By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – A Pasig regional trial court (RTC) has affirmed the issuance of warrants of arrest against televangelist Apollo Quiboloy and five others in relation to qualified human trafficking charges.
In a three-page order dated April 11, acting Pasig RTC Branch 159 Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa said “after personally examining the information and its supporting documents, (the court) finds probable cause for the arrest of all of the accused.”
“(T)he court finds the motion to defer/suspend proceedings and hold in abeyance issuance of warrant of arrest to be a prohibited motion and should therefore be denied,” the court said.
The offenses under RA 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking of Persons Act of 2003 are non-bailable.
Last week, the Davao City RTC issued an arrest warrant for Quiboloy and five subordinates for child and sexual abuse charges.
In the Davao case, the bail was set at PHP180,000 for sexual assault, and PHP80,000 for maltreatment.
Charged with Quiboloy in both cases were Jackielyn W. Roy, Crescente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid C. Canada and Sylvia Cemañes.
“These arrest warrants herald the efficiency of our criminal justice system, echoing the strong resolve of our state and our society to hold accountable individuals who transgress the rule of law, regardless of their social status or wealth,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said in a statement. (PNA)
