Former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. advised jailed televangelist Apollo Quiboloy to use the medical leave granted to him to better his health condition so he could face the charges filed against him and not to abuse the privilege granted by the government.
Abalos emphasized that while the government recognizes the right of any individual, including detainees, to access medical treatment, the leave granted to Quiboloy should not be taken advantage of.
“The government has granted him a medical leave based on a legitimate health concern. However, this privilege is not to be abused. Mr. Quiboloy must follow all legal and medical conditions associated with this furlough,” he said.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that Quiboloy, who has been detained at the Custodial Center in Camp Crame, was rushed to the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City last week after experiencing chest pains and irregular heartbeat.
A Pasig City court ordered Quiboloy’s hospital stay extended to November 16 to complete his required medical check-up.
Abalos underscored that medical furloughs, like all privileges extended to inmates, are granted under strict conditions and must be adhered to without exception.
“The Philippine justice system is clear about the rights of inmates, but those rights come with responsibilities,” Abalos said.
He urged authorities to be vigilant so that Quiboloy would not be able to use the furlough as an alternative to his request for a hospital or house arrest.
“The government has no tolerance for any abuse of the legal process. This is not a loophole to be exploited. I urge the government to be vigilant in ensuring that the medical furlough granted to Mr. Quiboloy is used solely for medical purposes and that any attempt to misuse this privilege shall be met with swift and appropriate measures,” said Abalos, a practicing lawyer.
Abalos was a crucial figure in the arrest of Quiboloy as a former DILG chief who oversaw the PNP.
The administration-backed senatorial aspirant announced the arrest of Quiboloy last September 8, ending a two-week standoff at the compound of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) in Davao City over qualified human trafficking and sexual abuse charges.