A Pasig City court has directed detained televangelist and senatorial candidate Apollo Quiboloy to explain the unauthorized airing of his pre-recorded video message during a gathering of his followers. The video was played at a prayer service organized by the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) on February 9 and posted on the SMNI News Channel’s Facebook page on February 10.
Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa of the Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 159 issued a show cause order to Quiboloy and his legal counsel, Atty. Israeli to Torreon, granting them five days to justify why the video was aired without the court’s prior approval. This action is perceived as a potential violation of the court guidelines concerning Quiboloy’s communications during his detention.
Quiboloy, the founder of KOJC, has been in custody at the Pasig City Jail since November 2024, following his arrest on charges of human trafficking and child abuse. Despite his incarceration, he filed his candidacy for the Senate in the upcoming May midterm elections, a move facilitated by his legal team. Philippine law does not disqualify individuals facing charges from running for public office unless they have been convicted with all appeals exhausted.
The unauthorized broadcast of Quiboloy’s message has raised concerns about the enforcement of court-imposed restrictions on detainees. Judge Estacio-Montesa emphasized the necessity for strict adherence to established protocols to prevent undue influence on the public and to maintain the integrity of the judicial process. The court’s directive seeks to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the video’s release and to determine whether any sanctions are warranted for the apparent breach.
In response to the court’s order, Atty. Torreon stated that they would comply and provide the necessary explanation within the allotted timeframe. He maintained that the airing of the video was intended to address and encourage Quiboloy’s supporters, asserting that it was conducted in good faith. However, he acknowledged the court’s authority and expressed readiness to abide by its directives.
This incident adds to the ongoing legal challenges faced by Quiboloy, who has consistently denied the allegations against him, describing them as baseless and orchestrated by individuals aiming to discredit his religious organization. The outcome of the court’s inquiry into the unauthorized video broadcast may have implications for his detention conditions and his political aspirations.
As the situation develops, the public and Quiboloy’s followers await the court’s decision regarding any potential repercussions stemming from the unauthorized dissemination of his message. The case underscores the delicate balance between an individual’s right to communicate and the necessity to uphold judicial protocols, especially in high-profile legal proceedings.