Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Apollo Quiboloy (Contributed photo)
The Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 159 has denied the bail petitions of embattled Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy and five of his co-accused, citing strong evidence linking them to qualified human trafficking and sexual abuse.
In a 23-page ruling dated July 20, the court ruled against granting bail to Quiboloy along with Sylvia Cemañes, Paulene Canada, Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, and Ingrid Canada.
“At this juncture, the prosecution has sufficiently shown that the evidence of guilt against all the accused is strong on the crimes of qualified human trafficking committed by a syndicate,” the court said. “Given these pieces of evidence against all the accused at this point, which establish a great presumption of guilt for purposes of bail, the Court must deny their petition for bail.”
Despite the decision, the court clarified that the ruling does not constitute a judgment on the merits of the case. “The Court does not try the merits or enter into an inquiry as to the weight that ought to be given the evidence against the accused, nor will it speculate on the outcome of the trial or on what further evidence may be offered therein,” the court noted.
The charges stem from allegations made by a complainant who claimed she and her sister joined the KOJC in 2011. The sisters alleged they were sexually exploited under the organization’s so-called “bodily connection ministry” and forced to sell food products under the guise of spiritual service.
Quiboloy faces a non-bailable charge of qualified human trafficking under Section 4(a) of Republic Act 9208 or the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003, as amended. He is also facing separate charges under Republic Act 7610, or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, before a Quezon City court.