SENATOR Risa Hontiveros wants a Senate investigation into the alleged criminal activities of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) under its leader Apollo Quiboloy who styled himself as the “anointed son of God.”
Meanwhile, Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas urged the Marcos administration to work on the speedy extradition of fugitive Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Davao City-based KOJC to the United States to face serious charges including sex trafficking.
Quiboloy and other officials of the KOJC were indicted by a grand jury in California in 2021 for “conspiracy to engage in sex by force, fraud and coercion.”
Considering that the crimes were committed within the territorial jurisdiction of the Philippines, and considering that others are taking place even at present as Quiboloy remains free to run the operations of the KOJC, Hontiveros said it was imperative that an investigation be undertaken immediately.
“An investigation in aid of legislation will allow us to determine whether our updated human trafficking laws are able to cover large scale and systemic acts of trafficking done under the cover of a religious organization,” Hontiveros stressed.
According to Hontiveros, Quiboloy should be investigated for large-scale human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse and violence, and chuld abuse.
She said it was reported that Quiboloy demanded strict obedience from his full-time followers through brainwashing, psychological manipulation, and constant threats of eternal condemnation.
“Whereas, Quiboloy maintains a stable of women called ‘pastorals, ‘ who occupied a prestigious position in the organization because they are tasked to perform special personal tasks and errands for him,” Hontiveros” proposed Senate Resolution No. 884 stated.
Citing her informants, the senator said the pastorals were divided into the inner circle and the innermost of the inner circle, with the latter category being made to perform acts of sexual nature and the former category being made to perform other personal tasks such as washing his clothes, bathing him, cleaning his bedroom and giving him a massage.
The senator also emphasized that some of these pastorals were minors during their recruitment and during the period they were made to perform sexual services.
“Apollo Quiboloy allegedly coerces the members of the organization- many of whom are minors- to perform exploitative acts, such as begging in the streets and soliciting money from strangers,” Hontiveros noted.
The informants also told Hontiveros that those who were not able to meet monetary quotas they find themselves severely whipped or subjected to humiliation.
Invoking the rule of law and ensuring accountability, Brosas underscored the importance of the government’s immediate compliance to the US request for Quiboloy’s extradition, saying this would also allow the KOJC leader to answer the charges against him.
Such extradition aligns with the principles of strengthening the country’s democratic institutions and fostering an accountability culture, Brosas said.
“The government must immediately extradite Quiboloy. What is the Department of Justice doing? He has to face this heinous charge,” she added.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said Quiboloy is wanted for his alleged participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members to the US via fraudulently obtained visas, and forced the members to solicit donations for a bogus charity, donations that actually were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyles of its leaders.
KOJC members who were successful at soliciting for the church were forced to enter into sham marriages or obtain fraudulent student visas to continue soliciting in the United States year-round.
Brosas said Quiboloy should also be investigated in connection with his Sonshine Media Network International’s (SMNI) ownership after the network’s lawyer denied that that televangelist was the owner.
The House committee on legislative franchises launched its investigation into potential violations of the SMNI franchise with some of its anchors having been accused of spreading fake news and engaging in red-tagging.
SMNI and its allies, led by Laban Kasama ang Bayan anchors Jeffrey Celiz and Lorraine Badoy, were detained at the House of Representatives for not naming the source of their alleged fake news, lying under oath, and unruly behavior against supposed possible violations of their franchise.
Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel, along with ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, said the hunger strike of Celiz and Badoy would not clear them of accountability.