On Tuesday, October 8, the Workers and Peasants Party (WPP) President Sonny Matula denied signing Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA).
The labor party leader replied to a post on X (formerly Twitter), asking if he actively signed Quiboloy’s CONA, or if they are part of a splinter group. Matula responded by stating that he was unaware of who signed the pastor’s CONA.
According to Matula, only three individuals are authorized to sign on behalf of the group: the Chair, the President, and the Senior Vice President (SVP).
However, upon inquiring from the group’s Chair and SVP, he confirmed that they were also unaware who signed on their behalf.
“Upon inquiring, the other two, Atty Ariel Arias (Chair) and Dr. Oscar Morado (SVP), have also stated that they have no knowledge of signing a CONA for him,” Matula’s reply stated.
I am not aware of who signed his CONA. Only three individuals are authorized to sign on behalf of WPP: the Chair, the President, and the Senior Vice President. As President, I can confirm that I did not sign any CONA for Quiboloy.
— Atty. Sonny Matula (@AttyMatula) October 8, 2024
Upon inquiring, the other two, Atty Ariel Arias… https://t.co/nc8XUcNnge
He added that they will be inquiring with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), on who signed Quiboloy’s CONA.
Quiboloy filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) on the same day, for a Senate bid in the 2025 midterm elections. His representative Atty. Mark Tolentino filed the candidacy on his behalf at the Manila Hotel Tent City.
The religious leader is currently in police custody and is facing charges on qualified human trafficking and the violation of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
