MANILA, Philippines – Doomsday preacher Apollo Quiboloy and several of his associates fromthe Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) are now under intense scrutiny, with no less than the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) running after them.

Quiboloy has been on the FBI’s most wanted list since early 2022 for sex trafficking of children and promotional money laundering, among others. According to the US law enforcement agency, the pastor also forced members to “solicit donations for a bogus charity, donations that actually were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyle of its leaders.”

What is this lavish lifestyle? A Rappler investigation found three properties in the US and Canada estimated to be worth $6.10 million (P338 million), linked to Quiboloy and the KOJC. These are in addition to properties in Davao City. 

Aside from being a constant in the life of President Rodrigo Duterte during his stint as Davao City mayor, what else is there to know about Quiboloy?

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‘Appointed Son of God’

Born on April 25, 1950, in Davao City, Quiboloy said he was born on “the prayer mountain” to Kapampangan parents who went to Mindanao after World War II to find better jobs. After spending his formative years in Pampanga, his family went back to Mindanao, where he finished high school. 

After graduating from “Bible College” in the early 1970s, Quiboloy spent 4 years with the United Pentecostal Church, where he did evangelistic work.

In 1985, Quiboloy founded the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name. With only 15 members, he began preaching in Agdao, Davao City. The sect now claims to have 4 million followers across the country and another 2 million overseas. 

As the “Appointed Son of God,” Quiboloy now serves as a senior pastor of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. He also oversees the operation of Sonshine Media Network International – the broadcasting network he launched in 1989 – and a string of radio stations, newspapers, and magazines.

Landgrabber?

A sprawling 8-hectare compound houses the headquarters of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, Quiboloy’s mansion, and the Jose Maria College, a school he founded and named after his parents.  

The compound’s structures were the “brainchild” of Quiboloy himself, according to the group’s website. It added that “piped-in centralized music is played all over the place, 24 hours a day.”

The pastor has been accused of landgrabbing – mostly from indigenous peoples – as a bid to expand his compound in Davao City.

In 2008, the New People’s Army (NPA) accused Quiboloy of killing K’lata-Bagobos leader Datu Domingo Diarog and his family after they refused to sell their land to the pastor. Quibology slammed the accusations as “baseless.”

In 2014, a Lumad group from Barangay Manuel Guianga decried the forceful entry of at least 40 armed men, who ordered them to leave their homes. The men allegedly were hired by Quiboloy so that he could extend his “kingdom.” 

Duterte’s friend, then critic

The extravagant lifestyle of Quiboloy is in contrast with the “simple” life Duterte allegedly lives. The pastor owns, among others, a 2015 Cessna Citation Sovereign Plus and a Bell 429 helicopter, which the President has refused to use.

Duterte previously admitted receiving valuable gifts from Quiboloy throughout the course of their “30-year” friendship. Among those were 3 properties in Woodridge Park, Ma-a, Davao City. 

A constant presence in Duterte’s life as Davao City mayor, Quiboloy slowly faded away when the strongman was elected president.

In fact, in May 2016, the camp of Quiboloy expressed disappointment over Duterte’s rejection of his offer to help in the selection of his Cabinet appointees despite saying that he would not interfere in matters of national interest. This came after Quiboloy predicted a landslide victory for Duterte, whom he referred to as a “sheep in wolf’s clothing.” 

The Duterte camp was quick to apologize to Quiboloy.

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Among FBI’s most wanted 

Quiboloy and two of his associates, Teresita Dandan and Helen Panilag, are part of the FBI’s most wanted list. The bureau said Quiboloy’s followers were also forced into sham marriages or asked to obtain fraudulent visas to continue soliciting donations for the church.

He is also accused of treating his “pastorals” as servers, requiring them to have sex with him, among others. This practice is allegedly referred to as “night duty.”

Several former KOJC members have come forward to share their experiences.

A Senate committee has cited him in contempt and has sought his arrest after failing to attend hearings. This move was unsuccessfully blocked by Senator Robin Padilla. On March 13, the Senate panel led by Senator Risa Hontiveros gave Quiboloy 48 hours to explain why he should not be arrested. – Rappler.com

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The Senate committee on women children, family relations, and gender equality served the show cause order to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader on Wednesday, March 13, which was received by Quiboloy’s office in Makati.

“You are hereby ordered to show cause within a non-extendible period of forty eight (48) hours from receipt of this Order why you should not be ordered arrested and detained at the Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms,” the show cause order read.

Issuing a show cause order is part of the due process followed by the Senate after it issued a contempt order against Quiboloy. This came after Senator Robin Padilla’s failed attempt to block the contempt order issued by the Senate panel.

ALSO ON RAPPLER

• Inside Apollo Quiboloy’s lavish world: Mansions, rich-and-famous lifestyle in North America
• Duterte becomes Quiboloy group’s property administrator
• As Quiboloy hides, US government moves on arrest warrant
• PRIMER: Investigations, cases against Apollo Quiboloy

In an interview with ANC’s Headstart, Hontiveros said that the Senate’s Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms will be the one to arrest Quiboloy or in case they cannot locate him, the Senate will ask assistance from the Philippine National Police. – Rappler.com

Here’s Senator Robin Padilla:

“Para sa akin nagiging biktima si Pastor kasi nilabanan nya yong NPA. Nasaan ang utang na loob natin sa serbisyo ng taong ito. Hindi deserve sa mata ko na ang isang taong sa tingin ko ay bayani sa pakikipaglaban nya sa komnista, na kasama ako, eh, ganitong klase papayagan ko na maiskandalo. Teka muna.” (“For me, Pastor becomes a victim because he fought the NPA. Where is our debt of gratitude to this man’s service? It is not worthy in my eyes that a person who I think is a hero in his fight against the communists, with me, eh, this kind of thing I will allow to be scandalized. Wait first.”)

