Sen. Manny Pacquiao, Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, and Vice President Leni Robredo were among the presidential contenders debated by a television company controlled by a notorious religious leader wanted in the United States for child sex trafficking. This is what President Rodrigo Duterte’s spiritual leader, Apollo Quiboloy, of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, announced on Monday.

“As much as I would like to participate in every debate and public forum related to my bid for the presidency, I am compelled to decline the invitation of SMNI, which is owned by Apollo Quibuloy, who, according to the US government, has molested and abused children,” Manny Pacquiao Stated.

“I cannot, in good conscience, be part of any activity organized by a man wanted for detestable crimes and who unconscionably used the name of the Lord in vain for religious scams.”

Quiboloy is also being sued for libel and cyberlibel after accusing Pacquiao of “anomalies” in the P3.5 billion Sarangani project. Manny is attempting to sue for P100 million in damages.” Sen.Manny Pacquiao added.

Together with Pacquiao, Lacson and his running mate, Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, will boycott the SMNI debate. “With all due respect and giving regard to common sense, SP Tito Sotto and I are skipping the SMNI debates,” Bongbong had just announced that he would not be attending CNN Philippines’ presidential debate, but he quickly agreed with SMNI.