Jamayka Rhose Pascual

Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy, facing multiple criminal charges, has filed his certificate of candidacy for senatorial bid through his lawyer Mark Tolentino, prompting criticism from senator Risa Hontiveros.

Photo Courtesy of Senator Risa Hontiveros/PhilSTAR/Daily Tribune.

“Apollo Quiboloy, magkaroon naman kayo ng kaunting hiya,” she said in a press conference on October 10.

Quiboloy is on the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most wanted list for charges related to human trafficking, child abuse, and sexual offenses, now held under police custody.

“Para sa isang taong humaharap sa patong-patong na kaso kabilang ang human trafficking at child abuse, at nagtago pa nga sa batas, nagkaroon pa talaga kayo ng lakas ng loob na ipresenta ang iyong sarili sa taumbayan para maging mambabatas,” Hontiveros added.

She acknowledged that anyone has the right to run for public office but reminded voters to assess the moral integrity of the candidates carefully.

“Kasi ang dapat po binoboto ay mga lawmakers, hindi lawbreakers,” she emphasized.

The Senate is also set to resume probing regarding Quiboloy’s case and his co-defendants on October 23.

This investigation follows after one of Quiboloy’s co-accused, Marissa Duenas entered the plea deal with the US Attorney's Office for the Central District of California.

"As chair of the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, I also hope that Ms. Duenas - given her position in KOJC- would be open to participating in our continuing investigation on the various allegations of abuses and criminal acts by Quiboloy," Hontiveros stated.

According to Hontiveros, Duenas’ cooperation helped secure accountability for Quiboloy’s alleged crimes.

Hontiveros further urged those involved to cooperate with the authorities and reveal the truth behind Quiboloy’s abuses.

"Sana ay pakinggan nila ang kanilang konsensya, at isiwalat na ang buong katotohanan at ang lahat ng kanilang nalalaman,” she said.

Hontiveros also encouraged the Department of Justice to extend needed legal assistance to those co-accused who are willing to cooperate.