DOJ: Quiboloy extradition up to judiciary
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Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, along with his co-accused, take their oaths during a Senate hearing of the Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality in Pasay City on October 23, 2024. Quiboloy and other members of the religious group face allegations of human trafficking and sexual abuse involving women and children members of the church. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News MANILA — Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said it is ultimately up to the court to decide if Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy will be extradited to the United States.
The DOJ filed Monday the petition for extradition of Quiboloy and two others for alleged international human trafficking, sex trafficking, conspiracy and bulk cash smuggling in the US.
“Ang petitioner dito DOJ, Republika ng Pilipinas, pero siyempre ang magtitimbang kung ito ba ay naaayon sa factual setting at sa mga applicable na batas ay ang korte,” Vida said.
But the official said he does not want to pre-empt the moves of the government, considering that Quiboloy is also facing qualified human trafficking and other cases pending before the Pasig Regional Trial Court.
“We will get there when it is already in the agenda, in the ano, kung ripe na iyong matter na iyon for decision,” Vida said.
Meanwhile, Vida said in jest that he was looking forward to his confirmation by the Commission on Appointment after serving for more than a year in his current post.
In the launch of “Sure Ka Na Ba” campaign against online scams, Vida said he was appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. as officer-in-charge on “10-10” or October 10 last year and he was made Acting Secretary “11-11” or November 11.
“I don’t know what will happen on 12-12, I am looking for a confirmation 12-12,” he said.
Asked later if he was confident he would finally be confirmed, Vida said he remained hopeful.
“Confidence is the wrong word but I am just doing my work sana po, sana po,” he said.