MANILA, Philippines - Influential Davao preacher Pastor Apollo Quiboloy has accepted the apology of Liberal Party presidential bet Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III after the latter failed to attend a forum of presidential candidates at Quiboloy's church earlier this week. 

Aquino met with Quiboloy on Friday along with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte and businessman Jesus Ayala.  After the closed door meeting, Aquino told reporters that he thanked Quiboloy for giving him an opportunity to air his side.

"Very, very good meeting. I appreciate his kindness and understanding what had happened is really beyond my control that time," he said.

For his part, Quiboloy said he has accepted Aquino's apology. "I accepted his apology. At least, na-clear lahat. Nabigyan siya ng pagkakataon na marinig ko ang panig niya," he said.

Quiboloy, who heads "The Kingdom of Jesus Christ The Name Above Every Name," a group claiming to have 6 million members, earlier castigated Aquino for failing to attend Tuesday's forum of presidential candidates.

The pastor said the forum was supposed to take place last month, but Aquino had requested it to be moved to a different date.

Last Tuesday, Aquino sent a letter to Quiboloy, saying that he would be unable to attend the event since he was suffering from barosinusitis and was not permitted to travel.

"Commitment is your word of honor. When you fail to meet your commitment, you have no word of honor and no honor," Quiboloy said.

The pastor, meanwhile, said he is also open to meeting Nacionalista Party standard bearer Sen. Manny Villar. Villar was unable to attend the forum but has failed to explain the reason behind his absence. 

Quiboloy said he will announce which presidential candidate he will endorse on his birthday, April 25.