The legal team of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is challenging the legal basis for the Court of Appeal’s (CA) order to freeze his bank accounts and assets.
Background of the Freeze Order
The CA issued the freeze order after finding reasonable grounds to believe that Quiboloy’s bank accounts and properties are linked to unlawful activities and predicate crimes. This decision was based on a petition from the Anti-Money Laundering Council. The freeze order affects several bank accounts, including those of KOJC and Swara Sug Media Corporation, which operates Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), and is effective for 20 days.
Legal Counsel’s Response
Atty. Israelito Torreon, representing KOJC, urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) to review the order, citing the principle of territoriality in legal matters. Torreon argued that crimes allegedly committed in the United States should be tried there, not in the Philippines.
“Noong nag-interview kasi yung DOJ spokesman na yung basis daw nila is yung nandoon sa United States of America, kailangan talaga na suriin ito ng masyado. Bakit po? Mayron naman tayong territoriality principle insofar as crimes are concerned. Those committed in United States of America, as a general rule, should be tried in America,” Torreon stated.
Evidence and Political Motivation
Quiboloy’s camp has requested details of the evidence linking the frozen bank accounts to the alleged unlawful activities. They maintain that the funds and properties of KOJC originate from its members. Additionally, they believe the freeze order and subsequent arrest warrant are politically motivated, pointing to Quiboloy’s close relationship with the Duterte family.
“We have reasonable grounds to believe that all of this is political. That’s our belief. We may be mistaken but that is our belief that all of this is political. The closeness of Pastor Quiboloy and our beloved former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” Torreon added.
Next Steps
As of now, Quiboloy’s camp is awaiting the official copy of the freeze order. The legal team for SMNI has indicated plans to file a motion to lift the order or a temporary restraining order (TRO) before the Supreme Court.