The legal dispute between Apollo Quiboloy and Akbayan party-list Representative Percival "Perci" Cendaña intensified as Quiboloy's counsel accused Cendaña of exceeding permissible commentary limits.
Ferdinand Topacio, representing Quiboloy, filed a complaint against Cendaña, alongside similar actions against Representative Leila de Lima and Senator Risa Hontiveros in September. Topacio claimed Cendaña's remarks crossed into criminal defamation.
The statements of Mr. Cendaña went beyond the bounds of permitted commentary, and clearly crossed the line into criminal defamation.
Ferdinand Topacio, Counsel for Apollo Quiboloy
In a recent radio interview, Cendaña alleged that witnesses and victims related to Quiboloy faced threats and harassment to alter their testimonies. These comments relate to serious charges against Quiboloy, including human trafficking and child abuse.
- Quiboloy seeks extradition from the U.S. for charges including sex trafficking.
- Cendaña argues for dismissal based on free speech protections under the Constitution.
Cendaña has defended himself by citing Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution, which protects free speech. He contends that his statements are shielded by public commentary rights.
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for political discourse in the Philippines, particularly concerning the limits of free expression amid serious allegations.