Senator Sherwin Gatchalian is pushing for perjury charges against a witness who previously testified against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, calling the reversal of statements a “slap” to the integrity of the Senate as an institution.
The lawmaker referred to Michael Maurillo, also known as alias Rene, who had testified multiple times before the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros. The hearings focused on serious allegations of abuse against women and children allegedly committed by Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Gatchalian emphasized that Maurillo was given the opportunity to speak freely under oath in the pursuit of truth and justice. “He swore to tell the whole truth during his first appearance before the committee,” the senator said.
Maurillo recently drew public attention after a video surfaced where he accused Senator Hontiveros of bribing him to smear former President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Quiboloy. The senator firmly rejected the accusations and now wants Maurillo held accountable for potentially misleading the Senate.
