Screen grab from Senate hearing. Pastor Apollo Quiboloy

MANILA, Philippines – A Pasig court has rejected the plea of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Quiboloy to permit him to join a live television interview as a senatorial aspirant. 

In a two-page interview, Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa of the Regional Trial Court Branch 159 denied Quiboloy’s request to join a live interview on ABS-CBN scheduled for 2 p.m. on Tuesday, January 14.

The order is dated January 13, 2025. 

Part of the ruling said, “As a note, while this Court recognizes the right of the accused Quiboloy to seek public office and to engage in lawful campaign activities, this right is not absolute and remains subject to regulation by the Court. After all, accused Quiboloy is not restricted to the live media interview as his sole means of campaigning and sharing his platform with the public.” 

Quiboloy’s motion too, according to the court, was not accompanied by a formal invitation from the TV network. 

The ruling therefore noted that Quiboloy’s failure to substantiate his prayer in his motion, safeguard fairness of the trial and maintain confidentiality of the proceedings influenced the court’s decision not to allow him to participate in the live interview. 

Quiboloy is currently facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge filed before the Pasig court.

He is also facing charges for the violation of Republic Act No. 7610 or The Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

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