Recent buzz in the Philippines once again features Apollo Quiboloy, a prominent televangelist and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Quiboloy finds himself involved in a legal case, facing charges ranging from human trafficking to sexual abuses, both locally and internationally. During a recent press conference in Davao City, Former President Rodrigo Duterte shared surprising insights into Quiboloy’s potential location amid ongoing legal issues.
Duterte, known for his straightforward approach, dismissed rumors of his involvement in Quiboloy’s evasion of authorities with conviction. “I will give lots of money to anyone who can find Quiboloy in my house,” Duterte stated. This comment, while appearing lighthearted, highlights Duterte’s position of non-involvement in Quiboloy’s legal issues.
Furthermore, Duterte explained the difficulties in locating Quiboloy within the expansive confines of Barangay Tamayong in Calinan District, Davao City. With characteristic pragmatism, Duterte highlighted the need for meticulous search warrants, emphasizing the challenges of searching through Tamayong’s extensive residential area. “Tamayong is a big place with many houses. Be sure that Pastor Quiboloy is in one of those houses, because for every house you would need a different search warrant,” Duterte stressed the critical need for strict adherence to procedures in the pursuit of justice.
However, amidst Duterte’s claims of ignorance regarding Quiboloy’s precise whereabouts, a profound irony emerges. Duterte asserts himself as the administrator of Kingdom of Jesus Christ properties. Therefore, he assumes a quasi-guardianship over Quiboloy’s sanctuaries, invoking a duty to “preserve the kingdom [so it would] not go into waste.”
However, Quiboloy’s situation goes beyond local borders, affecting a global audience. Allegations of human trafficking and sexual abuses, alongside an ongoing legal case in the United States, add an international aspect to Quiboloy’s challenges. A recent development involving a California court’s unsealing of arrest warrants against Quiboloy stresses the gravity of the charges leveled against him, intensifying scrutiny on his undisclosed location.
Despite facing increased legal pressure, Quiboloy continues to stand firm, adamantly refusing to surrender to Philippine authorities. Duterte’s advice for Quiboloy to tackle his legal issues directly, alongside his concerns about the fairness of the current administration, emphasizes the complexity of Quiboloy’s predicament.
As the story of Apollo Quiboloy continues, it highlights the complex relationship between faith, power, and justice. Amidst the legal chaos, Duterte’s denial of involvement highlights the significance of accountability in public affairs. Nevertheless, Quiboloy’s dual role as a pastor and a controversial figure raises questions about his integrity, as allegations and legal challenges continue to overshadow his religious leadership.