It is embarrassing to listen to a senator of the republic talking in disjointed sentences, and in his mother tongue of Filipino at that. In any case, what the 54-year-old senator is trying to say is that 73-year-old Quiboloy is a victim because he fought the New People’s Army (NPA). The NPA is the military wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

We haven’t really gotten over the scandal perpetuated by another cult leader, Jey Rence Quilario, also known as “Senior Agila”, the leader of the Socorro Bayanihan Services Inc. (SBSI). After a lengthy Senate probe, the National Bureau of Investigation on November 7, 2023, arrested Quilario and 12 other SBSI members on suspicion of sexually abusing children and leading a cult. The cult is accused of sexually enslaving children in a remote area in Surigao del Norte.

Quiboloy, founder of the Philippines-based Restorationist church called the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and self-appointed Son of God, couldn’t care less about the communist rebels. Even if he did fight them, there is no correlation between his alleged victimization and his political belief. Padilla is also trying to convey the idea that the billionaire-preacher is a hero, like the senator himself (as he interjects), and that people should not drag his name in the scandal. 

Wanted in the US

Well, the issue is no mere scandalous gossip. There are two grave accusations against Quiboloy: alleged rape of minors and exploitation of his so-called “spiritual workers” by subjecting them to street begging in the Philippines and abroad, particularly in the US and Canada, to support his lavish lifestyle (such as, owning a private jet and helicopters, a fleet of luxury vehicles, and a mansion fit for a Middle Eastern emir).

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For these reasons the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality, chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros, has invited the preacher to explain his side and, when he failed to appear on the appointed date, cited him for contempt and issued a warrant of arrest against him. Quiboloy is reportedly asking the Senate for conditions before he appears in the probe which Hontiveros has shut down.

But the Senate investigation could become moot and academic. A district court judge in California, Terry Hatter Jr., recently unsealed at the request of the US Attorney in that State the arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused.

Quiboloy is facing charges in the US for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking of children by force, fraud, coercion, and bulk cash smuggling. He is in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Most Wanted list.

According to legal observers, the unsealing of the arrest order is the first step leading to the extradition of the accused from the Philippines to the US.

Unlike the International Criminal Court, whose jurisdiction in the Philippines is being questioned by former President Rodrigo Duterte, et al, the extradition treaty between the US and the Philippines is straightforward and not subject to interpretation.

The Philippines is duty-bound to extradite Quiboloy, as it did in the case of then-congressman Mark Jimenez, whose charges were not as serious as Quiboloy’s. The latter was picked up by agents of the FBI and brought to the US to stand trial for a lesser offense of campaign contribution violation and serve his sentence there.

Quiboloy is facing capital offenses that could land him in jail for a long, long time.

It is not only Padilla who is trying to shield Quiboloy from the Senate investigation. He is joined by a like-minded senator, Cynthia Villar, who is also clueless about government procedures and bereft of the concept of fairness and justice. Most people watching the Senate proceedings find the female senator’s pronouncements and behavior unacceptable.

Explaining her signature in the proposed resolution recalling the arrest warrant, the Villar matriarch states:

“Kaibigan ko si Pastor Quiboloy. Malapit sya sa aking pamilya, at natataka ako dyan sa kaso na yan, kaya medyo hindi ano naniniwala sa kaso na yan. Kilala ko sya personally at nakakahiya naman na ako, eh, ipapahuli ko sya. Dyos ko.” [“I know Pastor Quibooloy. He is close to my family, which is why I am surprised about that case, and I don’t believe it. I know him personally, and it would be shameful if I ordered his arrest. My God.”]

Ah, so for Villar, the reason is personal. Quiboloy is a family friend and it would be a shame to send a “good friend” to jail. Never mind that he may have victims – they could all go to hell. It is the same sentiment Padilla expresses, who says the pastor lent a helicopter for his use during the senatorial campaign.

Two other senators are trying to foil Senator Hontiveros’s efforts: Senators Christopher Lawrence Go and Imee Marcos. Padilla also identified Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito as a Quiboloy ally, but the latter has been reported to have withdrawn his signature later in the same day he signed the petition.

These Quiboloy supporters in the Senate are not guilty of hypocrisy, as some people might think, but cynicism of the most brazen kind. A hypocrite, repulsive as he may be, is at least paying homage to virtue, which is why he is offering an imitation to that very virtue as an alternative.

The cynic, on the other hand, does not hide his admiration for the evildoer and his contempt for the victims. What is important to him is the profit made and the advantage gained in the transaction.

False prophets

There are many passages in the Bible about false prophets, but this one from the New Testament, 2 Peter 2:1-3 is my favorite: “But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them, bringing upon themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their sensuality, and because of them the way of truth will be blasphemed. And in their greed they will exploit you with false words. Their condemnation from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.”

Throughout history, societies have been captivated by charismatic leaders who claim to possess divine insights or extraordinary powers. They wield significant influence over their followers, shaping beliefs, modifying behaviors, and sometimes affecting entire civilizations. Cloaked in charm and deception, they exploit the vulnerabilities of the human psyche for personal gain, leading their adherents astray. They are idolized over genuine spiritual leaders who do not have may not have their persuasive rhetoric and magnetic personality which these cult figures skillfully employ to create an illusion of authenticity, drawing  into their fold individuals seeking guidance or solace.

False prophet much like snake-oil salesmen, frequently peddle messages that appeal to the desires and fears of their audience. Whether promising wealth, salvation, or security, they exploit human vulnerabilities to manipulate emotions and foster dependency. By offering simplistic solutions to complex problems, they prey on the uncertainties and anxieties of their followers, promising deliverance in exchange for allegiance.

Blind belief

The consequences of cults ending in tragedies extend far beyond the immediate loss of life. These events shatter families, communities, and societies, leaving scars that endure for generations. They also provoke scrutiny and introspection regarding the regulation of religious and ideological groups, prompting questions about the balance between freedom of belief and the protection of vulnerable individuals.

It is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unchecked fanaticism and the importance of vigilance in safeguarding against manipulation and coercion. By addressing the underlying factors that contribute to the rise of cults and implementing measures to protect vulnerable individuals, societies can strive to prevent such tragic outcomes in the future.

