Quiboloy’s local influence makes extradition urgent, lawmakers say
MANILA, Philippines — Apollo Quiboloy’s influence is too strong to ignore, lawmakers warned. urging the government to urgently act on the U.S. extradition request for the controversial pastor.
Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros said Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ church, continues to wield political and religious influence despite facing multiple charges.
She said allowing his temporary surrender to the United States would prevent him from undermining investigations and intimidating witnesses.
“Even if he has cases here, pwede pa rin siyang dalhin sa Amerika para harapin muna ang mga kaso doon, at pagkatapos ng paglilitis ay ibalik sa Pilipinas para panagutin sa mga krimen dito,” Hontiveros said in a statement Friday, August 22.
Hontiveros cited Article 11 of the Philippines-US Extradition Treaty, which allows the temporary surrender of someone facing prosecution locally.
She also stressed that Quiboloy’s alleged victims in the U.S. have waited too long.
“Hindi rin tama na patagalin pa ang kanilang laban. Nakakasiguro ang Pilipinas na hindi mawawala ang ating mga kaso, at natutulungan din natin ang mga biktima sa Amerika,” she said.
Broader calls to act. House Deputy Minority Leader and Akbayan Rep. Perci Cendaña, Hontiveros' ally, similarly urged the Department of Justice to immediately start the extradition process.
“Even in detention, Quiboloy continues to wield huge political and religious power in our country. His inordinate access and influence within our country’s political establishment undermine investigations and endanger witnesses,” Cendaña said.
Cendaña cited Senate hearings led by Hontiveros that featured testimony of abuse.
“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,” he said.
Treaty basis and charges. The Philippine embassy in Washington, D.C. confirmed earlier this week that the U.S. government earlier this year formally requested Quiboloy’s extradition over a 2021 California indictment that includes sex trafficking of minors, fraud and bulk cash smuggling.
Hontiveros said the treaty allows him to face trial abroad and be returned to the Philippines afterward to answer local cases.
Cendaña said swift action is needed.
“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.”
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