By JOEL C. ESCOL, Managing Editor
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), filed a certificate of candidacy (COC) for the 2025 senatorial race, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Quiboloy, currently detained on charges of qualified human trafficking and sexual abuse, filed his COC through an authorized representative, lawyer Mark Tolentino. Quiboloy is running under the Workers’ and Peasants’ Party (WPP) banner.
However, Atty. Sonny Matula, president of the WPP, denied signing Quiboloy’s certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA), raising questions about its legitimacy. Matula stated on X that neither he nor the other two authorized signatories, WPP Chair Atty. Ariel Arias and Senior Vice President Dr. Oscar Morado, had signed Quiboloy’s CONA. The party plans to inquire with Comelec about the issue.
Despite the controversy, Tolentino emphasized that Quiboloy’s campaign would focus on religious freedom and the protection of the poor and marginalized. Quiboloy’s platform, according to Tolentino, would be “God-centered, Philippine-centered, and Filipino-centered.”
Quiboloy, a close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, has faced numerous allegations, including sexual abuse by underage KOJC members and charges of sex trafficking and cash smuggling in the United States. US authorities have accused him of orchestrating a scheme to bring church members to the US through fraudulent visas, forcing them to solicit donations for a fake charity that funded the lavish lifestyles of KOJC leaders.
The upcoming midterm elections in 2025 will fill 12 of the 24 Senate seats, along with more than 18,000 congressional and local government positions across the country.
Is Quiboloy qualified?
Despite being detained, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is still legally allowed to file his candidacy for the 2025 senatorial elections. Commission on Elections (Comelec) spokesperson Rex Laudiangco clarified that the Comelec’s role in accepting certificates of candidacy (COCs) is ministerial, as outlined in Section 76 of the Omnibus Election Code.
Laudiangco explained that filing a COC and being accepted as an official candidate are separate issues. Even individuals facing charges can file, and disqualification can only occur if they are convicted with a penalty that includes “perpetual disqualification” from holding office. The Comelec has the authority to cancel a COC if a legal decision mandates it.
Quiboloy, who refers to himself as the “Appointed Son of God,” is currently facing multiple legal charges related to his leadership of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). He has been charged with non-bailable trafficking in persons before a Pasig City court, where he pleaded not guilty. Additionally, Quiboloy faces child and sexual abuse charges in a Quezon City court.
In August, the Court of Appeals ordered the freezing of Quiboloy’s bank accounts and those of his media network, Sonshine Media International. These actions were taken amid the growing legal scrutiny surrounding his activities.
Furthermore, Quiboloy is wanted by the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on charges related to trafficking, making him the subject of both local and international legal challenges. Despite these ongoing cases, Quiboloy has been able to maintain his bid for a Senate seat, highlighting the complexities of election law and legal processes in the Philippines. ###