Several cult leaders in the United States have led their followers to tragic outcomes. Some of the most infamous ones include:

• Jim Jones: He was the leader of the Peoples Temple, a cult that ended in tragedy with the mass suicide of over 900 of its members in Jonestown, Guyana, in 1978. This event, known as the Jonestown Massacre, is one of the largest mass suicides in history.
• David Koresh: Leader of the Branch Davidians, an offshoot of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Koresh led his followers in a standoff with federal agents at the Mount Carmel Center near Waco, Texas, in 1993. The confrontation ended in a deadly fire that killed Koresh and approximately 75 of his followers, including many children.
• Marshall Applewhite: Co-founder of the Heaven’s Gate cult, Applewhite convinced 39 of his followers to commit suicide in 1997 in order to reach what they believed was an extraterrestrial spacecraft following the Comet Hale-Bopp.
• Charles Manson: Although not a traditional cult leader, Manson led a group known as the Manson Family. He convinced his followers to commit a series of nine murders in the late 1960s, including the infamous Tate-LaBianca murders in 1969. Manson’s ability to manipulate his followers into committing acts of violence earned him notoriety.

These are just a few examples, but there have been several other cult leaders throughout history who have led their followers to tragic ends through manipulation, coercion, and extremism.

In a world fraught with uncertainty and complexity, the allure of false prophets persists as a perennial threat to the unsuspecting and vulnerable. By preying upon human frailties and exploiting the noble pursuit of spiritual truth, these charlatans sow discord and despair, leading their followers astray.

It behooves us, therefore, to remain vigilant and discerning, lest we fall prey to the seductive wiles of false prophets and forfeit our autonomy and integrity in the process. Only through critical thinking, moral courage, and a steadfast commitment to truth can we safeguard ourselves and our communities from the pernicious influence of deception and delusion. Hontiveros, therefore, should be lauded for her valiant efforts in exorcising us from this evil possession. – Rappler.com

Duterte graced the prayer rally at the Liwasang Bonifacio on Tuesday, March 12, and which was organized by supporters of Kingdom of Jesus preacher Apollo Quiboloy. The pastor has been the subject of Congress’ marathon hearings over his alleged human rights abuses.

He is facing a contempt order before the Senate and the House for snubbing inquiries of both chambers.

Duterte, who is the designated caretaker of the country while Marcos is in Europe, took photos with supporters of Quiboloy as they flashed placards bearing the message, “Protect VP Inday Sara.”

At the stage, former Biliran representative and poll fraud accuser Glenn Chong was speaking before the crowd about Marcos’ ouster drawing cheers from Duterte supporters.

“Kahit wala pang resignation si Marcos Jr. (Even though Marcos Jr. hasn’t resigned yet) Sara is [the] rightful and legitimate leader of this country, and not Marcos, never Marcos,” he declared.

Chong even went on to say that Marcos should not come back to the Philippines after his Europe trip. “Huwag na natin palandingin si Marcos…. Bumalik na lang siya sa Hawaii para sa Hawaii part 2,” he said.

(Let’s not allow Marcos’ plane to land. He should go back to Hawaii for a Hawaii part 2.)

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• Duterte becomes Quiboloy group’s property administrator
• As Quiboloy hides, US government moves on arrest warrant
• PRIMER: Investigations, cases against Apollo Quiboloy

The Vice President didn’t speak before the crowd even as organizers invited her to come up the stage. Her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, also attended the prayer rally.

On Monday, March 11, Duterte also released a statement defending the Davao-based preacher. She said that Quiboloy was being treated unfairly.

“Sa mga ginagawang pagdinig ay tila pinatawan na ng guilty verdict si Pastor Quiboloy kahit na nakabatay lamang ang pagdinig na ito sa mga paratang ng mga testigo na nagkukubli ng kanilang katauhan at hindi mapatunayan ang kredibilidad,” she said.

(In the hearings conducted, it seems that Pastor Quiboloy was already handed a guilty verdict even though the inquiries were based only on allegations made by witnesses who conceal their true character and couldn’t prove their credibility.)

In February, the Vice President did not directly address allegations that she and her father had left Quiboloy’s vast property in Davao City with bags of assorted firearms. She dismissed this as just another attack against her by those with presidential ambitions.

In January, the Vice President also graced a prayer rally against charter change in Davao City where her family members took turns lambasting the President. – Rappler.com

A Rappler investigation discovered three properties estimated to be worth $6.10 million (P338 million)* owned by individuals with close links to Quiboloy and the KOJC. Two of these are in Canada, while one is located in an affluent part of Los Angeles in California, near the homes of several celebrities.

The details are based on official documents obtained by Rappler on Monday, March 11, as well as information from sources privy to KOJC operations.

The discoveries came after former president Rodrigo Duterte was appointed caretaker of the properties belonging to the Quiboloy-led group. Besides the North American properties, there are also several landholdings in the Philippines, as well as an air fleet.

Quiboloy, as described by his mentor, Reverend Gordon Mallory of the United Pentecostal Church, “went from a pauper, a beggar, to a multi-billionaire,” with a “lifestyle of the rich and famous.”

“Money means nothing to him,” Mallory said.

Quiboloy has been in the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s most-wanted list since early 2022, for sex trafficking of children and promotional money laundering, among others. An FBI poster says the preacher is also wanted for forcing members to “solicit donations for a bogus charity, donations that actually were used to finance church operations and the lavish lifestyle of its leaders.”

A Senate committee has cited him in contempt and has sought his arrest so he could testify before the panel which is looking into similar allegations of abuse and exploitation hurled by his former followers.

Quiboloy’s mansions

In a video posted on The Pentecostals of Cebu City Facebook page on January 30, Mallory said Quiboloy owns mansions and estates “all over the world,” confirming the one in California.

Mallory recalled being invited and brought to the California mansion with his wife, and seeing Quiboloy’s vehicles in the garage, which included a “brand new Bentley and a Mercedes.” He said the Filipino preacher also gave him a box that contained cash more than what his family needed to last six months.

“Justin Bieber has a house across the street; the Kardashians have a house down the street; Will Smith lives around the corner,” said Mallory who recalled the time he was invited to Quiboloy’s mansion.

