PASTOR Apollo C. Quiboloy, who heads of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ congregation, denied he is angry at nor is he saddened by the actions of presumptive president Rodrigo Duterte, his bosom buddy for 30 years.
This is contrary to news coming from the national capital where Sonshine Radio anchor Mike Abe ranted against Duterte saying the Pastor is angry and disheartened because attempts to set an appointment with Duterte after the elections has been spurned.
In a press conference at the KJC compound in Catitipan, Davao City, on Monday morning, Quiboloy said he was not slighted by the statement made by Duterte that he is putting service to country above friendship as he takes on the role of a president.
"I just want to clarify that I am not disappointed, it is the wrong word," Quiboloy said, adding that he understood the tight and busy schedule of the mayor.
"In fact si Mayor ay napaka-busy 24 hours, mag-collapse na nga siya halos nung isang beses kaya alam natin ang kinalalagyan niya ngayon, ang influx ng mga tao at sa lahat ng gustong makipagkita sa kanya (He is very busy, almost collapsing one time due to the influx of people wanting to see him)."
Quiboloy said that many people came to him to extend their messages and concerns to the mayor believing that he can meet him anytime, but all he told them is that he will pass on their concerns when they finally meet.
"Wala naman talaga akong pakialam dun sana pero sinasabi ng mga tao ang concern nila ay gusto ko na ma-input din kay mayor," Quiboloy said.
He said he was apparently misinterpreted when he reasoned out that he cannot deliver their message since he is not part of the group and cannot talk immediately to the mayor. "Yun ang tunay doon, at sinabi ko wala ako doon, hindi ako kasali doon. Kung pwede dumiretso kayo pero ang iba sa akin talaga pumupunta," Quiboloy said.
The pastor confirmed that one of his scheduled meeting with the mayor was cancelled. In response, he went on a deep prayer and fasting for Duterte and the country for five days.
Quiboloy reiterated that he does not have hard feelings for the mayor if he will put the country's interests first over friendships saying that he will also not consider friendships in his decisions if it will put his congregation at stake.
He even praised mayor for making a stand as a leader. "Kaya si mayor sa values na iyon ay pinupuri ko siya pagkat sinabi niyang ganoon, ang tanging kanya lamang nauunahin ay interest ng ating bansa to the extent na masa-sacrifice ang pagkakaibigan. Kung ito po ay makaka-interfere ganon din po ako," Quiboloy said, adding that if he is a friend and a liability to the interest of the country he is willing to stay away.
Quiboloy said that his support to the mayor has not waned. "Kung ano po ang naririnig natin na misunderstandings o kung ano man yung naririnig natin na controversies na minsan ay ating nami-misinterpret iyon ay maliliit na bagay lang. Ang pagkakaibigan ko kay mayor mula pa hanggang ngayon lalo na ay magpapatuloy at aasahan po ninyo na ako at ang Kingdom nations ministry ay magpapatuloy na mananalangin sa success ni mayor Duterte," the pastor added.
He also said during his prayer and fasting, he prayed for the welfare of the country under the new leadership led by the soon to be president and he also prayed for the health and wisdom for the mayor that he may bring true change that he promised the nation during his campaign.
Quiboloy also called for national prayer and fasting for all the Kingdom members for Mayor Duterte and his administration.