A video message of alleged human trafficker and senatorial candidate Apollo Quiboloy was aired during a gathering of his Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) supporters without a green light from the court, Rappler has learned.
In an order dated February 12, Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 159 Acting Presiding Judge Rainelda Estacio Montesa issued a show cause against the religious leader and legal counsel Israelito Torreon.
Montesa said the court received information that Quiboloy’s video was aired during a gathering of KOJC supporters on February 9, and was also posted on SMNI’s Facebook page the following day. Quiboloy, who heads KOJC and owns SMNI, had filed motions to allow him to grant media interviews for his senatorial campaign, or shoot videos as an alternative.
“Accordingly, Atty. Israelito Torreon and accused Apollo C. Quiboloy are directed to SHOW CAUSE within five (5) days from receipt of this Order why the aforesaid video was aired on February 9, 2025 before the Court had the opportunity to review and approve the same, and posted on SMNI News Facebook Page, without a court approval, in clear violation of the guidelines and parameters set by this Court,” the court’s order seen by Rappler read.
Rappler has reached out to Torreon for comment and will update this story once he responds.
Earlier, human rights group Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA) questioned the airing of Quiboloy’s recorded video during his campaign kickoff at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City on February 11, 2024. Quiboloy, who faces trafficking and abuse cases, is running for senator.
“It is highly questionable why Quiboloy, who is facing human trafficking and child abuse charges and is now back at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Pasig City after his confinement at a private hospital, was allowed by the court to record his video,” said SELDA vice chairperson Danilo dela Fuente.
“Quiboloy’s recorded message during his campaign’s kick-off activity smacks of VIP treatment,” he added. “We in SELDA decry the double standard being applied on detainees…. with overly strict rules for poor detainees and political prisoners, and extra special treatment for moneyed, powerful and influential people like Quiboloy.”
What’s the rule?
During a press conference on Tuesday, February 18, when Torreon was asked about SELDA’s comment on the Quiboloy video, he said they secured an order from the court. The preacher’s lawyer said they filed the motion to allow Quiboloy to attend media interviews or at least shoot video messages for rallies scheduled on February 9, 11, 12, and 13.
“Eventually, the court denied our first motion that he personally appear in interviews,” the lawyer said. “But [it] granted our motion that he would take his messages to his supporters on February 9, February 11, February 13, if my memory serves me right.”
If this was the case, why is the court then demanding explanation for the airing and posting of videos on February 9 and 10?
Persons deprived of liberty (PDL) like Quiboloy can run and campaign for elections. In fact, some politicians had campaigned and won their races even behind bars.
Under Section 12 of the Omnibus Election Code, only a person who has been declared by competent authority as “insane or incompetent, or has been sentenced by final judgment for subversion, insurrection, rebellion or for any offense for which he has been sentenced to a penalty of more than eighteen months or for a crime involving moral turpitude,” is disqualified from being a candidate or holding any public office.
But campaign rules are clear — the PDL’s family members or supporters can campaign on their behalf. PDLs themselves are also allowed to campaign with certain limitations, like what former senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Leila de Lima did in the 2007 and 2022 elections, respectively. Both of them courted voters while in detention — Trillanes won while De Lima lost.
BJMP spokesperson Jail Chief Inspector Jayrex Bustinera earlier said that PDLs can also record campaign messages while detained, as long as they seek permission from authorities. De Lima got permission from the court in 2022, so she was able to do a recording even while detained. – Rappler.com