Akbayan Partylist Representative Perci Cendaña is urging the government, specifically the Department of Justice (DOJ), to fast-track the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s extradition request to the United States (U.S.).
In a statement on Friday, August 22, the lawmaker pointed out reports about a pending extradition request to the U.S., which was earlier confirmed by Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez.
“If such an extradition exists, I strongly urge our government, especially the DOJ, to immediately begin the process for [the] extradition of Quiboloy, including requesting our local courts to immediately resolve the pending charges against him,” Cendaña wrote.
The solon claims that even in detention, the pastor continues to wield huge political and religious power in the country. Moreover, Quiboloy’s inordinate access and influence within the country’s political establishment undermine investigations and endanger witnesses, the lawmaker stressed.
“For years, he concealed his crimes by silencing and intimidating victims. It is clear that true justice will evade his victims should he continue to remain in the Philippines,” Cendaña stated.
Emphasizing that Quiboloy must answer to the serious charges of human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and abuse of minors, the lawmaker reminded that these heinous crimes are “not mere acts of misconduct,” as they expose the breadth of the pastor’s power and influence, which persists even today.
Allegations against the KOJC pastor were brought to light during the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality hearings last year, under Senator Risa Hontiveros. The long-standing allegations of coercion, abuse, and exploitation within Quiboloy's organization were confirmed after the testimonies from various individuals.
“By every account, Quiboloy is a pedophile who weaponized his authority to prey on the vulnerable. The U.S. indictments echo these accounts and together present a chilling portrait of how he twisted faith and power to commit unspeakable crimes,” the lawmaker wrote.
“I fully support his urgent extradition to the United States so that justice may finally prevail. No man, not even one claiming to be a son of God, is above the law — especially not one accused of such monstrous crimes against children and humanity,” his statement ended.
