A Pasig City court has allowed Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy and five of his co-accused to attend the Senate investigation into alleged human trafficking and sexual abuse within the religious group. The inquiry is scheduled for October 23, despite Quiboloy’s opposition.
Presiding Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa of the Pasig City Regional Trial Court Branch 159 granted the Senate committee’s request for Quiboloy’s appearance, citing the Senate’s constitutional authority to conduct investigations in aid of legislation. The court noted that both the Philippine National Police and state prosecutors did not object to Quiboloy’s participation.
Apart from Quiboloy, the court approved the attendance of Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada (alias Enteng), Ingrid Canada, Paulene Canada, and Sylvia Cemanes.
The ruling highlighted that ongoing court cases should not prevent legislative investigations. Quiboloy, who faces non-bailable charges of qualified human trafficking and other serious accusations, had previously stated that he would only address the allegations in court, not before the Senate.