Tue Sep 10 16:07:00 UTC 2024: ## Senators’ Focus on Guo and Quiboloy Distracts from Vital National Issues, Former Senator Says

**MANILA, PHILIPPINES** – A former senator has criticized the current Senate’s handling of investigations into alleged crimes by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and former Mayor Alice Guo, arguing that these inquiries distract from more pressing national concerns.

In a recent opinion piece, former Senator [Senator’s Name], who served two consecutive terms from 1992 to 2001, pointed out that the Senate’s primary duty is to legislate, not to investigate. He argued that while inquiries “in aid of legislation” are permissible, they should not be used as a platform for “prosecutorial proceedings.”

“[Senator’s Name] highlights that the Senate is not a court of law and that senators are not law enforcement officers. He argues that the focus on Guo and Quiboloy, particularly by certain senators, appears driven by media attention rather than genuine legislative purpose,” the piece stated.

The former Senator expressed concern that the senators’ preoccupation with these cases is diverting attention from more critical national issues, such as the delicate balancing act of navigating relationships with China and the United States. He emphasizes the potential for conflict in Asia and the need for the Senate to offer the President sound advice on this crucial matter.

“[Senator’s Name] questions the priorities of the Senate, stating that while they focus on Guo and Quiboloy, they seem to ignore the potential for a major war in Asia, with Filipinos as the primary casualties. He calls upon the Senate to address these real issues while there is still time,” the piece concludes.

This opinion piece comes on the heels of the recent attempts to arrest both Quiboloy, accused of human trafficking, and Guo, accused of illegal links to POGO operators. While both individuals tried to avoid arrest, Guo was apprehended in Indonesia and repatriated, while Quiboloy surrendered to authorities after a two-week search.

However, the former Senator emphasizes that the focus should not be on these individual cases but on the Senate’s core function of addressing pressing national concerns and advising the President on critical foreign policy matters.

Read More