Former Philippine Bar Association president Rico Domingo has affirmed on Thursday that the child trafficking charges against controversial Pastor Apollo Quiboloy are non-bailable. Domingo’s statement comes following the Davao City police’s execution of arrest warrants issued by a regional trial court against Quiboloy, founder of Kingdom of Jesus Christ, and his co-accused for alleged sexual and child abuse crimes.
“Ang hindi bailable diyan ay probably child trafficking under Republic Act 7610,” said Domingo, also the chair of the Movement Against Disinformation.
In response, Ferdinand Topacio, Quiboloy’s lawyer, asserted their commitment to exhaust all judicial remedies, alleging that “some powerful individuals” were determined to persecute his client. Quiboloy himself has vehemently denied accusations of sexual abuse by female personal assistants or “pastorals,” attributing the claims to rejection.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian urged Quiboloy to surrender himself to authorities, emphasizing the need to respect the legal process. Gatchalian stressed that with the issuance of the arrest warrant, Quiboloy now has the opportunity to present his defense in a formal court setting.
“Dapat galangin niya (Quiboloy) ang proseso. Ang warrant ngayon means na ito ay formal court na pwede niyang ipaliwanag doon sa korte, sa formal court, puwede niyang depensahan ang sarili niya. At pwede niya ring ipaliwanag ‘yung kanyang side,” said Gatchalian.
Meanwhile, Domingo highlighted the Senate’s authority to summon Quiboloy for separate hearings into the alleged abuses. He emphasized the importance of facing legal proceedings and urged adherence to the rule of law.
“The investigation of the Senate is according to its rules and procedures in aid of legislation. Face the music. Follow the rule of law. Huwag na nating patagalin pa ito,” Domingo stated.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla has previously affirmed the commitment of his agency to uphold the law and protect children from exploitation and abuse. Besides the court-issued arrest warrant, the Senate has a standing arrest order for Quiboloy due to his repeated refusal to appear before the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, which also probes into the alleged crimes.
