Cendaña Dismisses Libel Threats from Quiboloy Camp

Akbayan party-list Representative Percival Cendaña has publicly rejected warnings from the camp of detained televangelist Apollo Quiboloy that legal action could be taken against him and other lawmakers over their recent statements. In a statement issued Wednesday, Cendaña made clear his willingness to face potential libel charges rather than accept characterizations linking him to sex trafficking.

The exchange reflects escalating tensions between Quiboloy's supporters and legislators who have scrutinized the televangelist's operations. Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, is currently detained pending trial on charges related to human trafficking and other offenses.

Quiboloy's camp had previously threatened cyber libel suits against members of Congress who made statements the group deemed defamatory. The threatened legal action underscores the contentious nature of investigations into the religious organization and its leadership.

Cendaña's remarks signal that lawmakers are unlikely to be deterred by such threats as legislative inquiries into Quiboloy's organization continue. The standoff highlights ongoing concerns about the televangelist's alleged operations, which have drawn scrutiny from both government agencies and international observers monitoring human trafficking in the Philippines.