Court denies Quiboloy motion to attend live TV interview on Senate bid
MANILA, Philippines – The Pasig City Regional Trial Court (RTC) denied the request of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KoJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy to attend a live television interview regarding his Senate bid.
In an order made public Tuesday, Pasig RTC said Quiboloy’s motion should be denied for “lack of merit.”
On Quiboloy’s motion, the court said it was accompanied by a supposed formal invitation from ABS-CBN News Channel, “thereby impeding this Court from setting up appropriate parameters for the supposed live interview.”
Taking note of the legal consequences and risks associated with any public statements, the court said “any discussion of the merits of his pending criminal case or commentary that could influence public perception of the judiciary or the ongoing proceedings may undermine the impartiality and integrity of the judicial process.”
“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,” it added.
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Article continues after this advertisementThe court reminded the KoJC leader that while it recognizes his right to seek public office and engage in lawful campaign activities, “this right is not absolute and remains subject to regulation by the court.”
Quiboloy and several others are charged with qualified human trafficking, a non-bailable offense before the Pasig Court.