Senator Risa Hontiveros will file a formal complaint before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday in response to a video involving a man identified as “Alyas Rene,” who accused her of bribery.
The move comes after threats and alleged harassment against Hontiveros’ Senate witnesses and staff following a hearing on the case involving Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy.
Hontiveros said the complaint aims to seek the NBI’s help in identifying the person behind the viral video. In the footage, “Alyas Rene” claimed he was paid ₱1 million by the senator to testify against Quiboloy and implicate former President Rodrigo Duterte and his son, Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte.
Hontiveros denied the allegation, saying evidence shows Rene willingly came forward as a witness. She also said Rene had once asked for money to buy a laptop for job hunting but was never given any amount.
The senator also revealed that Rene had informed her office that KOJC members attempted to persuade him to retract his statements. According to Hontiveros’ latest update, Rene told her staff he was allegedly kidnapped and taken to a KOJC property known as Glory Mountain.
Hontiveros added that her team plans to pursue further criminal complaints as the investigation unfolds.
