Manila: Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros announced that the Philippines has a legal foundation to temporarily extradite Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, to the United States under the PH-US Extradition Treaty. She highlighted Article 11 of the treaty, which permits the surrender of an individual facing prosecution in the country for trial abroad, with the possibility of returning them after foreign proceedings are completed.
According to Philippines News Agency, Hontiveros emphasized that Quiboloy's alleged victims in the US have been awaiting justice for an extended period. She criticized the prolongation of their fight and accused Quiboloy of leveraging his influence to dodge accountability, citing efforts to intimidate witnesses and evade Senate hearings. By allowing temporary surrender, Hontiveros argued that the Philippines could ensure continuity of local cases while assisting victims in the US.
The US government had formally requested Quiboloy's extradition earlier this year, following a 2021 indictment in California that included charges such as sex trafficking of minors, fraud, and bulk cash smuggling. House Deputy Minority Leader, Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cenda±a, also called on the justice department to expedite the extradition request, stressing that delays would hinder justice for victims.
Cenda±a expressed concerns about Quiboloy's extensive power and influence, which he warned could pose risks to witnesses and investigations. He highlighted that even in detention, Quiboloy maintained significant political and religious sway, potentially undermining investigations and endangering witnesses. Cenda±a referenced recent hearings led by Hontiveros that unveiled distressing testimonies of coercion and abuse.
Cenda±a portrayed Quiboloy as someone who abused his authority to exploit the vulnerable and supported his urgent extradition to the United States to ensure justice. He asserted that no individual, regardless of claims to divinity, is above the law, especially when accused of severe crimes against children and humanity.
