According to Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy’s lawyers, President Rodrigo Duterte does not need to intervene in the case.
They said they are ready to face the extradition case and answer in court the cases filed in the US by former members of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
“We are not asking the president for any special favors. There is no need to. We have laws here, and as long as those laws are faithfully complied within the matter of a petition for extradition should there be one, ‘yon na po ang aming tutuparin,” said Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, Manila legal counsel, Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
“There is a process, and if the court says that he has to be extradited, then we will follow what the law says. Sapagkat yan po ay nasa bibliya naman na yan … ‘yong mga may kapangyarihan sa mundo ay tinakda ng langit, kaya susundin mo ‘yan,” he added.
The FBI in the United States declined to comment on the extradition proceedings against Apollo Quiboloy or whether it has already begun.
Quiboloy and two other Kingdom of Jesus Christ officials who are considered fugitives already have arrest warrants, and the FBI investigation is ongoing.
Apollo Quiboloy’s lawyer says no need for Duterte’s special favor
For Gabriela party-list Rep. Arlene Brosas, the pastor should have just surrendered. She added Quiboloy should stop playing a victim and comparing himself to biblical characters who went through hardship.
“Pa-victim itong si Pastor Quiboloy … for someone who is accused of molesting minors and trafficking victims to the US, Quiboloy must really be thick-faced to liken himself to biblical figures. sumuko na lang dapat siya,” said Brosas.
“We again ask the DOJ to do whatever is necessary to facilitate the attainment of justice to all the victims of Pastor Quiboloy — even if those measures would run counter to Duterte’s wishes,” she added.
The women’s group asked the DOJ to do everything necessary, such as a hold departure order to ensure justice for the alleged victims of Apollo Quiboloy, even if it goes against the president’s wishes.
But according to the DOJ, only a court can issue a hold departure order. Still, the United States can also request a provisional arrest of Quiboloy even without an extradition request.
Visit our Facebook page for more news updates.