DOJ: Quiboloy can't be extradited yet to US due to pending criminal cases in PH
Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo C. Quiboloy cannot be extradited yet to the United States while he still has pending criminal cases before Philippine courts, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said on Wednesday, Aug. 20.
“In general, a person cannot be extradited from the Philippines while a criminal case against him is still pending in our courts, since local jurisdiction takes priority,” said DOJ Assistant Secretary Jose Dominic F. Clavano IV.
He said that a person must first face trial and if convicted that person has to serve his or her sentence before an extradition may proceed.
On the other hand, he said “the courts retain the power to act on cases with urgency, so if circumstances warrant, we may move to resolve proceedings in order not to unduly delay a valid extradition request.”
The DOJ responded to reports that the United States government has already sent to the DOJ last June a request for the extradition of Quiboloy who is facing before Philippine courts charges of qualified human trafficking, a non-bailable case, and child abuse.
He is wanted in the US for various charges including child sex trafficking, sex with minors, fraud, and money laundering.