The Supreme Court has approved the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) petition to transfer the sexual abuse case against Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC), from Davao City to Quezon City.
Quiboloy, along with several others, is charged under Republic Act 7610, the Anti-Child Abuse Law, for the sexual abuse and maltreatment of minors. They are also facing a qualified human trafficking case in a Pasig City court.
The DOJ requested the transfer to ensure the safety of the victims, their families, and witnesses. The Supreme Court, in an administrative order issued on May 28, cited “compelling reasons” for the venue change, noting that the cases involve public interest and the significant influence of Quiboloy in Davao City.
“The Court found it prudent and judicious to order the transfer of the cases to Quezon City as this could cause local biases and a strong possibility that witnesses cannot freely testify due to fear and influence of the accused,” the Supreme Court stated.
The Davao Regional Trial Court Branch 12 has been given three days to forward all case records to the executive judge of Quezon City, who is instructed to raffle the case upon receipt and expedite the proceedings. The Supreme Court also directed judges in Davao City and other Mindanao locations to transfer any future cases involving Quiboloy to Quezon City.