Senate seeks court nod for Quiboloy’s attendance in probe

MANILA, Philippines — A Senate panel has formally requested a trial court to allow the attendance of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy and five others at a public hearing scheduled for next week.

In a letter addressed to Judge Elma Mendoza Rafallo-Lingan of the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 159, Sen. Risa Hontiveros sought permission for Quiboloy’s attendance for the Oct. 23 probe.

The hearing will take place at 10 a.m. at the Senate session hall in Pasay City.

Aside from Quiboloy, Hontiveros – chairperson of the Senate committee on women, children, family relations and gender equality – also requested the presence of co-accused Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada and Sylvia Cemañes to attend the hearing.

Hontiveros’ request is part of an ongoing inquiry into reported cases involving Quiboloy, which the senator raised in a privilege speech on Dec. 11, 2023.

Senate Resolution No. 884 called for an investigation into allegations surrounding Quiboloy and his organization that focused on issues related to women and children, following various reports of abuse and exploitation linked to the KOJC.

Quiboloy and the others denied the accusations.

He has filed his certificate of candidacy on Oct. 8 for a Senate seat through his lawyer, Mark Tolentino.

The accused sex offender and human trafficker filed his candidacy under the Workers and Peasants Party, which has disowned him.

Quiboloy, currently held in the Pasig City jail, is facing non-bailable charges of human trafficking. His other co-accused are held in a separate correctional facility for women.