By Brian Jules Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday declined the conditions set by Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy for his surrender in connection with his child abuse cases.
“It seems to me a little bit tail wagging the dog, ang tawag na siyang magbibigay ng kondisyon sa gobyerno doon sa kaso niya, akusado siya sa warrant of arrest,” Marcos told reporters in an interview in Bacolod City.
However, the President assured Quiboloy that the proceedings on his case would be fair.
“To Pastor Quiboloy, we’ve known him for a very long time. Ang maipapangako ko, all the proceedings will be fair. Now, as to the involvement of the United States, malayo pa ‘yan eh. That’s going to take years, yet. So, I don’t think that’s something he needs to worry about, quite frankly,” he added.
The embattled leader recently released a statement asking for a written guarantee from the government that the United States would not interfere with his cases.
Quiboloy is facing charges before the Davao Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 12 for violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 7610, or the “Anti-Child Abuse Law.”
Back in 2021, the preacher along with his associates were indicted by a federal grand jury in Santa Ana, California, for crimes involving sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, sex trafficking of children, and bulk cash smuggling, among other cases.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) called on Quiboloy to face his trial if he believes he is innocent.
In a statement, DOJ Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla noted that the doomsday preacher repeatedly stated that charges should be filed in court but refused to subject himself to the court’s jurisdiction.
“Argue your charges before the court where you remain the accused; tell the naked truth; that way you can redeem yourself,” Remulla said.
The Justice Secretary, likewise, assured Quiboloy’s safety and reminded him that “no one is above the law.”
“Quiboloy cannot impose any conditions. He must surrender not according to his terms but according to the terms of the law. The law applies to all, without exception,” Remulla emphasized.
The DOJ is also waiting for the issuance by the Pasig RTC of another warrant of arrest against Quiboloy for qualified trafficking. – av
