Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Friday that the Philippines has the legal right to allow Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy to be sent temporarily to the United States, which has been asking for him to face trial there.
She explained that under the Philippines–US Extradition Treaty, even if Quiboloy still has cases in Philippine courts, he can still be turned over to the US. After his trial in America, he would be sent back to the Philippines to face his cases here.
Hontiveros, who led the Senate’s probe into the alleged abuses inside KOJC, said this is important because victims in the US have already waited too long for justice.
“It’s not right to make them wait any longer. If we delay, we are denying them their chance to be heard,” she stressed.
She added that by allowing his temporary surrender, justice would be served in both countries. The Philippines would not lose its own cases against Quiboloy, while at the same time helping the US victims finally have their day in court.
Why the US Wants Him
The United States is seeking Quiboloy’s extradition because he is facing serious charges there, including:
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Child sex trafficking
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Sex with minors
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Fraud
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Money laundering
The US government already sent official documents to the Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) in June 2025 to back up their request. Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez confirmed that US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and Justice Secretary Crispin Remulla will meet soon to discuss this matter.
Calls for Action
Akbayan Partylist Rep. Perci Cendaña also urged the DOJ to move fast, stressing that Quiboloy should not escape accountability.
“Quiboloy must face charges of human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse of minors. These are not small crimes — they show the huge power he had and how he used it to harm others,” Cendaña said.
He added that testimonies and indictments show Quiboloy as someone who abused his authority and twisted faith to commit crimes against the vulnerable.
Quiboloy’s Side
Meanwhile, Quiboloy’s legal team argued that the Philippine courts should decide first on his local cases before the government acts on the US extradition request.
In the Philippines, Quiboloy is already facing:
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Qualified human trafficking charges (non-bailable) in Pasig City for sexual abuse and labor exploitation.
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Child protection cases in Quezon City under the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
In July 2025, the Pasig Regional Trial Court denied Quiboloy’s petition for bail, meaning he must stay in detention while facing these serious cases.
👉 This clash between the Philippines’ own justice system and the US demand for extradition has now become a high-stakes legal and political battle, with both countries watching closely how it unfolds.
