The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed during a Senate hearing on Tuesday that the P10-million reward for information leading to the capture of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy is legal.
The clarification came after KOJC Executive Secretary Eleanor Cardona questioned the offer, which she referred to as a “bounty.” The reward was reportedly offered by a private citizen and announced by Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. in July.
DOJ Undersecretary Nicholas Ty emphasized the distinction between a “bounty” and a “reward,” explaining that a bounty is typically associated with convicted criminals, while a reward can be offered for information on the whereabouts of an accused individual, including Quiboloy.
“Our position is that offering rewards to individuals who can provide information leading to an arrest is legal. It’s part of our job in the justice sector to enforce criminal laws, which cannot be done if the accused cannot be located,” Ty stated.
Ty further explained that several laws, such as the National Internal Revenue Code, the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act, the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, and the Anti-Terrorism Act, support the legality of such rewards. He added that the source of the reward—whether from private citizens or the government—is irrelevant in this context.
However, Quiboloy’s counsel, Israelito Torreon, argued that accepting the reward could violate the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees (RA 6713). Torreon claimed that by entertaining the reward, Secretary Abalos indirectly accepted a favor, which is prohibited for public officials.
Abalos clarified that he never solicited any money for the reward, and DOJ officials defended the legality of the reward, refuting claims that it could be considered a bribe.
Last July, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos expressed frustration when asked about Quiboloy’s camp questioning the motives behind the reward offer. “He can question their motives as much as he wants. But magpakita siya (he should show himself). I question his motives,” Marcos remarked.
During the Senate hearing, Abalos reiterated his call for Quiboloy to surrender, stating that the situation will only be resolved if Quiboloy faces the charges against him.
Quiboloy is currently facing multiple charges, including allegations of human trafficking and sex trafficking, both in the Philippines and the United States. Despite an arrest warrant, he has remained in hiding, reportedly within the KOJC compound in Davao City.