Pasig court: No TV interview for Senate aspirant Quiboloy

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 7:45 p.m.) — The Pasig Regional Trial Court denied the request of detained preacher Apollo Quiboloy for a live television interview concerning his candidacy for senator.

In an order dated January 13, the Pasig RTC Branch 159 cites concerns that his public statements might influence public perception of the judiciary and ongoing legal proceedings.

“Considering that this Court will not be able to oversee or monitor the live broadcast, there is a risk that any such statements will prejudice the ongoing criminal case,” the court stated.

The court also noted that Quiboloy’s camp failed to provide an invitation from the network he claimed would host the interview.

“Perusal of the Urgent Motion will show that the same was not accompanied by the supposed formal invitation from the ABS-CBN News Channel, thereby impeding this Court from setting up appropriate parameters for the supposed live interview,” it added.

Quiboloy had filed a motion requesting permission to attend a television interview on January 14 at 2 p.m. on ABS-CBN News Channel to discuss his bid for the Senate.  The preacher, currently detained on charges of trafficking and abuse, filed his certificate of candidacy for senator on October 8 through his lawyer.

Philstar.com reached out to one of Quiboloy's lawyers, Ferdinand Topacio, for a comment on the matter, but he has yet to respond.

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Quiboloy, who refers to himself as the "Appointed Son of God," is facing numerous charges related to alleged activities within his organization, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. These include a non-bailable case of trafficking in persons filed in a Pasig City RTC, where he pleaded not guilty. He also faces child abuse and sexual abuse charges in Quezon City.

In August last year, the Court of Appeals ordered the freezing of Quiboloy's bank accounts and those of his media network, Sonshine Media International.

Quiboloy's reaction

In a statement sent to Philstar.com, Ferdinand Topacio, counsel for Quiboloy, said that absolute prohibition against a live interview is "uncalled for." He argued that his client's right to free speech, protected under the Constitution, should outweigh speculative concerns about influencing proceedings.

"In addition, the Constitution also vouches to the public the right to information regarding matters of public concern. Verily, the public has the right to be informed of the platforms of government and the character of a candidate running for high public office, in this case, as a Senator of the republic," Topacio said.

Instead of banning the interview altogether, Topacio recommended considering setting limits on topics the preacher may discuss once the invitation to interview is submitted. He said this may help balance out concerns about "sub judice matters" with the need to uphold Constitutional rights and protect the interests of all parties involved.

"As a candidate and as a citizen, Pastor Quiboloy is still entitled to free speech as one not yet convicted and who is therefore presumed innocent," he said.