It is clear that Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy (ACQ) will not surrender to the authorities because he doesn’t trust the Marcos government. According to his lawyers, the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) fears extraordinary rendition to the United States where he is also facing charges. Atty. Israelito Torreon has explained that the cases here in the Philippines have been previously dismissed. The lawyers for ACQ are questioning the findings of probable cause which until now he says have not been acted upon. Should the Department of Justice give a ruling that is unfavorable to ACQ, the good lawyer says that that’s alright since they will appeal any decision.
Atty. Torreon is saying that ACQ is fighting his case. He is “technically” not evading the law. The general sentiment of the public, however, is why not surrender. ACQ’s lawyers have explained the reason why countless times. The issue right now is that the Philippine National Police is allegedly overstepping its authority in implementing the arrest warrant. The lawyers of ACQ mentioned several violations including destruction of property, disrespect of the freedom of religion of the KOJC, and abuse of authority. The issue is not ACQ. The issue is state repression and its utter lack of respect for the exercise of religious freedom, says the members of the KOJC.
But a bigger storyline is involved here. I think it’s clear from the outset what this whole unfolding in the KOJC was about. It’s an effort to rattle the hallowed ground of the Dutertes. This is Davao City. But there wasn’t not much of an impact except disappointment on the part of the apparatus of the state. Even if they employ the hubris of mainstream media, that would only strengthen the resolve of many people here and enliven the narrative of the mystique of President Rodrigo Duterte for having put into national consciousness a changed city that was previously a hotbed of the communist insurgency.
But some say that targeting ACQ is a test run in which it also hopes to inflict the same damage to the legacy if not the image of President Duterte. However, this city is not wanting of brilliant minds who can defend mano-a-mano every sort of punch thrown at the former President. The mystique of President Duterte is not lost, as wrongly claimed by a self-proclaimed political analyst. The charisma of the first President from Mindanao remains. It is precisely for this reason that they are digging the depths of the earth. Any failure is nothing short of an embarrassment for the most powerful in the palace.
There is narrative that is actually obvious. This is of course the battle for 2028. It is all about the new perpetuating itself into power against the continuation of the promise of radical change. For one, the Liberal Party, whatever is left of it, can expect no return to power. Kiko Pangilinan, Bam Aquino and Chel Diokno should kiss their latest bids for the Senate goodbye if they don’t want to get humiliated again. The tactical attempt to align with the Marcoses through Senator Risa Hontiveros by means of finding a common enemy in the Dutertes can give them nothing. Whatever you observe in all these Congressional hearings is politics as usual. It’s that season of the year. It’s not like congressmen have suddenly become the agents of moral reform.
In conclusion, let me borrow from a young professor of Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology, Prof. Migs Mansueto: “How could I not laugh at those cheap tricks? Where are our dearly treasured human values, principles, and their consistency? They apply selectively and according to our political biases and affiliations. In voicing out against those folk whose belief systems and ideologies were against ours, had we not been aware of being used or having given the favor to the opposite camps? What do you say now that whenever Duterte’s camp is being attacked, such actions will indirectly result in lending the Marcos camp a big favor? Let Senator Hontiveros be aware. Of course, she is. She certainly knows of “political butterflies” who are doing opportunists a big favor of media publicity.
