Manila: Malaca±ang on Monday said a decision on the United States' (US) request to extradite detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is expected in a "couple of weeks". Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has been informed of the extradition request but wants the matter thoroughly studied before a decision is made.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized that President Marcos has requested a careful examination of the case, reflecting the importance and sensitivity of the matter. "'Sinabi po niya na kailangan 'tong pag-aralang mabuti. Pero in a couple of weeks ay magbibigay po sila ng anunsyo kung ano ang magiging desisyon (He said that this needs to be studied carefully. However, in a couple of weeks, they will announce what the decision will be)," Castro said during a Palace briefing.

The extradition request is an option under the Philippines-US Extradition Treaty, which allows for the temporary surrender of a person who is being prosecuted or serving a sentence in the requested country. The US Department of State has officially submitted the extradition request to the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ).

The request arises from a 2021 US indictment against Quiboloy on charges that include sex trafficking of minors, fraud, and bulk cash smuggling. The Philippines and the US have been bound by an extradition treaty since 1994.

The DOJ has previously stated that it will review the extensive records provided by the Department of Foreign Affairs before making a recommendation on the appropriate course of action.