MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros issued a strong statement on June 25, refuting claims made by an individual identifying as a former witness in the Senate hearings concerning the alleged crimes of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

The senator labeled these allegations as falsehoods and announced preparations for legal action against what she described as acts of harassment and intimidation.

The individual, known by the alias “Rene” and identified as Michael Maurilio, appeared in a video circulated on social media, asserting that he was coerced into providing fabricated testimony against Quiboloy and other figures during the Senate hearings. He alleged that his statements were scripted and that his affidavit was altered without his consent.

Senator Hontiveros responded by emphasizing the integrity of the testimonies presented during the hearings and the substantial evidence supporting them.

“Kasinungalingan ang mga alegasyon ngayon mula sa nagpakilalang dating testigo sa pagdinig ng Senado ukol sa mga krimen ni Pastor Apollo Quiboloy,” she stated.

“Sangkaterba ang ebidensiya ng aking opisina na magpapatunay na gawa-gawa lang ang pahayag ngayon ng taong iyan. All witnesses presented during the Quiboloy Senate hearings freely and voluntarily offered their testimonies and the evidence they carried,” she added.

Hontiveros emphasized that they possess a clear paper trail, with claims corroborated by multiple agencies and officials. She added that screenshots and video evidence are ready for public release once the timing is deemed appropriate.

The senator also suggested that the individual may have been influenced to retract his testimony.

“We have reason to believe that this individual has been coerced or paid off to derail the ongoing criminal proceedings against Quiboloy, and disturbingly, threaten my staff and the witnesses who spoke out against Quiboloy’s heinous crimes. Ganyan sila kadesperado.”

“Hindi namin palalampasin ang mga nasa likod ng pananakot na ito,” she declared.

📷 Sen. Risa Hontiveros FB