Former President Rodrigo Duterte has been designated as the administrator of the properties belonging to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), a religious organization founded by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. This development was announced by the group’s media arm, SMNI, though specific details of the appointment were not disclosed in their statement on X (formerly Twitter). Duterte, who shares a close friendship with Quiboloy, his spiritual adviser, has yet to comment on this new role, as efforts to reach both him and the KOJC for their statements continue.
This announcement comes amid escalating legal challenges facing Quiboloy, including a recent move by the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality to cite him in contempt for failing to appear at an inquiry into alleged sexual abuses within the KOJC. Additionally, a U.S. court has unsealed a warrant for Quiboloy’s arrest related to various charges.
Quiboloy has expressed his refusal to participate in the Senate inquiry, which probes the sexual abuse allegations brought forward by former members of his congregation. His absence has drawn criticism and legal scrutiny, leading Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla to announce forthcoming human trafficking and child abuse charges against him, including a specific case of sexual abuse of a minor in 2011 under the Republic Act 7610, or the “Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.”
These legal entanglements in the Philippines are in addition to the multiple cases Quiboloy faces in the United States, including trafficking and bulk cash smuggling. Amid these controversies, the House of Representatives has also issued a subpoena requiring Quiboloy’s attendance at a congressional inquiry concerning the potential revocation of the franchise for Swara Sug Media Corporation, which operates Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI).
As Duterte steps into this administrative role within the KOJC, the future implications for both him and the religious organization remain to be seen, especially in light of the serious allegations and legal actions surrounding Quiboloy.