The mansion stands on Simpson Place, a quiet residential neighborhood located in Calabasas, California. Known for its upscale homes, lush landscaping, and privacy afforded its residents, the area offers easy access to amenities and outdoor activities.

Calabasas, located in Los Angeles County, is known for its affluent neighborhoods and celebrity residents. Nestled in the hills west of the San Fernando Valley, it offers a mix of luxury homes, gated communities, and scenic hiking trails. The city also boasts of upscale shopping centers.

The six-bedroom Calabasas property is valued at US$2.573 million (P142.80 million), based on 2023 tax records seen by Rappler. Its land value was estimated to amount to US$1.19 million (P65.91 million) while improvements done to the property were pegged at US$1.39 million (P76.93 million). The owners paid a total of $29,409.94 (P1.63 million) in property taxes for the fiscal year 2023-2024. 

Sold to associates?

The property was built in 1993 but was first bought by the KOJC in 2011 for US$2.1 million (P116.55 million), according to information obtained by Rappler. Since then, its ownership has been transferred four times among three entities – the KOJC, Helen Panilag, and Guia Cabactulan. 

The last documented transaction was in 2018 when Cabactulan appeared to have bought the property from the church for an undisclosed price.

Panilag and Cabactulan are, however, known church associates of Quiboloy, and were among those indicted along with the preacher, by a federal grand jury in a California district court in late 2021. 

Panilag is included in the US Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) most wanted list, alongside Quiboloy. She has been tagged by the FBI as “the alleged one-time church administrator in the [US] who oversaw the collection of financial data from church operations around the globe.” She has also been wanted for her alleged “participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought church members” to the US, including fraudulently obtaining visas and forcing members to solicit donations.

Cabactulan, meanwhile, has been described as “the top KOJC official in the United States who maintained direct communication with KOJC leadership in the Philippines.” She was arrested in January 2020 in the US for immigration fraud.

Another KOJC member included in the FBI’s wanted list – Teresita Dandan – was registered as a resident of the Calabasas property since May 2012. Dandan, according to the FBI, served as the alleged “international administrator,” and one of the top overseers of the church and its alleged bogus charity operations in the US. 

Former KOJC workers, who turned against Quiboloy, said the preacher bought the mansion in 2011 and sold it sometime in October 2018, months after authorities held his private plane, where they found a suitcase containing US$350,000 (P19.4 million) in undeclared cash and assorted gun parts, in Hawaii. As it turns out, the buyer in 2018 is also a member of the KOJC.

“I’ve been to that mansion,” Arlene Caminong-Stone, a former KOJC worker based in Minnesota, told Rappler on Sunday, March 11. Stone was one of those who testified online against Quiboloy at the start of the Senate panel hearings in January, narrating details about the alleged abuses by the preacher and providing insights into the inner workings of the KOJC.

Surrey property

According to former KOJC workers, Quiboloy also bought mansions in Canada. One is an over P99-million house in Surrey, and another on Latania Boulevard in Brampton City in Ontario’s Greater Toronto Area.

The seven-bedroom property in Surrey, British Columbia, Canada is about half an hour away from Vancouver. It was first built in 2003, and is just a 15-minute drive from a KOJC church on 13055 Old Yale Road, also in Surrey. 

Based on tax records seen by Rappler, the Surrey property was assessed to be worth CAD$2.42 million (US$1.79 million/P99.5 million) in 2023. Its land value was estimated to be worth CAD$1.68 million (US$1.25 million/P69 million) and improvements done on the property cost CAD$734,000 (US$544,197/P30.17 million). 

The owners paid CAD$7,297.54 (US$5,410/P300,000) in gross taxes for 2023. 

A document obtained by Rappler from the Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia shows that the property is owned by another known Quiboloy associate, Mariteo Canada. Her name was cited in an article posted on Quiboloy’s website. She was also tagged as part of Quiboloy’s delegation in an event with the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in 2022.

Ontario property

The four-bedroom property in Brampton, Ontario is situated along Latania Boulevard, a half-hour car ride to Toronto. Houses in the area are priced not less than CAD$1 million each, according to real estate websites. 

The alleged Quiboloy-linked property was first listed as being for sale in April 2010 for CAD$699,000 (US$518,243/P27.73 million) and was sold the same year for CAD$658,000 (US$487,826/P27 million). 

The property was last listed as being available in September 2020 for CAD$1.45 million (US$1.74 million/P96.25 million) but with no indication whether it was successfully sold. Taxes paid were estimated to be CAD$7,721 (US$5,723/P317,249). 

According to a property document obtained by Rappler, one of the two listed owners is linked to the KOJC. Her profile on LinkedIn showed that she is an “administrative assistant” of the church. A cursory search of other names included in the document also showed connections to Quiboloy’s group.

The property is half an hour’s drive from the nearest KOJC headquarters.

Notable Davao properties

Quiboloy’s group has been open about many of their properties, especially those in the Philippines.

Among the notable properties owned by the group are well-manicured estates in the village of Tamayong in Calinan District in Davao. Tamayong serves as the KOJC’s headquarters and is where the preacher built his mansion, near the group’s so-called Prayer Mountain.

Aside from the approximately eight-hectare Prayer Mountain, Quiboloy’s group also owns what they refer to as Glory Mountain, roughly a 21-hectare property, in the same village.

According to KOJC workers, Quiboloy has landholdings in Samal Island city, and at Purok 8, Barangay San Miguel in Indangan Buhangin, Davao City, where the preacher set up the main headquarters of the allegedly bogus charity group, the Children’s Joy Foundation.

Quiboloy’s group also owns the Jose Maria College (JMC), and an unfinished multi-billion-peso mixed-use indoor arena, touted to dwarf the close to P9-billion Iglesia ni Cristo Philippine Arena in Bulacan. Located near Davao’s Francisco Bangoy International Airport, the King Dome, according to a November 2019 Sunstar report, was envisioned to be the biggest indoor arena “with a seating capacity of 70,000, bigger than the Philippine Arena, which is currently the world’s largest indoor arena with a maximum seating capacity of 55,000.”

