Why Apollo Quiboloy Isn't Going to Trial (Yet), Despite the Disturbing Allegations and Sanctions
Controversial Filipino preacher Apollo Quiboloy's wanted poster has been up on the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Most Wanted list for Human Trafficking since February. Yet, he has continued to evade serious charges of human rights abuses. Recently, the United States Department of Treasury imposed its own sanctions on the pastor, effectively freezing all his U.S. assets.
But this new development is only a precursor to would-be proceedings on the case. As an influential person in media and religion in the Philippines, it would take a long time before Quiboloy actually goes to trial.
Some Disturbing Allegations
This isn't the first set of allegations brought against the pastor. In 2015, the FBI was already investigating him for human trafficking in Hawaii. The agency would eventually indict him in November 2021 for “conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children; conspiracy; bulk cash smuggling.”
In the federal indictment, it is alleged that Quiboloy had trafficked "pastorals." These KOJC members worked for him as his personal assistants. They were said to have been directed to have "night duty," which meant sex with the pastor on a schedule. The young women had traveled with him to the U.S., as well.
In February of the following year, the FBI published Quiboloy's wanted poster. Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name (KOJC) officials Teresita Dandan and Helen Panilag were also issued separate wanted posters. Quiboloy had been quick to dismiss the accusations as politically motivated and bogus. He and his lawyers have also asserted that the administration saw him as a threat.
To coincide with International Human Rights Day and Anti-Corruption Day last December 10, the U.S. Treasury Department slapped Quiboloy with sanctions of their own. Executive Order No. 13818 freezes U.S.-based assets of those who are found to be “responsible for or complicit in, or to have directly or indirectly engaged in, serious human rights abuse."
“For more than a decade, Apollo Carreon Quiboloy engaged in serious human rights abuse, including a pattern of systemic and pervasive rape of girls as young as 11 years old, as well as other physical abuse,” the U.S. Treasury said in a statement.
Los Angeles-based lawyer Manny Medrano responded to the sanctions by saying: "This press release, this document, frankly is outrageous, it’s simple grandstanding, it’s utter politics by the United States government." Quiboloy lawyer Ferdinand Topacio also claimed that this was done to influence the elections.
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Quiboloy's Powerful Connections
The self-proclaimed "Appointed Son of God" hasn't exactly been laying low since the allegations went public.
The televangelist controls both the restorationist church Kingdom of Jesus Christ and Swara Sug Media Corporation, the parent company of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). He has backed the campaigns of former president Rodrigo Duterte and current president Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos, Jr. Duterte even considers the pastor as his long-time spiritual adviser.
Duterte and Quiboloy have long been fixtures in Davao's public life and inner elite circle. The pastor has been known to sit with the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyos and Marcoses of the world. His network, SMNI, has consistently been called out for red-tagging and partial, at-times ethically questionable reportage, as well.
A complainant in Davao had also come forward a few years ago, accusing the pastor of rape back in 2014. In 2020, Davao prosecutors later dismissed the rape and human trafficking cases against Quiboloy.
What Has to Happen for a Trial to Push Through
HUMAN RIGHTS OF PASTOR APOLLO WERE VIOLATED
— SMNI News (@smninews) December 11, 2022
Giit ni Atty. Ferdinand Topacio na nalabag ang mga karapatang pantao ni Pastor Apollo C. Quiboloy dahil pinatawan na ito ng US government ng sanctions kahit wala pang napapatunayan sa mga kinakaharap niyang mga kaso.
(1/2) pic.twitter.com/N53E7JPbOQ
Department of Justice spokesperson Mico Clavano explained that it is still too "premature" for the agency to speak about the potential indictment. The agency is said to be currently reviewing the case. But the thing is, even if they consult with U.S. legal experts, luminaries, and attached agencies, the department will have to need an extradition request from the FBI for Quiboloy to go to trial. Extraditions, as we know, are political acts.
In an interview with TeleRadyo, former University of the Philippines Law Dean Pacifico Agabin said that the FBI couldn't go after the televangelist as long as he is still in the Philippines.
The U.S. government can nevertheless submit a request for extradition if the evidence is strong. Should the Department of Foreign Affairs get one, the current chief, Enrique Manalo, will consult with the President about the matter.
"Ang gagawin ng Amerika ay kailangan magpadala ng extradition request dito sa Pilipinas. Ang extradition maraming proseso ang kailangan doon. Kung 'di papayag si Presidente, walang magagawa ang Amerika. Kung ma extradite si Pastor, doon lang magkakaroon ng trial sa Amerika," Agabin noted.
The President may still refuse the request. If that happens, the U.S. may put some more pressure on the Philippines in the form of sanctions and the like.
Progressive lawmakers have also urged the president to act swiftly on the issue. “Such developments should compel the Marcos Jr. administration to conduct an exhaustive investigation on Pastor Quiboloy’s offenses and financial transactions and enable victims to come forward through a witness protection program,” said GABRIELA party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas.
