Team DailyPedia
Veteran broadcaster Noli de Castro and Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon, engaged in a heated exchange during De Castro’s radio program, ‘Kabayan.’
De Castro questioned Torreon about why Quiboloy is allegedly “hiding” and not coming forward to defend himself against the charges he faces. “Bakit hindi ho siya sumulpot at ipagtanggol ang kanyang sarili sa pamamagitan n’yo bilang isang abogado ni Pastor Quiboloy?” De Castro asked.
Torreon explained that Quiboloy’s camp is waiting for a “written declaration” from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, which would ensure that Quiboloy is not extradited to the United States while he remains in hiding in the Philippines. “He requested lang po ang ating Presidente [Pangulong Bongbong Marcos] na magpalabas ng written declaration, mahina naman itong kaso sir eh, ang ayaw lang talaga niya, na baka ipadala siya ro’n sa United States of America na hindi pa niya na-clear ‘yong pangalan niya dito,” Torreon said.
De Castro was not satisfied with Torreon’s response. He criticized Quiboloy for avoiding the legal process and not addressing the accusations against him, including charges of sexual abuse and human trafficking. “E di magpaliwanag siya sa Amerika. Una, wanted siya ng Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Pangalawa, mayroon po siyang sexual abuse at human trafficking dito sa ating bansa. Pangatlo, kung talagang siya ay Son of God, bakit hindi ho siya sumulpot at ipagtanggol ang kanyang sarili at humingi siya ng blessing mula sa God na siya ay pakawalan at mawala lahat ng kanyang kaso?,” De Castro said.
Torreon responded by arguing that Quiboloy has the right to question the findings of probable cause and that the case is not yet dismissed. “Kailangan niyang i-clear ang pangalan niya dito, na-dismiss na nga itong kaso na ito eh. And it is within his right to really question the finding of probable cause… bakit hindi niya puwede itong gawin?” Torreon said.
The exchange ended with Torreon expressing his disappointment over what he perceived as public humiliation and disparagement of both himself and the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) during the interview, including remarks directed at Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
