By Beatrice Puente
(February 7, 2022) – Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s lawyer on Sunday raised suspicions about the timing of the release of the “most wanted” poster by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) against the controversial evangelist, believing it was an indirect attack against President Rodrigo Duterte.
Atty. Ferdinand Topacio insisted that the charges against Quiboloy, the founder of the Davao-based Kingdom of Jesus Christ, have no basis. He claimed that the United States might only be using the issue to interfere in the 2022 elections but he stressed he isn’t trying to incite conspiracies.
Quiboloy, a self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God,” was indicted by a federal grand jury for sex trafficking charges, among others, together with some of his associates last November. Quiboloy serves as the spiritual adviser and long-time friend of Duterte.
“Common sense dictates that if you have a warrant, you immediately put up a wanted poster. Bakit hinintay pa hanggang ngayon kung kalian mag-uumpisa ang kampanyahan para sa national elections kung kalian inilabas ang poster na ito?” asked Topacio in a media forum.
Topacio added that the United States might be seeking to weaken the vice presidential candidacy of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and her running mate Bongbong Marcos Jr. Quiboloy publicly endorsed the tandem in a ceremony last week.
Topacio told the public to be “more prudent” as he went on to criticize unnamed media organizations for their reportage on the matter. He also sought to discredit the witnesses whom he accused of violating the rules of the church.
“Ito po ay isang wanted poster na bino-blow out of proportion,” claimed Topacio. “Huwag tayong maging complicit sa isang obviously orchestrated effort to destroy Pastor Quiboloy and indirectly, the present administration for political effect.”
Topacio also clarified that Quiboloy is not hiding and is currently in Davao City.
Gabriela, a party-list known for defending women’s rights, urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue a hold departure order (HDO) on Quiboloy while the extradition request has yet to commence. But the DOJ said it cannot do anything yet pending any move from the United States.
Atty. George Ortha II, the chief state legal counsel, explained that the request would go through several levels of review before the DOJ can file a petition for extradition. Ortha also pointed out that they can’t issue an HDO against people with no case before the court.
DOJ secretary Menardo Guevarra earlier said they will study first the legal basis of issuing an immigration lookout bulletin order as an alternative.
“It is not simply after receiving the request he will be immediately extradited because this is essentially a judicial process,” said Ortha on One News Now. “It is only after the court has determined, with the final determination of the court, that he (Quiboloy) can be extradited.”
(PM | With reports from Camille Samonte and Marlene Alcaide, News 5)
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