The Bayan Muna Partylist asserted on July 1 that former president Rodrigo Duterte bears responsibility for concealing fugitive pastor Apollo Quiboloy. This was in response to Duterte’s admission that he knows but will not reveal Quiboloy’s whereabouts. Quiboloy is currently being sought by law enforcement to face charges in court for child abuse and human trafficking offenses.

“This is the problem with Duterte. When he was president, he attacked all those who disagreed with him but he protected his friends even when they broke the law,” according to Bayan Muna Chairman Neri Colmenares. As a lawyer, Duterte can be sued under the Code of Professional Responsibility and Accountability.

“Duterte’s actions prove that he values personal loyalty more than the law and the pursuit of justice,” according to Colmenares. “But he has long been known for disregarding the judiciary in his war on drugs,” he added.

Quiboloy, the founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, is wanted by US authorities for sex trafficking of minors, kidnapping, and money laundering. He has been a longtime friend and ally of Duterte. The former president has admitted knowing where Quiboloy is hiding but refuses to disclose his location to authorities.