From behind bars, Apollo Quiboloy files Senate candidacy

MANILA, Philippines — Detained doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy has filed his certificate of candidacy (COC) for a Senate seat.

Through his lawyer, Mark Tolentino, Quiboloy submitted the COC at the Manila Hotel tent on Tuesday, October 8.

The accused sex offender and human trafficker is running under the "WPP" party.

Quiboloy, currently held in the Pasig City jail alongside co-accused Cresente Canada, is facing non-bailable charges of human trafficking. His other co-accused are held in a separate correctional facility for women.

Tolentino, in a speech during the filing, said Quiboloy's campaign would be “God-centered and Philippines-centered.”

"Tumakbo siya dahil sa Diyos at Pilipinas nating mahal (He ran because of God and our beloved Philippines)," the legal counsel said.

When asked about the preacher's campaign plans, Tolentino replied that volunteers would handle the preacher's campaign activities.

Why Quiboloy can still file

Despite his detention, Quiboloy is still legally able to file his candidacy.

Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson Rex Laudiangco explained that Comelec's role in accepting COCs is purely ministerial, citing Section 76 of the Omnibus Election Code.

"Iba 'yung nag-file, ibang issue 'yung tinanggap namin. (Filing the COC is one thing; accepting someone as an official candidate is another matter altogether)," Laudiangco said.

Individuals with pending charges can only be disqualified if their conviction comes with a penalty of "perpetual disqualification" from holding office.

"May powers po ang Comelec to administratively cancel the COC to implement the decision (The Comelec has the authority to administratively cancel the COC to implement the decision)," Laudiangco said.

The preacher, who styles himself as the "Appointed Son of God," is currently facing multiple charges due to his alleged actions and those associated with his "church," the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

He has a non-bailable trafficking in persons charge lodged before a Pasig City court, where he pleaded not guilty last month. The preacher also faces child and sexual abuse charges in a Quezon City court.

In August, the Court of Appeals ordered the freezing of Quiboloy's bank assets and those of his media network, Sonshine Media International.

Quiboloy is also wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation for similar trafficking-related charges.