Hontiveros: PH has a clear legal ground for Quiboloy's temporary surrender to US
By Dhel Nazario
At A Glance
- Senator Risa Hontiveros asserted that the Philippines has legal grounds to temporarily surrender Apollo Quiboloy to the U.S. under the PH-US Extradition Treaty, stressing the need to deliver justice to American victims while ensuring his return to face charges in the country.
Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Friday, Aug. 22, that the Philippines has a clear legal basis to temporarily surrender Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy to the United States -- and ample justification to do the same.
Senator Risa Hontiveros (Senate PRIB)
Hontiveros cited Article 11, paragraph 1 of the PH-US Extradition Treaty.
"Kahit may kaso siya dito, puwede pa rin siyang dalhin sa Amerika para harapin muna ang mga kaso doon, at pagkatapos ng paglilitis ay ibalik sa Pilipinas para panagutin sa mga krimen dito (Even if he has cases here, he can still be brought to the United States to face the charges there first, and after the trial, be returned to the Philippines to be held accountable for his crimes here)," she said.
Hontiveros made the statement after Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel “Babe” Romualdez said that documents seeking Quiboloy's extradition are already with the Department of Justice (DOJ).
She stated that Quiboloy has victims in the US who have waited too long for justice.
"Hindi rin tama na patagalin pa ang kanilang laban (It is also not right to prolong their fight). If we continue to delay, we are denying them their right to be heard," she added.
Here in the Philippines, Hontiveros said it is clear that he is trying to use his wealth and influence to evade accountability, adding that he, through his followers, has tried to intimidate witnesses.
Hontiveros also stated that even during the Senate hearing, he set various conditions just to avoid appearing at the inquiry.
"By allowing temporary surrender, we uphold justice on both sides. Nakakasiguro ang Pilipinas na hindi mawawala ang ating mga kaso, at natutulungan din natin ang mga biktima sa Amerika (The Philippines can be assured that our cases will not be lost, while also helping the victims in the United States)," she added.
Meanwhile, the DOJ insisted that it has not received any request from the United States government for the extradition of Quiboloy.