By Gabriel Kim Leal
(December 21, 2024) – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has dismissed a petition that sought to disqualify self-styled pastor Apollo Quiboloy from running as a senator in the 2025 midterm elections.
The petition was filed in October by labor leader Sonny Matula, who claimed that Quiboloy made “material misrepresentations” when he submitted his certificate of nomination and acceptance (CONA) to run as a senator.
Initially, Quiboloy ran under the Workers’ and Peasants’ Party (WPP) but it clarified that it had not endorsed his candidacy. He later withdrew his CONA and decided to run as an independent candidate.
In its decision on December 18, the Comelec First Division ruled that Matula failed to provide sufficient evidence to justify Quiboloy’s disqualification.
“Even if this Commission were to apply the rules on liberality and decide based on the merits of this petition, the grounds relied upon by the petitioner for the disqualification of respondent and the cancellation of his COC (certificate of candidacy) are incorrect and without factual and legal basis,” said the decision, as reported by the Philippine News Agency.
The Comelec also pointed out procedural issues, noting that a petition to declare a candidate as a nuisance cannot be combined with other disqualification grounds.
In October, WPP vowed to pursue legal action against those responsible for the unauthorized issuance of CONA to Quibiloy.
Quiboloy, the founder of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), is currently detained at Pasig City Jail for charges of human trafficking, child abuse, and sexual abuse.
He was arrested in Davao City in September after a two-week manhunt. The self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” is also accused of using fraudulently obtained visas to bring KOJC members to the United States and forcing them to solicit donations under false pretenses. The collected donations reportedly financed the lavish lifestyle of Quiboloy and other KOJC leaders.
(PM)
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