Sen. Risa Hontiveros Denies Senate Hearing Lies
MANILA, Philippines — Opposition Sen. Risa Hontiveros is gearing up for a strong legal response amid harassment and falsehoods spread by a former Senate hearing witness. The witness claimed he was coerced by the senator to testify against the Dutertes and televangelist Apollo Quiboloy. These accusations, however, are unfounded, Hontiveros insists.
The senator responded to a viral video featuring Michael Maurilio, also known as “Rene,” who alleged that Hontiveros forced him to speak against former President Rodrigo Duterte, Vice President Sara Duterte, and Quiboloy. Maurilio asserted he received P1 million to defame these figures during a Senate hearing in February.
Hontiveros firmly rejected these claims, calling them outright lies. “My office has tons of evidence to prove that that person’s testimony is nothing more than lies. All witnesses presented during the Quiboloy Senate hearings freely and voluntarily offered their testimonies and the evidence they carried,” she said.
She emphasized that each testimony is backed by paper trails, which multiple agencies and officials can corroborate. Hontiveros’s office is ready to release screenshots and video proof at the proper time.
Legal Preparations Against Lies and Harassment
The senator believes Maurilio’s sudden allegations are intended to derail ongoing criminal proceedings against Quiboloy and intimidate those involved. “We have reason to believe that this individual has been coerced or paid off to derail the ongoing criminal proceedings against Quiboloy, and disturbingly, threaten my staff and the witnesses who spoke out against Quiboloy’s heinous crimes. Ganyan sila kadesperado,” she added.
Hontiveros made clear that her team is preparing a serious legal response to counter this harassment and intimidation. “Hindi namin palalampasin ang mga nasa likod ng pananakot na ito,” she warned.
Background of Witness Michael Maurilio
Maurilio, a former member and landscaper at Quiboloy’s Glory Mountain, testified before the Senate panel on women’s issues on February 19. During the hearing, he claimed to have witnessed the Dutertes visiting the property while carrying a bag full of firearms.
He also shared experiences of forced labor and physical abuse within the religious group, revealing that he left the organization in 2021. Despite fear, he decided to speak out, saying, “I was fully decided, and even though I was scared I said, ‘Nothing can hold me back any longer.’” He also mentioned threatening a media personality to gain permission to leave.
Before departing, Maurilio was warned not to disclose any details about the Kingdom of Jesus Christ or Glory Mountain. He was threatened with jail time and even disappearance if he spoke out. “I kept quiet for a few years and carried the trauma of what I went through — especially since I’m a member of the LGBTQ community,” he said.
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