaihan," House Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Rep. France Castro told a press conference.

Quiboloy accuses alleged rape victims of 'Potiphar's wife syndrome'

Castro explained that Quiboloy must face the House Committee on Legislative Franchises on March 12 to answer questions about the ownership of Swara Sug Media Corporation, which operates SMNI.

Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas also believes that Quiboloy's allegations that certain government officials connived with the US against him is just a distraction.

"Tinginin namin excuse niya lang ito sa pagharap kasi pinapatawag na siya ng Senate atsaka ng Congress," she said.

—With reports from RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News