Religious leader Apollo Quiboloy found President Marcos’ State of the Nation Address (SONA) lacking on key peace and order concerns, but it does not mean he is already opposed to his presidency.
Quiboloy clarified that he still wanted the President to succeed and merely raised the need to continue the campaign against crime, insurgency, and corruption due to his love for the country.
Those alleging he and his SMNI network have become part of the opposition are completely wrong, he said during his program on Wednesday.
“We want the President to succeed, but how can you succeed without peace and order?” he said during his program posted on YouTube.
Quiboloy slams ‘rude’ SMNI broadcaster over walkout: ‘Ako ang una niyang pinahiya sa TV
Quiboloy earlier expressed dismay that Marcos’ speech did not include these peace and order problems, which he insisted are national interests.
The Davao-based pastor is the leader of Kingdom of Jesus Christ group. He is a known friend of former President Duterte who waged an intensified drive against crime and corruption during his term.
When questioned why peace and order issues were left out in the President’s SONA, Quiboloy said he is merely showing his concern for the country. He said the wounds from a friend are better than the kisses from an enemy.
“Paano naging kontra kami kung sinabi namin ‘Bakit hindi nabanggit ng Pangulo ang peace and order, yung sa about sa insurgency, yung about sa illegal drugs, yung about sa NTELCAC.’ Masama ba yun? ‘Yun ang responsibilidad ng pangulo di ba? Yun ang hinahanap ng tao,” Quiboloy said during his program posted on YouTube.
“Bakit naging kontra? kontra ba yun? National interest ang tawag ko doon. Ang unang kailangang tumutok sa national interest ay ang ating Pangulo,” he said.
“Pulso ng tao ang peace and order. Kung wala tayong peace and order, hindi tayo malayang makakilos, hindi uusbong ang ating bansa…Nagmamahal tayo sa bansa,” he said.
Napuno na! Broadcaster walks out on air after Quiboloy takes jab at Marcos’ SONA
According to Quiboloy, those alleging he is now opposed to the Marcos presidency due to his SONA comments are showing “false loyalty.”
“Kayong mga supporters ng ating Pangulong Bongbong huwag ninyo kami pag-awayin. False loyalty ‘yung sa inyo,” he said.
Quiboloy, who backed the presidential bid of Marcos in the last elections, said the president should not be afraid of facing the peace and order problems. He said he doesn’t want the President to lose public trust and be called a weak leader.
“Kung hindi ninyo inaddress ‘yun, eh nagkamali pala tayo. I don’t want to think I made a mistake,” he said.
