Senator Risa Hontiveros has raised concerns over Apollo Quiboloy‘s alleged exploitation of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), accusing him of coercing them to donate a significant portion of their earnings to his religious organization, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC).
In a recent Senate Committee hearing on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, Hontiveros introduced Reynita Fernandez, an OFW from Singapore, who claimed that she, along with other workers, was forced to contribute 90% of her income to Quiboloy.
Hontiveros highlighted the plight of OFWs, who work tirelessly only to have their earnings diverted to Quiboloy instead of their families. She recounted the story of Fernandez, who lost her home due to these forced donations, and emphasized that she is likely not the only victim.
The senator criticized Quiboloy for his absence at the Senate hearings, despite being subpoenaed, and noted his refusal to appear based on self-incrimination rights. Hontiveros questioned his reluctance to defend himself against the allegations.
Hontiveros urged her Senate colleagues to heed the accounts of victim-survivors who have come forward with claims of abuse within the KOJC, advocating for justice for those affected by Quiboloy’s actions.