Quiboloy being eased out of Duterte core group –spokesman

Religious leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is disappointed that he was excluded in the core group of incoming president Rodrigo Duterte, whom he endorsed in the May 9 elections, his spokesperson said Friday.

In a phone interview, Mike Abe told GMA News Online that Quiboloy is saddened that he is not part of the transition and selection team that Duterte formed in preparation for his presidency.

Abe also pointed out that there are people reaching out to Quiboloy complaining about Duterte's initial choices for Cabinet appointees.

“Wala siyang alam. Hindi siya kinokonsulta. Ikinakalungkot ni Pastor ang mga nangyayari,” he said.

Abe explained that it has been days since Duterte and Quiboloy last spoke with each other. He said the two last met on May 10 at 3 a.m., after Duterte gave an interview on the pastor’s network, Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).

In this program, Duterte called Quiboloy his brother and explained how the pastor helped him throughout the years. The two have been friends for 30 years, going back before Duterte became mayor of Davao City and when Quiboloy's Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, Inc. only had 15 followers.

Before leaving the Pastor's compound last Tuesday, the two even shared a hug.

"Somebody blocking him"

“Wala siyang boses [ngayon]. May nagba-block sa kanya,” Abe said, referring to Quiboloy. 

Asked if he has any idea who is blocking Quiboloy, the spokesperson only said that everyone knows that Duterte’s executive assistant, Christopher “Bong” Go, is handling the incoming president’s personal and political affairs. 

Abe said that Quiboloy’s camp used to have 24/7 access to Duterte through Go, but all of it seemed to have vanished after the elections. He said their recent efforts to get in touch with Duterte have been unsuccessful.

Duterte, after the elections, made a week-long break away from the media and public frenzy. The incoming president only greeted the media on Sunday night, then again in a press conference on Monday afternoon before, meeting with well-wishers that included ambassadors, politicians, and supporters.

Abe, however, said that despite being hurt, Quiboloy still wants to talk to Duterte.
“Nagtatampo lang pero willing makipag-usap,” he said. 

In an interview with Jessica Soho, Quiboloy said that he is not going to meddle in Duterte's affairs and will just remain as his "spiritual adviser." —KBK, GMA News