Washington's extradition request for detained Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy must not be cast aside.

House Committee on Public Order and Safety Chairman Manila 2nd district Rep. Rolando Valeriano had this to say in press conference Thursday, Aug, 21 when he was asked about Quiboloy's case.

“Ang bigat po ng kasong kinakaharap ni Pastor Quiboloy (Pastor Quiboloy is facing a very serious case),” Valeriano said.

“‘Yung hiling naman ng US, yan po dadaan naman po sa proseso. Merong extradition treaty at meron tayong korte. Ang pagkakaalam ko tatapusin muna ‘yung kaso, pero at the same time hindi po dapat balewalain ‘yun,” he noted.

(As for the request from the US, that will go through the proper process. There is an extradition treaty and we have our courts. From what I understand, the case will be completed first, but at the same time, that request should not be ignored.)

For Valeriano the Philippine government must demonstrate that its means business when it comes to dealing out justice. He also underscored the need to apply the law equally.

“Dapat ipakita ng bayang Pilipinas na kaya nating magpatupad ng batas at kahit sino, kahit gaano ka man ka-impluwensya, kahit gaano ka man kasikat, mananagot ka sa batas ng lipunan,” he said.

(The Filipino nation must show that we are capable of enforcing the law, and that no matter who you are—no matter how influential or famous—you will be held accountable under the law of society.)

“Dito pantay-pantay ang treatment natin whether sikat kang tao o hari ka dito. Sa mata ng Diyos at sa mata ng tao, mananagot ka,” Valeriano said.

(Here, everyone is treated equally, whether you're a celebrity or a king. In the eyes of God and in the eyes of the people, you will be held accountable.)

Quiboloy, the self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God”, is wanted in the US on charges of sex trafficking, bulk cash smuggling, and immigration fraud. US authorities accuse Quiboloy and his associates of exploiting church members, including minors, in a years-long scheme.

In the Philippines, Quiboloy — spiritual adviser and close friend of former president Rodrigo Duterte — also faces human trafficking and child abuse cases filed by former church members who alleged sexual exploitation and coercion.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has said his legal troubles in the country must first be resolved before the extradition process with the US can proceed.