Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday, February 7, welcomed the Department of Justice (DOJ) commitment to work on the possible extradition case against Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.

Hontiveros, who is seeking re-election in the upcoming May 2022 elections, said it is high-time that the Philippine government fully carries out its obligations as treaty partners on anti-trafficking and the protection of women and children.

“I laud the DOJ for saying it will work on the extradition of the pastor, because it’s really important that we fulfill our obligations, not only on our national laws, but also on our obligations as treaty partners with other countries, on very important common concerns like protection of our women and children against human trafficking,” said Hontiveros, who chairs the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations and Gender Equality.

The US Federal Bureau of Investigation earlier released information that the televangelist is now a “wanted” person for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, and sex trafficking of children, bulk cash smuggling, together with two other persons.

The other two are KOJC officials Teresita Dandan and Helen Panilag who are also wanted on the same accusations. Quiboloy has been known as President Duterte’s close confidante, and spiritual adviser.

But DOJ Secretary Menardo Guevarra said they would still wait for the US State Department to make a request for extradition which will then have to pass through the Philippines’ Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

After the DFA evaluates and recommends to extradite the subject, then they will endorse the extradition request to the DOJ which will also make a request to the regional trial court if it finds probable cause to extradite the subject.

Hontiveros said she finds it funny for the legal advisers of Quiboloy to downplay the case against the televangelist as election-related due to his connection with President Duterte.

“Why are they mentioning Quiboloy’s connection to Duterte, but are sensitive when it comes to the issue surrounding Pharmally (Pharmaceutical Corp.)?” Hontiveros asked.

The senator is referring to Michael Yang, Duterte’s ex-economic adviser and close friend, who allegedly financed Pharmally to help it secure a deal with the government on the purchase of COVID-19 pandemic supplies.

The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has recommended the deportation of Yang for being an “undesirable alien” and violating the country’s tax laws.