Aircraft fleet

ApolloAir, a Davao-based airline owned by Quiboloy, maintains an aircraft fleet that includes Bell 429 and 505 light helicopters, a Robinson R44 four-seat light helicopter, and two planes.

Senator Robinhood Padilla told reporters on Thursday, March 7, that Quiboloy lent him one of his helicopters when he campaigned for a Senate seat in 2022.

One plane, a US$18-million (P999 million) Cessna Citation Sovereign+, was bought in 2014 and was sold back to Cessna for US$9 million (P499.5 million) after the 2018 Hawaii incident. Another is a Gulfstream IIB transcontinental twin turbofan-powered aircraft, which was decommissioned in 2010 because it was no longer airworthy.

Generous friend

Quiboloy has been very generous toward his friends, especially Duterte, his new property administrator, with whom he forged a friendship dating back to the years preceding the latter’s presidency.

In 2016, Duterte openly acknowledged being gifted by Quiboloy with three properties in Woodridge Park in Ma-a, along with an additional lot in Royal Pines located in Matina, Davao City. Aside from real estate holdings, Duterte disclosed that Quiboloy had also gifted him with a Nissan Safari and Ford Expedition several years prior.

Duterte said Quiboloy was so generous that whenever the preacher made a purchase, he would buy two so he could give him the other one.

He also recalled that Quiboloy had even offered to cover the expenses for the then-mayor’s consultation with a known American neurosurgeon, Dr. Martin Cooper, after the preacher learned about his sweaty palms.

Preacher’s roots

Quiboloy has humble beginnings, starting as a 19-year-old Pentecostal convert in the late 1960s, recalled Reverend Mallory who claimed to have mentored the then-young preacher long before he started building his religious empire.

“We took him out of a hut…. He and his family used to beg for food…. His teeth were rotten and we took him to a dentist,” the aging Mallory, preaching, told his congregation.

The American preacher said Quiboloy lived with him for eight years, and they sent him to a Bible school where he excelled. Years later, Quiboloy declared himself the “appointed son of God,” and has repeatedly claimed that without him, there will be no eternal salvation.

“He developed into a wonderful preacher and became our national youth president…. But somewhere along the line, he tripped up, left our organization, formed his own, and became something he really isn’t, but he really started to lift himself up…. He turned his back on the apostolic truth,” Mallory said.

Quiboloy traces his roots to the ultraconservative Oneness Pentecostal movement that began in the early 20th century, particularly in the US. It emphasizes a monotheistic view of God, departing from the conventional doctrine of the Trinity. 

Oneness Pentecostals maintain their belief in a singular divine being who reveals himself in three manifestations, as opposed to the orthodox Christian concept of the Trinity consisting of three distinct persons. 

Quiboloy has admitted to going into hiding even before Philippine authorities could issue an arrest order, citing purported threats of assassination. – Rappler.com

*$1 = P55.5

If you have tips about properties linked to Apollo Quiboloy and the KOJC or any other helpful information, you may share them with us via email: investigative@rappler.com.

One thing we agree on is that political differences should not be a reason to avoid discussions. The trick is, we try to figure out what we can agree on.

In my most recent training session, we agreed that Apollo Quiboloy should be arrested and brought to trial for the crimes of which he is accused. These crimes have been highlighted by the Senate committee investigation led by Senator Risa Hontiveros. Sexual abuse, child abuse, human trafficking, labor exploitation have been testified to by eight witnesses who are credible.

Senator Hontiveros’ investigation is by no means the only process that has brought about credible evidence of heinous crimes committed by the “appointed son of God”. The Department of Justice has ordered the filing of charges  for child abuse and qualified human trafficking. If convicted, the man who says he decides whether I will roll past the pearly gates, will himself enter the gates of Bilibid. 

Similarly, a US court has unsealed a warrant of arrest for Quiboloy, making him desired not only in heaven but also in court in the US. Truly a most wanted man.

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[EDITORIAL] Kalaban mo ang mga senador na protektor ni Quiboloy

Our man Robin-NOT

The other thing my fitness coach and I agree on is that Senator Robin Padilla has defiled himself before the temple of Apollo in a farce that would have Aristophanes turning in his grave. (Look it up Robin. Or have your staff google it for you.)

“Respectfully” objecting to Senator Hontiveros’ move to cite Quiboloy in contempt without giving a reason is a bit like saying “gonna comb my mustache in a public hearing in the Senate with all due respect”. Some things are just inexplicable. Not miraculous, inexplicable.

Later, St. Robin the obtunded, gave his reason for objecting by saying he felt that the self-proclaimed “owner of the universe” is a victim.

In any case, the move to dishonor the Senate and sacrifice its powers to cite in contempt and then arrest those who defy the legitimate use of its authority, shows us that Robin is willing to sacrifice the integrity of the institution he is supposed to serve for the benefit of a new religious movement and its leader. Sounds cultish, oh, sorry, saintly to me. 

Also Padilla doesn’t seem to have read the Constitution. He explains further that his objection is based on the Constitutional provision on the separation between church and state. I guess he interprets this to mean that any son of a man can call himself “messiah” and no longer be subject to our criminal laws.

He has seemingly sworn an oath of friendship to Quiboloy that he considers higher than the oath he swore to the Republic when he became a member of the Senate.

Gang of Four

Guilty of similar “saintly” behavior are Senators Cynthia Villar, Imee Marcos and Bong Go who have also opposed the move to cite Quibble boy in contempt.

Senator Cynthia Villar says that she opposes the move because she is friends with the pastor and he has been good to her family. This reminds me of the observation of some that the Villar style of governance starts with the first principle, “what is good for my family is good for the nation.”

If I were to choose a Marcos for canonization, I would choose Imee. She says amusing things, went to extremes to get a UP degree and once even hinted she understood the concept of an apology for her father’s misdeeds. But it is good that UP did not give her a law degree. Her reason for coming to the aid of the “self-appointed savior” like a latter-day Veronica, is that she is unsure that the Senate was investigating in aid of legislation. So let me summarize and interpret for her, the opinion of Jaye Bekema, who does have a law degree.

