Screen grab from Senate hearing. Pastor Apollo Quiboloy 

MANILA,Philippines – Embattled religious leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy personally appeared at the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Monday (January 13) to attend the hearing for bail motion over his qualified human trafficking case despite sickness. 

Quiboloy and his co-accused were already at the Pasig RTC as early as 8 a.m. 

Lawyer Israelito Carreon who represents the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader said he was about to file a motion seeking for his client to be excused due to his cough. 

“At around 10:00 in the evening last night, I was about to file a motion that he be excused from personally appearing today but I figured that would not look good to the public,” Torreon said.

According to Torreon, Quiboloy’s insistence to lend his presence to the hearing is to prove his innocence. 

“So kinaya po ni Pastor, maski malakas po ang ubo niya, pumunta talaga siya dito sa korte para ipakita na wala siyang kasalanan,” Torreon said. 

Torreon said they remain positive that after presentations of evidence and cross examinations, the judge will rule on their side because evidence of guilt against his client is weak. 

“Nag direct examination na ‘yung private complainant po and then, hindi pa kami nag cross kasi medyo mahaba ‘yung kanyang testimony,” Torreon said. 

“We are hopeful that after the cross examination and after the presentation of the entire evidence on the part of the prosecution, the judge will be able to make a ruling that the evidence of guilt is not strong,” Torreon said. 

However private prosecutors for complainant “Amanda” said they are fully prepared to prove Quiboloy’s guilt.