Opinion: Unfiltered Views
THE SAGA of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, Inc., is one that seems to be shrouded in controversy and legal battles.
His steadfast refusal to face Senate and House of Representative’s investigations and his entanglements with the law both in the Philippines and the United States raise serious questions about accountability and the nature of his organization.
In the Philippines, Quiboloy’s name has been linked to various controversies, including allegations of illegal recruitment and human trafficking. His organization’s alleged involvement in political affairs and accusations of financial impropriety have further mired his reputation. Despite these issues, Quiboloy, who claimed himself as the “Appointed Son of God”, has remained elusive, avoiding confrontations with authorities and the media citing his personal safety and alleged political motives of his nemesis.
The situation took a dramatic turn when Quiboloy was detained in Hawaii in 2018 after authorities found a substantial amount of cash and parts of firearms in his private plane. While he was eventually released, the incident cast a shadow over his activities and raised questions about the sources of his wealth.
In the United States, Quiboloy faces legal challenges, including lawsuits alleging labor exploitation and human trafficking. The U.S. Department of Justice has also charged individuals associated with his church for reportedly trafficking children from the Philippines to work in the United States. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) placed him under list of Most Wanted, and recently, the process of his arrest warrant was apparently unsealed.
Quiboloy’s continued refusal to address these allegations directly through Senate investigations or legal proceedings is troubling. It raises concerns about transparency and accountability, especially given his status as a religious leader with a significant following of around seven million.
For Quiboloy’s refusal to attend hearings on the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality, Committee Chairperson Senator Risa Hontiveros moved to cite him in contempt. However, this was objected to by Quiboloy’s friend Senator Robin Padilla who said “He was a Hero” who fights insurgency. Eventually, Padilla was given seven days to gather eight majority votes among his colleagues at the Committee, but as of the last update, he only got 4 votes – Senator Imee Marcos, Senator Cynthia Villar, Senator Christopher Bong Go and himself (Padilla) . Senator JV Ejercito, who had earlier agreed to join them to block the contempt, changed his mind.
Quiboloy, in his latest public statement, said he will only attend if the Senate can agree to the 17 conditions set by him. These conditions include the unmasking of witnesses, his and his security escorts expenses on a 5-star hotel accommodation, dietary food, jet fuel, to cross-examine the witnesses including the Senate committee in unlimited time, among other conditions. This was immediately dismissed by Committee chair Hontiveros, saying Quiboloy cannot just decide what to do inside the chamber. The Senate cannot adjust for Quiboloy. Both the Senate and the Lower House, who also issued subpoena to Quiboloy said PACQ will be arrested if he continues to ignore the summons and subpoenas of both Houses.
While Quiboloy, who claimed himself to be a “revolutionary preacher”, and his organization deny these allegations and attribute them to political motives, the weight of evidence and legal actions suggest otherwise. The evasion tactics employed by Quiboloy only serve to fuel suspicions and undermine trust in his leadership. Quiboloy said he will only attend to a proper venue for the hearing which is at the Justice Department.
As a religious leader, Quiboloy should be held to a higher standard of accountability and transparency. His refusal to cooperate with investigations and face the legal consequences of his actions only deepens the cloud of doubt that hangs over him and his organization.
I think it is time for Pastor Quiboloy to step out of the shadows and address these issues head-on, for the sake of his followers and the integrity of his ministry.