First, we need laws that define consent and sexual abuse in the context of religious settings where patriarchal norms, the surrender of will and unquestioning allegiance to the leader (a common sign of cults) is the norm. Second, we need to improve laws to protect workers rights because working in a volunteer labor arrangement still means that one should be fully protected from abuse. Lastly we need to look at the guarantee of religious freedom as this relates to anti-trafficking laws (Robin, hello! Finished with the mustache yet?).

But alas, in this instance, Senators Villar and Marcos prove yet again that being a woman and occasionally spouting pro-woman words don’t necessarily make you a woman’s advocate. Did these two not bother to hear the heart-rending testimonies of child abuse and sexual abuse? Do they not yet understand the decades-old call not to invalidate women when they speak of abuse? And before these two or their defenders say that there have been false accusations in past, may I remind them of the nature of the evidence presented?

Please do not gaslight us by saying that your unprincipled partisanship is actually impartiality.

Must Read

PRIMER: Investigations, cases against Apollo Quiboloy

As for Senator Go, he doesn’t seem to have a reason. Or at least I could not find a news report for his reasons. He has nothing to say. As it has been in the past, so it is now, so it will be forever and ever – he has nothing to say. He seems not to question the way. His is to obey.

The only question I ask is, “who is he obeying exactly?” My fitness coach and I ask also, why do they obey? What is their agenda? Are helicopter rides and free air time enough of a reason to behave as if one is a citizen of the Kingdom? Please say that a senator’s vote cannot have become so cheap. But then again, what am I saying? That there is a price? A higher price for joining the Kingdom of Jesus Christ? Heaven forbid!

Smite me

I suppose I have booked myself an appointment with the “appointed” for my lack of faith in his cosmic power and heavenly righteousness. Let me raise the stakes.

So what happens next? I assume he cannot come in person to smite me because there is scuttlebutt that the transcendent and omnipotent  has gone into hiding. Likely,  I will be hit by a lightning bolt when I step outside. I will put in my will, instructions for my sons whom I have anointed (with baby oil when they were little) but not appointed, to inform Rappler of my demise.

But I am actually less afraid of Quiboloy’s superpowers than I am of the abuse of decency by the Senate’s gang of four. Afraid for the Senate, afraid for our women, afraid for our country. – Rappler.com

Sylvia Estrada Claudio is a medical doctor who also holds a PhD in psychology. She is Professor Emerita of the University of the Philippines-Diliman.

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“Maninidigan po tayo. Hindi ko po tinatanggal kanino man ang maging kaibigan o tumanaw ng kabaitan ‘nya sa pamilya. Pero kahit kaibigan natin, kahit naging mabait sa pamilya natin, kapag ang akusasyon sa kanya ay pang gagahasa, pang aabuso sa bata, panlilinlang, di ba’t ang tama nating gawin bilang Senado ay paharapin ‘yung tao na yun sa komite,” Hontiveros said on Monday, March 11.

(Let’s be firm. I’m not taking away from you your friendship or appreciate his being good to your family. But, even if you’re friends with him, even if he’s nice to your family, when the accusation is about rape, child abuse, and deceiving, the right thing to do, as the Senate, is to encourage him to face the committee.)

Four senators have signed an objection letter that seeks to reverse a Senate panel’s decision to hold the embattled Quiboloy in contempt for not showing up during its continuing investigation into the alleged abuses committed against former workers of the Davao-based religious group Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Hontiveros said that as of Monday, no other senators have signed the objection letter to stop Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri from ordering Quiboloy’s arrest so the preacher could be brought to testify before the committee chaired by the opposition senator.

Eight signatories that constitute the majority in the Senate committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality, are required to overturn the March 5 ruling of Hontiveros to cite Quiboloy in contempt.

Senator Cynthia Villar said she signed the petition because Quiboloy is her friend. “Kaibigan ko si Pastor Quiboloy. Mabait siya sa aming pamilya at nagtataka ako dyan sa case na yan, kaya medyo hindi ako masyadong naniniwala dyan sa case na yan,” she said.

(Pastor Quiboloy is a friend. He is nice to our family and that’s why I’m doubtful of the cases against him. That’s why, somehow, I don’t believe them.)

The Senate committee on women has one more day to convince other senators to uphold the contempt order.

“Patuloy akong nananawagan na manaig ang paninindigan kasama ng mga kabaro at menor de edad na walang taong mas mataas sa batas,” Hontiveros said.

(I’m continuously urging my colleagues to stand firm for those who were abused that no man is above the law.) – Rappler.com

Ilan ito sa mga katangiang sinabi nating dapat taglayin ng mga pipiliin nating senador noong 2019 at 2022, ayon sa surveys. Noong 2019, kung kailan ibinoto natin sina Bong Go, Imee Marcos, at Cynthia Villar; noong 2022, nang ibinoto natin si Robin Padilla. 

Ang tanong tungkol sa apat na mambabatas: nakikita ba natin sa kanila ang mga katangiang ito? 

Nitong Marso 5, nagdesisyon si Senator Risa Hontiveros – ang tagapangulo ng committee on women, children, family relations, and gender equality – na i-hold in contempt ang pastor na si Apollo Quiboloy. Hiniling ni Hontiveros kay Senate President Migz Zubiri na ipag-utos ang pag-aresto sa pinuno ng Davao-based na Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). 

Ito ay matapos na isnabin ni Quiboloy nang ilang ulit ang imbitasyon, kalaunan ay subpoena, ng komite na humarap sa pagdinig tungkol sa mga umano’y pang-aabusong ginagawa niya at ng kanyang mga alipores sa KOJC at sa brodkaster nilang SMNI o Sonshine Media Network International. Sa madaling sabi, binastos niya ang institusyong halal ng taumbayan. 

