Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla on Wednesday, May 29, lauded the decision of the Supreme Court (SC) to transfer from Davao City to a Quezon City court the cases for child abuse and exploitation filed against Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo C. Quiboloy.
“This is a major breakthrough in our pursuit for justice as we relentlessly delve into the truth behind all these accusations against the embattled church leader,” said Remulla in a statement.
“Witnesses, judges, our prosecutors and their families will no longer have to fear for their safety, the wheels of justice can now freely roll through this journey,” he pointed out.
“Compelling reasons” prompted the SC) to order the transfer of the criminal cases against Quiboloy from the regional trial court (RTC) in Davao City to the Quezon City RTC.
The SC said the “cases involve public interest, with the accused (Quiboloy), a well-known religious leader, being influential in the area.”
“As this could cause local biases and a strong possibility that witnesses cannot freely testify due to fear and influence of the accused, the Court found it prudent and judicious to order the transfer of the cases to Quezon City,” it also said.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has also filed a non-bailable charge of qualified human trafficking against Quiboloy and his co-accused before the Pasig City RTC. Both Davao City and Pasig RTCs have issued arrest orders against Quiboloy and his co-accused.
The filing of the criminal cases arose from the complaints filed by a girl who was only 17 years old in 2011 when the alleged criminal offenses were committed.
Quiboloy has remained at large. His co-accused in the Davao City cases have posted their bail.