PASIG CITY, Philippines — July 21, 2025 — The Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 159 has denied the bail petitions of controversial Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and five of his co-accused in a qualified human trafficking case.
In a resolution promulgated on July 20, 2025, Acting Presiding Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa ruled that the prosecution had presented strong evidence of guilt, warranting the denial of bail. Alongside Quiboloy, the court also rejected the petitions of Sylvia Cemañes, Paulene Canada, Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, and Ingrid Canada.
“Given these pieces of evidence against all the accused at this point, which establish a great presumption of guilt for purposes of bail, the court must deny their petitions,” the resolution read.
The court outlined the alleged roles of each accused in facilitating or directly participating in acts of human trafficking. Quiboloy, as the religious leader of KOJC, was identified as the central authority figure who persuaded the victim—then a minor—to become a “miracle worker” and subjected her to sexual exploitation through a so-called “bodily connection ministry.”
Meanwhile, co-accused Cemañes allegedly initiated the recruitment process by convincing the victim’s father to allow his daughters to attend KOJC’s youth congress, which ultimately led to the reported abuse.
Judge Estacio-Montesa cited the doctrine of implied conspiracy, stating that the coordinated acts of the accused demonstrated a common intent to commit the alleged crimes. “These overt acts… are sufficient to prove the existence of a tacit understanding and common intent to commit the unlawful acts complained of,” the court said.
Despite the bail denial, the judge clarified that the ruling is not yet a determination of guilt. “There remains a long process ahead, and both parties have the opportunity to present further evidence,” she added.
Quiboloy’s legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon, announced plans to file a motion for reconsideration. He argued that the resolution did not reflect damaging admissions made by the alleged victim during cross-examination.
Torreon also condemned threats reportedly made against the Pasig RTC personnel. “We deny any involvement and urge authorities to investigate and file charges against the perpetrators,” he said.
Quiboloy was arrested in Davao City on September 8, 2024, and has since pleaded not guilty. The high-profile case continues to unfold as the trial proceeds.