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Pressure is intensifying for the Dutertes as former President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Sara Duterte now face investigation for their potential roles in shielding controversial religious leader Apollo Quiboloy from law enforcement.

Photo Courtesy of BBC/The Manila Times/Manila Standard.

GABRIELA Partylist Rep. Arlene Brosas and several lawmakers urged authorities to scrutinize the Dutertes' ties to Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) sect, who is accused of crimes including human trafficking and sexual abuse.

“We cannot allow this culture of impunity to persist,” Brosas said.

"No one should be above the law, and justice must be served for the victims, especially young girls who have suffered under Quiboloy’s hands.”

Brosas also pointed to Quiboloy's earlier statements, where he revealed that former President Duterte had been appointed as administrator of KOJC properties, including its vast compound in Davao City, raising questions about the former president’s role in enabling Quiboloy to evade arrest.

Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua emphasized that Duterte’s involvement with KOJC cannot be ignored, especially since Quiboloy’s recent arrest took place within the sect’s compound. 

“The public deserves clear answers about Duterte’s role,” Chua said, adding that Duterte’s position as administrator places him “at the center of this unfolding scandal.”

Chua also questioned Vice President Sara Duterte’s previous claims that Quiboloy had left Davao, accusing her of potentially misleading the public to protect the religious leader. 

“Her assurances that Quiboloy was no longer in the compound now appear to be misleading, if not intentionally deceptive,” Chua added.

Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon also warned that former President Duterte could be held liable for harboring a fugitive under Philippine law. 

He added that Duterte’s status as KOJC administrator places him in a precarious position, saying, “It can even be a basis for a petition for disbarment.”

Bongalon also implicated Senator Ronald dela Rosa, suggesting he and the Vice President may have attempted to divert police attention when authorities were serving Quiboloy’s arrest warrant. 

Quiboloy, who has long been mired in allegations of abuse and exploitation, is facing charges in the United States and the Philippines. 

His surrender after a 24-hour ultimatum followed a 16-day police search of the KOJC compound in Davao, where he and several others were arrested.

Rep. Brosas and other representatives from Congress stressed the need for accountability not only for Quiboloy but also for those who may have protected him. 

“The gravity of Quiboloy’s crimes cannot be overstated,” Brosas said.

“He must face the full extent of the law, and those who aided his actions, including powerful officials, must be held accountable.”