Bakit nagpipilit si Hontiveros na makaharap at direktang matanong si Quiboloy? Dahil ambibigat ng mga paratang sa kanya ng mga dating miyembro at manggagawa niya: panggagahasa sa menor de edad, sexual abuse maging sa kalalakihan, trafficking o pangangalakal ng mga tao, pangingikil sa mga OFW, pang-aabuso at pagpapahirap sa mga empleyado, pag-aareglo ng mga pekeng kasal sa ibang bansa. 

Dahil anumang makakalap sa imbestigasyon ng Senado ay gagamitin sa pagbuo o pagrerebisa ng mga batas, kailangang mabuo ang kuwento, mapagtahi-tahi ang mga detalye, maunawaan ang mga kalagayan o pangyayaring nagbibigay-daan sa mga inilalarawang pang-aabuso. Ang layunin ay mapatibay ang ating mga batas upang maprotektahan at mapagsilbihan ang mamamayan – layunin na, di ba, dapat ay naiintindihan at sinusuportahan ng bawat senador? (BASAHIN: [OPINION] The Quiboloy contempt order: Legislative overreach or valid exercise of Senate power?)  

Bukod na usapin ito sa mga kasong kriminal na kinakaharap ni Quiboloy at mga alipores niya sa Amerika, kung saan nasa wanted list sila ng Federal Bureau of Investigation. Hindi rin ito nakadepende sa mga kasong isinampa ng Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) laban sa kanila. Ibig sabihin, maaaring isulong, at dapat isulong, ang tatlong ito nang sabay-sabay. (BASAHIN: PRIMER: Investigations, cases against Apollo Quiboloy)

Balik tayo kina Padilla, Go, Marcos, at Villar. Pumirma sila sa isang sulat na kumokontra sa kapasiyahan ng committee chairperson. Ayaw nilang masabing binastos ni Quiboloy ang Senado; ayaw nilang maipaaresto ito para humarap sa pagdinig. Kahit na mismong si Pangulong Marcos ang nagpayong ilatag niya ang kanyang panig sa harap ng mga akusasyon; kahit na sinabi ng BFF niyang si dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na magpaaresto na lang siya. 

May pitong araw mula Marso 5 para mabaligtad ng mga sumusuporta kay Quiboloy ang kapasiyahan ni Hontiveros. Batay sa kalakaran sa Senado, kailangan ng boto ng mayorya ng mga miyembro ng komite para mangyari ito. Labing-apat ang miyembro; walo ang mayorya; apat pa ang kailangang makumbinsi ng pasimunong si Padilla para magtagumpay sila. 

Ilista natin ang pangalan ng mga kailangan nilang kumbinsihin: Nancy Binay, Pia Cayetano, Grace Poe, Raffy Tulfo, Joseph Victor Ejercito (pumirma pero umurong din), Mark Villar, Loren Legarda, Joel Villanueva, at Koko Pimentel.

Sila rin ang kailangan nating paalalahanan na tatandaan natin ang kanilang mga pangalan kapag muli silang tumakbo bilang senador o kumandidato para sa ibang posisyon. Ilaglag ang sinomang makikinig kay Padilla at pipirma. Dahil ang pagpirma para salagin ang imbestigasyon kay Quiboloy ay panlalaglag din sa ordinaryong mamamayan na dapat nilang ipinagsasanggalang. 

Sabi ni Padilla, kaibigan niya si Quiboloy, pinahiram siya nito ng helicopter nang nangangampanya. Sabi ni Cynthia Villar, kaibigan niya si Quiboloy, kaya mahirap paniwalaan ang mga ibinibintang sa kanya. Sabi ni Imee Marcos, ano raw ba ang mabubuong batas sa imbestigasyong ito na para sa kanya ay puro “kuwentuhan” lang. Si Bong Go, well, kung saang panig ang “amo” niyang si Duterte, doon siya. 

Kaya sorry na lang kay “Amanda,” na umano’y ni-rape ni Quiboloy noong kabataan niya, kasi kaibigan ng apat na senador si Quiboloy. Sorry na lang kay “Rene” na hinalay ng kalalakihang opisyales ng KOJC, kasi kaibigan ng mga senador si Quiboloy. Sorry na lang kay “David,” na pinagtrabahong walang suweldo sa SMNI, dahil kaibigan ng mga senador si Quiboloy. Sorry na lang kay Reinalyn, na bilang OFW ay pinuwersang ibigay sa KOJC ang 90% ng kanyang sahod sa ibang bansa sa halip na ipadala sa kanyang pamilya. 

Sorry na lang sa mga biktima ng mga akusadong nagtatago sa ngalan ng relihiyon at nakaaasa sa proteksiyon ng mga koneksiyon nila sa Senado. Sorry na lang na ang ilan sa ibinoto natin – na malaon ay hihingi na naman ng boto natin – ay wala palang malasakit sa mahihirap at inapi, isasantabi ang makatarungan, hindi tutulong sa nangangailangan, gagamitin ang puwesto para paboran ang kakilala, mangungunsinti ng kalikuan, walang habag sa naaapi, hindi nakaka-inspire. 

O baka naman mas malaking tao, at hindi talaga si Quiboloy, ang pinoprotektahan nila? 

Matapos aminin ni Quiboloy na nagtatago na siya, itinalaga niya si Duterte bilang administrador ng lahat ng ari-arian ng Kingdom of Jesus Christ. 

Gaano kayaman ang religious group ni Quiboloy? Sabi ni Duterte mismo, niregaluhan siya ng kanyang kaibigan ng ilang lote at bahay, ilang magagarang sasakyan. At sabi nga ni Senator Padilla, nagpapahiram ng helicopter sa kampanya. Ayon din sa isang testigo, binigyan nito ng bulto-bultong armas ang mag-amang Duterte nang dumalaw sa bundok na pag-aari rin niya at kung nasaan ang kanyang mansiyon.    

Kaya kung sakaling ang Senate committee investigation ni Hontiveros, o ang mga kaso ng DOJ, o ang mga kaso sa US ay umabot sa pagsilip sa bank accounts at paghalughog sa mga ari-arian ni Quiboloy o ng KOJC, malamang na madamay din ang kayamanan ng “administrador” (baka beneficial owner?) na si Duterte. (Bilisan daw, sabi ni dating senador Leila de Lima, kung gagawin ito ng pamahalaan, dahil baka mailipat ang mga pera at titulo.)  

