By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora
MANILA – Liberal Party (LP) chairperson and former senator Francis Pangilinan and detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy filed their certificates of candidacy (COCs) for senator on Tuesday.
In a short interaction with the press, Pangilinan said one of his priorities is to address the gaps in the agriculture and fisheries sector.
Pangilinan added that he is ready to set aside politics and work with the executive branch in finding solutions to food security, among others.
“Malaking problema ulit ngayon ang mataas na presyo ng bigas at iba pang bilihin kaya nais ko ulit bumalik upang masolusyunan ang dinadaing nating mga kababayan (There is a big problem on the rising price of rice and other goods that is why I wanted to return and be part of the solution),” he said.
“Nagawa na natin ito noon, kayang-kaya natin solusyunan ito ngayon basta nagtutulungan ang lehislatura at ang executive branch. Handa tayong isantabi ang pulitika upang tulungan ang gobyerno dahil walang kulay pulitiko ang gutom (We’ve done it in the posts and we can do it as long as the legislative and the executive branch are working together. We are ready to set aside politics because hunger has no political color),” he added.
Also beating the deadline at The Manila Hotel Tent City was Quiboloy through authorized representative and legal counsel Mark Tolentino.
Tolentino said Quiboloy decided to seek a Senate seat to push for legislation promoting religious freedom, fast medical services, quality education and zero corruption.
“Kailangan ang (Our) government natin should secure the holy grounds against state forces,” Tolentino said.
“Kung ano po ‘yong ginawa ni Pastor Quiboloy sa KOJC, iyong King Dome, sa lahat sa buong mundo, iyon ang gagawin niya sa buong Pilipinas bilang isang senador (Whatever Pastor Quiboloy did with KOJC, the King Dome and across the world, that is what he will do in the Philippines as a senator),” he added.
Quiboloy faces charges of child abuse and trafficking in the Philippines, as well as sex trafficking charges in the United States. (PNA)