By Robert B. Roque, Jr.
Catching part of the privilege speech delivered by Senator Raffy Tulfo last week, I couldn’t help but agree with the points he raised on the country’s backdoor problem. Human traffickers, illegal recruiters, and other criminal syndicates are capitalizing on this route to cash in on their underground trades.
But as the senator pointed out, the real backdoor problem is not just our physical borders; it’s the unchecked system that allows criminal syndicates to prey on Filipinos desperate to get in on the action.
Take, for example, some overseas Filipino workers who had been duped into paying exorbitant sums for fake jobs in Europe, only to be sexually exploited and trapped in debt. Sadly, these cases are not isolated. Probably more are falling victim as we speak.
This is the dark haven for human traffickers and smugglers that fugitives from the law just like the dismissed mayor of Bamban, Alice Guo, found.
Once Tulfo gets a Senate inquiry rolling on this backdoor, I’m sure more nightmares of our fellow citizens will be uncovered. Let’s all stop turning a blind eye to this problem.
Quiboloy’s time is up
Television reports said two survivors of abuse are braving the storm and stepping out to testify against the arrested pastor, Apollo Quiboloy.
It’s been far too long — based on investigations conducted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation — that he has been hiding behind the pulpit, untouched by those wronged in his very own religious organization.
For someone who goes around proclaiming himself as the “anointed son of God,” how can one reconcile the string of crimes accused against him: bulk cash smuggling, sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and unspeakable acts against children?
If these go unpunished on account of his ties to circles of power and influence, then our justice system would be a shameful charade.
Let’s not forget — Quiboloy didn’t act alone. According to the FBI, his empire thrived on the collaboration of others within his organization, officers who turned a blind eye, or worse, helped facilitate these heinous acts. They, too, must be brought to light and held accountable for the roles they played in this vast network of abuse and exploitation.
It’s not just one man; it’s a system of enablers who ensured that this cycle of abuse continued under the guise of religious devotion. Every single one of them should be dragged out from behind the curtains of Quiboloy’s kingdom and face justice.
To the other victims still in the shadows: your voices matter. Those who truly pray will provide you with courage. With the walls around this litany of evil truths now crumbling, the law can take over — knowing no religion or self-proclaimed divine titles.
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