EDITORIAL - The Quiboloy conundrum

The troubles don’t seem to end for the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ pastor Apollo Quiboloy. After placing him on their most wanted list for alleged corruption and human rights abuses, the US has imposed sanctions on him and his organization there.

According to the sanctions, all his properties and interests in the US are blocked and must be referred to the US treasury department. All transactions involving any of Quiboloy’s property or interests in property in the US are prohibited, and receiving or making contributions to or for Quiboloy’s benefit are also prohibited.

Because Quiboloy is a wanted man in the US and already has a trial date set for 2024, it may only be a matter of time before the US government formally requests the Philippine government to extradite Quiboloy.

Which will place the Philippine government in a very awkward position. Matters are always tricky when they involve the self-appointed son of God, more so when the alleged deity has strong political, financial, and media influence. Not to mention close ties with many political leaders, both past and present.

If such a request does come, this is something the Philippines can hardly afford to ignore. The US has become somewhat of a master at imposing sanctions, and usually these are ones that those being punished feel. It’s not hard to imagine the US coming up with some creative punishment should such a request go unheeded; something that may even target Filipinos who are totally unconnected to Quiboloy or his cause.

Don’t get us wrong. We are not saying Quiboloy is already guilty, that is for the US courts to decide. We can even say his camp is somewhat justified in saying that the US authorities have pre-judged him already by enforcing those sanctions.

However, if Quiboloy believes he is indeed innocent then he should submit himself to the court. He should believe God won’t let him be declared guilty if he isn’t.

Because the “son of God” still happens to be on Earth, he must still submit himself to earthly laws.