Vice President Sara Duterte expressed her gratitude to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and apologized for seeking their support for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 2022 elections. Speaking at the 39th founding anniversary of the Davao City-based religious group, Duterte emphasized her family’s indebtedness to KOJC.
“Ang huling pagpapasalamat ay mula sa aming pamilya — ang pamilya Duterte. Napakalaki ng utang na loob namin sa inyong lahat sa pagkakataon na ibinibigay ninyo sa amin na makapaglingkod sa minamahal nating Pilipinas,” Duterte said, underscoring the group’s role in her political journey.
Duterte also apologized for her political alliance with Marcos, who was her running mate in the 2022 elections, acknowledging a misjudgment in their partnership. “I was on the mistaken belief that we were together on the platform of unity and continuity. Nagkamali ako kaya hinihingi ko ang patawad ninyo (I was wrong and I am asking for your forgiveness),” she stated.
The Vice President’s remarks come amidst ongoing police operations at the KOJC compound, seeking pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who faces charges of abuse and trafficking in the Philippines and is also wanted in the United States. Duterte criticized the scale of the operations, describing them as an “abuse of power” and an infringement on religious freedom.
Despite being advised against attending the event due to political sensitivities, Duterte chose to be present, reinforcing her commitment to the group. She assured the KOJC members of her support, particularly in challenging times. “Always remember na wala man ako lagi sa mga masasayang araw ninyo, pero nandito ako lagi sa inyong kalungkutan (Even if I am not with you on your happy days, I am with you in your sad moments),” she expressed.
Quiboloy, a spiritual adviser to former President Rodrigo Duterte, endorsed both Marcos and Duterte during their campaign. Duterte’s statements reflect her continued support for the group amid the ongoing controversies surrounding its leader.