Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. Photo by Fernando G. Sepe Jr., ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA (UPDATED) — Controversial preacher Apollo Quiboloy may challenge before the Supreme Court the arrest order issued by the Senate against him, one of his lawyers said Wednesday. 

The judiciary could "interpret the constitutional limitations on the power of Congress to conduct investigations," said Elvis Balayan. 

Asked if they would file a case over Quiboloy's arrest order, his lawyer said, "Yes, that's part of the process allowed under existing laws and that is a very big possibility that we will elevate the matter before the appropriate courts."

"It could be before the Supreme Court," he told ANC. 

"With the warrant of arrest already issued, it’s up to him on how he would want to deal with the said order of detention," he added. 

The Senate on Tuesday ordered the arrest and detention of the televangelist for his continued snub of the chamber’s hearings into his alleged human trafficking and sexual abuse crimes, some of which are now before local courts.

Courts start proceedings vs Quiboloy over sexual, child abuse: DOJ

Balayan said that while they respect the decision of the Senate to issue an arrest order, Quiboloy would "exert all available legal remedies to protect his constitutional rights." 

He claims that the Senate committee on women chaired by Sen. Risa Hontiveros was acting like a court and had deemed the pastor guilty.

"The pastor cannot be duped into appearing in a trial by publicity… The Senate is not the dispenser of justice in this country. Only the courts can declare the guilt or innocence of Pastor Quiboloy," Balayan said.

Senate issues arrest order for televangelist Apollo Quiboloy

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Hontiveros however previously said that the Senate proceedings were not meant to determine Quiboloy's guilt or innocence, but rather look at gaps in the laws.

She has also assured Quiboloy’s camp that his constitutional rights will be respected should he physically attend the hearings. She cited precedents where high-profile personalities were invited to the Senate.

Balayan said that Quiboloy was still in the Philippines and willing to appear "in the proper forum" such as courts.

COURT PROCEEDINGS 

The Davao City Prosecutor’s Office has initiated legal proceedings against Quiboloy and his associates, who face allegations of sexual and child abuse, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Tuesday.

His lawyer Ferdinand Topacio said they would "prepare to avail of all judicial remedies" and thus "refrain from specifically commenting on the aforementioned issues out of respect to the courts." 

He urged other parties "to exhibit some sense of common decency at long last by doing the same." 

Topacio added, without offering proof, that "some powerful individuals" are "hell-bent on persecuting" Quiboloy. 

"We now place full reliance on the Judiciary as the final nation of the people's rights, confident that the rights of an innocent man such as Pastor Quiboloy will be vindicated, and his good name finally cleared... It is just a matter of time, for there are occasions where wickedness takes the place of justice, but there will be a time for every case to be settled before God," the lawyer said in a statement, quoting the Bible. 

MANHUNT FOR QUIBOLOY CONTINUES

Meanwhile, the manhunt for Quiboloy continues, a day after his warrant was issued by the Senate. However, the arresting officers have yet to coordinate with Davao police.

"Nag-verify tayo sa investigation division sa Police Regional Office (PRO) XI at hindi pa nag-coordinate ang sargeant-at-arms," PRO XI spokesperson Catherine Dela Rey said.

Local police have confirmed that they have no information as to Quiboloy's whereabouts. However, they assure that they are ready to serve the warrant as directed and enforced by law.

ABS-CBN News went to check on the prayer mountain owned by Quiboloy at Brgy. Tamayong, but there were no presence of authorities.

The prayer mountain, which was previously open for public viewing, has been ordered temporarily closed. -- With a report from Chrislen Bulosan