Apollo C. Quiboloy (INQUIRER PHOTO / GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE)
MANILA, Philippines — The failure of authorities to track down and arrest Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy is a more pressing concern than the pending proposal to transfer the venue of sexual abuse case hearing, Deputy Speaker and Quezon Rep. David Suarez said on Monday.
In a press briefing, Suarez said that he understands why the Department of Justice (DOJ) decided to ask that the case be transferred from a court in Davao City to Pasig City — as state prosecutors may want to distance alleged victims from Quiboloy’s hometown.
What he cannot understand, Suarez said, is how Quiboloy still manages to evade authorities from the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
“I fully respect the position of the Department of Justice in requesting for change of venue. I’m sure they have a basis why they transferred it from Davao City to Pasig. My bigger concern is why we have not found Quiboloy? We’ve been on a manhunt for how many months already,” Suarez said.
“I know the Senate had already issued a warrant against him. The PNP has been looking for him, the NBI has been looking for him. So, I think the bigger question is where is Pastor Apollo Quiboloy? I think that’s the bigger question we need to ask,” he added.
According to Suarez, Quiboloy’s refusal to surrender is proof that the pastor does not respect the government and the laws of the land.
“This is a show of first, a lack of respect for the institutions within our government. He also shows that he has no disregard whatsoever when it comes to the laws that govern the Philippines,” Suarez said.
“So, this is also a gentle call-out to our law enforcement agencies to implement, look for him and put him in proper custody so that we can fully progress into the legal proceedings when it comes to the cases that he is now facing,” he added.
La Union 1st District Rep. Francisco Paolo Ortega meanwhile said that the issue involving Quiboloy cannot be considered a mere local issue anymore, since the crime was allegedly committed in the Philippines and overseas.
Last April 25, Supreme Court Spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting confirmed that the DOJ has requested to transfer the hearing of the case against Quiboloy, adding that the Office of the Court Administrator has recommended it.
However, Ting also clarified that the DOJ request is still pending.
Quiboloy did not appear before both the House of Representatives and the Senate investigations.
The House asked Quiboloy to attend the hearing of the committee on legislative franchises, over questions relating to his alleged ownership of Sonshine Media Network International — which was flagged for sharing false information.
The Senate meanwhile probed Quiboloy’s alleged involvement in sex crimes, including cases filed against him in the United States.