House probe sought on Quiboloy’s alleged abuse, trafficking vs. women and children

Metro Manila (CNN Philippine, December 14) — Members of the Makabayan bloc are calling for a House probe into the alleged sex trafficking and abuse perpetrated by church leader Apollo Quiboloy against women and children.

House Resolution No. 644 — filed Tuesday by Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas, ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro, and Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel — urges the House Committees on Women and Gender Equality and Welfare of Children to investigate the claims against the Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder.

“[I]t is imperative for the Philippine government and agencies to commence an investigation on the slew of charges lodged against Quiboloy and immediately prevent the possible continuing offenses,” read the document released to the media Wednesday.

The lawmakers also lamented the government’s “wait-and-see attitude” on the case of Quiboloy, who was indicted by the US Department of Justice in 2021 for supposedly coercing young girls to have sex with him.

“The legislative branch of the government cannot afford to stand idle in the face of mounting allegations against an international criminal who has committed blatant abuses and inflicted unimaginable trauma against women and minors,” they added.

Quiboloy is facing sanctions from the United States Department of the Treasury, which noted the pastor’s history of “serious human rights abuse” — both sexual and physical in nature. The church leader's camp slammed the move and described it as politicking.

The Philippines’ Justice Department, meanwhile, said it will still review the sanctions and seek advice from international legal experts regarding the matter.