Set clear timeline for Quiboloy's US extradition, solon tells authorities
At A Glance
- Manila 2nd district Rep. Ronaldo Valeriano is urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to plot a clear timeline regarding the United States (US) extradition of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy (Facebook)
Manila 2nd district Rep. Ronaldo Valeriano is urging the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to plot a clear timeline regarding the United States (US) extradition of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy.
Specifically, Valeriano wants the two agencies to publish a clear timeline of both taken and pending action on the matter.
He said that doing so would address the confusion on the extradition process of the controversial Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church leader.
Televangelist Quiboloy--the self-proclaimed "Appointed Son of God"--has been indicted in the US for sex trafficking, with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) placing him on its wanted list. Meanwhile, local cases against him include qualified trafficking and child abuse.
For Valeriano, this dual track of cases underlines the scale of the problem and that no amount of influence or political connections should insulate him from the reach of justice.
“The FBI has listed him, US prosecutors have indicted him, and sanctions have been imposed. What more proof do we need that this man must face trial in the US?” asked the chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Safety.
Valeriano explained that under the Philippine Extradition Treaty, provisional arrest and temporary surrender are possible even if cases are pending in Philippine courts, ensuring that both domestic and foreign proceedings can be pursued without delay.
The DOJ had earlier said that Quiboloy's legal troubles in the country must first be resolved before the extradition process with the US can proceed, but not everyone agrees with this.
For example, Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima believes that the controversial pastor's extradition can still push through for as long as the US and Philippines agree on certain terms.
Valeriano warned that Quiboloy’s network of followers and resources could pose real risks to communities and law enforcers if authorities remain hesitant.
“Public order is about protecting our people from predators who use power, wealth and influence to prey on the weak. Kaya dapat lang na harapin niya ang mga kaso niya sa US. Kung walang kasalanan, eh di walang dapat ikatakot,” he said.
(That's why he must face his cases in the US. If he didn't commit any wrongdoing, then he has nothing to fear.)