Former president Rodrigo Duterte could be charged with obstruction of justice for allegedly sheltering Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy, the Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed on Monday, September 16.
During deliberations on the DOJ’s proposed 2025 budget, Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Jil Bongalon confirmed the possibility of Duterte facing charges. This came in response to ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro’s questioning regarding the former president’s legal accountability.
“Yes, if the elements of the offense are met,” Bongalon said when asked if Duterte could be liable under the law.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has intensified its efforts to track down individuals who may have aided Quiboloy, including forming a special investigation team. According to PNP public information officer Col. Jean Fajardo, some names have already been identified, and charges against KOJC officers and members for obstruction of justice are in the works.
“We are coordinating with the DOJ to ensure that the cases we file are strong and airtight,” Fajardo said.
Quiboloy, currently detained at the PNP Custodial Center, is facing multiple charges, including sexual and child abuse, as well as qualified trafficking. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said Quiboloy does not qualify for house arrest due to his evasive actions during the police operation.
Remulla noted that individuals usually granted house arrest are those who voluntarily surrender, which “does not appear” to be the case for Quiboloy.
“He made it difficult for the government to take him into custody,” Remulla stated, adding that Quiboloy’s surrender seemed more like a reaction to imminent capture.
Additionally, the PNP is investigating the so-called “Angels of Death,” a group allegedly used by Quiboloy to intimidate victims. Fajardo said efforts are underway to revoke the group’s firearms licenses, describing them as a private army under Quiboloy’s command.
New victims have come forward, bolstering existing complaints against Quiboloy, Fajardo said, as survivors see his custody as a sign of potential justice. The testimonies detail a pattern of abuse starting when the victims were as young as 12 years old.