DAVAO CITY – The legal counsel of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) confirmed on Friday, March 8, that former President Rodrigo Duterte has been named administrator of all the properties of the religious group founded by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
In a live interview with Sonshine Media Network International’s (SMNI) Pulso ng Bayan, KOJC legal counsel Dinah Tolentino-Fuentes said they tapped Duterte as administrator because it appears they are beset on all sides by challenges.
Fuentes said Quiboloy is being questioned by Congress as well as other executive department agencies such as the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
“Now we hear that cases are going to be filed against Pastor Quiboloy, and perhaps some other people from the Kingdom (like the) full-time miracle workers or administrators (who would take this as an opportunity),” Fuentes said.
Fuentes said the appointment of the former President was decided to ensure continuity and smooth operation in KOJC in case anything happens to Quiboloy, said executive pastor Marlon Acobo of the KOJC Board of Administrators.
According to the appointment letter, Duterte’s responsibilities include preserving, retaining, maintaining, managing, and administering all the KOJC properties in the Philippines. He will also prevent hostile takeovers of the properties.
Duterte will act as the caretaker of KOJC properties in the absence of either or both executive pastors of the Board of Administrators of the Kingdom until they can resume their duties or until any abnormal situation stabilizes in favor of the Kingdom.
“Someone might try to take control over the KOJC properties, and if they do, the Kingdom will not allow it, so they asked former President Duterte’s help,” Fuentes said, adding that the KOJC is just exercising cautiousness and prudence.
As of now, Fuentes said, SMNI seems to be closing down, and no one knows if the franchise will be revoked. She said people might be interested in the Kingdom’s properties, referring to former members who might try to come back and take over the KOJC.
The religious sector’s media arm SMNI announced on social media Friday the appointment of the former President as overseer of the KOJC properties, which includes real estate and personal properties, effective immediately.
SMNI made the announcement shortly after the Senate moved to request Quiboloy’s arrest due to his non-appearance at the chamber’s investigation into purported offenses. Some senators have opposed the contempt order against the pastor.
Duterte is a trusted friend of the KOJC founder and Davao-based preacher Quiboloy who has openly expressed his close bond with the former Chief Executive, comparing him to an elder brother, dating back to his tenure as Davao City mayor. They have maintained strong political and economic ties for decades.