Manila: Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday announced her intention to file a formal complaint with the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) concerning a video showing a witness recanting his Senate testimony. The senator described the video as a case of 'witness tampering' and 'psychological warfare' aimed at harassing victims, threatening her staff, and discrediting the Senate investigation into alleged abuses by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and his religious group, Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros stated that the video featuring former witness Michael Maurilio, also known as 'Rene,' has endangered lives by revealing confidential identities and personal information, labeling the content as "fake news." She criticized the attack on her office as an attack on truth-telling and expressed her determination to protect witnesses and uphold the integrity of the Senate.
The senator confirmed consultations with her legal team and plans to file a complaint with the NBI on Wednesday. Her office is also preparing to initiate criminal charges against those responsible for producing and distributing the video online. Hontiveros emphasized that this move is just the first step in addressing the issue.
Hontiveros revealed that Maurilio had voluntarily approached her office multiple times between December 2023 and January 2024, expressing fear for his life after leaving Quiboloy's organization. In his initial email, Maurilio shared his experience as a former member who left due to abuses and violence, and he expressed fear for his life.
The senator refuted claims made in the video that her office coerced or paid Maurilio to testify, highlighting that her office has a strict policy against providing financial assistance to potential witnesses. She denied allegations of giving Maurilio PHP1 million, calling it a lie. Hontiveros also addressed accusations regarding the inclusion of former President Rodrigo R. Duterte and Vice President Sara Z. Duterte in Maurilio's testimony, stating that their names were already in his original affidavit.
Regarding Maurilio's living arrangements, Hontiveros clarified that he was relocated among various safehouses with the assistance of civil society and religious partners due to alleged threats, not placed in any condominium unit owned by her. She also disclosed prior reports of harassment and kidnapping attempts against Maurilio by individuals linked to Quiboloy's group, which were reported to the Philippine National Police in Davao.
Hontiveros drew parallels between this situation and previous instances of witness intimidation, such as during the Pharmally hearings related to the Covid-19 pandemic, where witnesses faced threats and later recanted testimonies. She emphasized that the ongoing disinformation campaign jeopardizes the safety and credibility of not just Maurilio but 14 other witnesses who have come forward with allegations against Quiboloy and his group.