Lalo nang sorry sa “maliliit” na biktima na naglakas-loob tumestigo para sa pagsusulong ng mga batas na may pangil at mas makabuluhan. At least, daig nila sa tapang ang ilang senador na dapat sana’y kagalang-galang. – Rappler.com

But the question remains: Is the ongoing Quiboloy investigation by Senator Hontiveros a valid exercise of the powers of the Senate? We tackle the issues one by one.

Is this an investigation in aid of legislation?

According to the Supreme Court, the Senate’s investigative powers are limited to investigations in aid of legislation. Consequently, any inquiries conducted by the Senate must have a demonstrable legislative angle. The hearings surfaced several areas where legislative reform might be warranted. Some examples, already laid down by Senator Hontiveros in her opening remarks at the March 5, 2024 hearing, are below:

The first is the issue of sexual abuse within secretive religious organizations and how consent is mediated in the context of a hierarchical and faith-based dynamic. Is there meaningful legal consent when the victim “agreed” but did so under the belief that she was making a religious sacrifice? What amendments in our law need to be made to consider the effects of isolation, dependence, and physical and psychological control within charismatic religious organizations on a woman’s sexual agency and capacity to give consent?

The second is the inability of our labor laws to sufficiently address “voluntary” labor arrangements where there is no clear employer-employee relationship but there are clear violations of labor and occupational safety and health standards. What legal regime governs these arrangements? Proof of the lack of clarity here is the inability of both DOLE and SSS to categorize alias Rene, the SMNI “worker” who received no salaries and no benefits during his entire tenure.

The third is the interaction of our anti-trafficking laws with the constitutional principle of religious freedom. Is there abuse of power and position, or exploitation of vulnerability (elements of the crime of trafficking in persons), or is it the exercise of a religion of its doctrines and tenets? What amendments are necessary to ensure maximum protections to victims of predatory religious practices, while not stifling the free expression of religion?

Is Apollo Quiboloy’s right to due process violated by compelling his appearance in the Senate?

The Supreme Court actually already disposed of this question in the case of Reghis Romero et al. v. Jinggoy Estrada and the Senate Committee on Labor (2009), which is based on similar facts. In the case mentioned, the petitioner Reghis Romero sought to be excused from the Senate inquiry of the committee on labor because 1) there is a case already pending in court; 2) because his right against self-incrimination would be violated; and 3) the investigation was meant to investigate Romero’s liability for plunder and was not an investigation in aid of legislation.

The petition was dismissed and the Supreme Court upheld the Senate.

On the right against self-incrimination, the Supreme Court held that the right may be invoked only by the petitioner “only when the incriminating question is being asked, since they have no way of knowing in advance the nature or effect of the questions to be asked of them.” Therefore, the subpoenaed party has to actually be present during the investigation. The risk of self-incrimination only presents itself when the question is verbalized and heard by the party.

It must be noted that even in the very recent case of Linconn Ong v. Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, the petitioner actually attended the hearing and testified before the committee. This is also the case in the ruling of the Supreme Court in Neri v. Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.  There is no jurisprudence whatsoever to support the invocation of the right against self-incrimination as a way to excuse oneself altogether from attending the hearing.

The Supreme Court could not be more clear in the Romero case that “the unremitting obligation of every citizen is to respond to subpoenae, to respect the dignity of the Congress and its Committees, and to testify fully with respect to matters within the realm of proper investigation.”

The Department of Justice has filed charges against Apollo Quiboloy and his top officials. What effect does this have on the Senate hearing?

Absolutely nothing. It is well-settled that the filing or pendency of any prosecution or administrative action should not stop or abate any inquiry to carry out a legislative purpose. A Senate investigation and court proceedings have very different purposes. A Senate investigation does not determine innocence or guilt – rather, it seeks to identify gaps in the law and develop the necessary tools to address these gaps.

Both, however, are sovereign functions, supported by the Constitution, and one cannot be more important than the other. As held in the case of Standard Chartered Bank (Philippine Branch) v. Senate Committee on Banks, Financial Institutions and Currencies, “the exercise of sovereign legislative authority, of which the power of legislative inquiry is an essential component, cannot be made subordinate to a criminal or administrative investigation.”

Does the investigation on sexual abuses and human trafficking violate the separation of Church and State?

No, the separation of Church and State does not give blanket immunity to religious leaders to commit criminal acts. To quote Thomas Jefferson on religious freedom, “the declaration that religious faith shall be unpunished does not give immunity to criminal acts dictated by religious error.” Sex trafficking and child abuse are egregious crimes, and blanket immunity to religious leaders will only allow unspeakable acts to persist and cause victims to suffer in silence and self-blame.

In like manner, religious leaders are also not exempt from attendance to Senate investigations in aid of legislation. It may be recalled that the six bishops implicated in the so-called “Pajero bishop scam” and accused of receiving Pajero vehicles from the former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo faced the Senate blue ribbon investigation. They are citizens like any other citizen, and held to the same penal laws as other Filipinos.

What are the implications of withdrawing the contempt citation and arrest order against Pastor Quiboloy?

A decision to withdraw the contempt citation and arrest order weakens the Senate’s mandate to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation. Allowing this under the pretext of violation of due process and the right to self-incrimination will allow high government officials and powerful individuals to avoid facing Senate hearings. It will reduce the legislature’s power to subpoena and cite witnesses in contempt and diminish one of the most historically-proven strategies to hold power to account.

As the Senate has come together as one to defend the institution from the sham people’s initiative aimed at diminishing the role of the Senate in amending and revising the Charter, so too must it come together to resist this other threat to the Senate’s constitutionally-protected mandate. – Rappler.com

Attorney Jaye Bekema is the Chief Legislative Officer of Senator Risa Hontiveros. She also teaches Congress and the Law at Silliman University.