8-10-2024 (MANILA) Apollo Quiboloy, a Philippine pastor currently detained on multiple charges and wanted in the United States, has thrown his hat into the ring for next year’s senate elections. The self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” registered his candidacy on Tuesday, 8 October, despite facing a litany of serious allegations.
Quiboloy, 74, a known ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, leads a religious sect claiming millions of followers. His bid for a senate seat comes amidst a storm of legal troubles, including charges of child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking in the Philippines. Additionally, he is wanted by US authorities on charges of sex trafficking children.
The pastor’s legal representative, Mark Christopher Tolentino, filed the candidacy paperwork on his behalf. Speaking to journalists after the submission, Tolentino stated, “He aspires to be part of the solution to our country’s problems. His decision to run is driven by his devotion to God and our beloved Philippines.” The lawyer added that Quiboloy aims to champion legislation that is “God-centred, Philippine-centred, and Filipino-centred”.
This unusual scenario is not without precedent in Philippine politics. In May 2022, Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada secured a senate seat while on trial for corruption, later being acquitted in January. Similarly, rights campaigner Leila de Lima spent the majority of her six-year senate term imprisoned on drug charges before being cleared this year.
Under Philippine election law, candidates are only disqualified from senate elections if they have exhausted all appeals following a conviction for offences involving “moral turpitude”. The election code, however, does not provide a specific list of such crimes.
The charges against Quiboloy extend beyond Philippine borders. In 2021, US authorities indicted him for allegedly sex trafficking girls and women to work as personal assistants, who were reportedly required to engage in sexual activities with him during what was termed their “night duty”. He is also accused of bulk cash smuggling and orchestrating a scheme that brought church members to the US using fraudulently obtained visas.
According to the FBI, these individuals were then coerced into soliciting donations for a sham charity. The funds raised were allegedly used to finance church operations and support the opulent lifestyles of its leaders, rather than for charitable purposes.
The upcoming midterm polls will see twelve of the 24 senate seats up for grabs, alongside more than 18,000 congressional and local government executive positions. Quiboloy’s controversial candidacy adds an unexpected dimension to an already complex political landscape, raising questions about the intersection of legal accountability and political aspirations in the Philippines.
