MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice (DOJ) is completing the final phases of its legal evaluation prior to submitting a formal petition for the extradition of controversial televangelist and religious leader Apollo Quiboloy to the United States, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida announced on Thursday, October 1.
During a media briefing, Secretary Vida provided an update on the case status, confirming that the government is nearly prepared to initiate court proceedings.
“Bigyan ko kayo [ng] update [on] Quiboloy. We’re in the final stages already of the vetting. Nagle-legal scrubbing na lang kami. We’re almost ready to file that petition,” he said.
The Justice Department stated that the upcoming extradition request will be officially submitted before a local trial court.
Vida emphasized that the Philippine government intends to honor its bilateral commitments with Washington, noting:
“Of course, the Philippines would comply with its obligations under extradition treaty with the United States.”
The Justice chief explained that the extradition steps will adhere to procedural guidelines set by the Supreme Court, which guarantee due process for the individual requested for surrender.
“And of course, we are now governed by the Supreme Court rules on extradition. May maliwagan na panuntunan doon—may karapatan ‘yung potential na i-e-extradite at mayroon din pamamaraan at proseso,” Vida explained.
He described the timing of the Judiciary’s recent regulatory updates as advantageous to their current preparation efforts:
“Maganda nga ang tiyempo kasi naglabas last year ang Supreme Court ng news rules on extradition.”
The United States government formally requested Quiboloy’s extradition in August in connection with federal charges involving racketeering and sex trafficking.
Quiboloy, who founded the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), was apprehended in September 2024 for alleged breaches of Republic Act 7610, also known as the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.
He additionally faces non-bailable qualified human trafficking charges under Section 4(a) of Republic Act 9208, as amended, in a Pasig court, and remains held at the Pasig City Jail.