Arrest of Filipino televangelist reveals political ties amid sexual assault allegations

The story of Apollo Quiboloy's arrest mobilized nearly 2,000 police officers and kept the archipelago on edge. Quiboloy, who is wanted in the United States on sex crimes and money laundering charges, was arrested in Davao on September 8 after evading arrest for two weeks. He faces child abuse, sexual assault and human trafficking charges in a Manila court. He was flown there by military plane to await trial. Despite his legal troubles, the 70-year-old maintained close ties with the family of former President Rodrigo Duterte, for whom he reportedly worked as a spiritual adviser.

What was his relationship with the former head of state, known for his anti-clerical stance and numerous clashes with the Catholic Church? During Duterte's presidency from 2016 to 2022, the Catholic Church was one of the few institutions that opposed his authoritarian tendencies. “It is quite possible that Duterte presented Quiboloy as his spiritual leader to indirectly attack the Church and show that it no longer has any influence on the people,” speculated a Catholic priest from Manila, a keen observer of the religious landscape in the Philippines, in an interview with The Cross.

A “true empire”

“With Duterte, everything is political. He is an opportunist who tailors his message to his audience,” the priest continued. “For example, he once claimed to have converted to Islam. Quiboloy, who is extremely wealthy, probably supported him financially in one way or another during his political career.” The circumstances of the pastor's arrest remain unclear, but his wealth and influence are undeniable. He built “a veritable empire” in the Philippines and owned numerous properties.

Quiboloy was born in 1950 into an evangelical family in Davao, southern Philippines. In 1985, he founded the Kingdom of Jesus Christ Church (KOJC) and called himself the “appointed son of God” and “owner of the universe.” He claimed to have met “the Lord” on several occasions.

Although the Philippines is the third most Catholic country in the world, with 80% of the population being Catholic, Quiboloy's message spread and his church today claims to have nearly six million followers worldwide. In a disturbing development, Quiboloy appointed former President Duterte as the administrator of KOJC properties in March.

Serious allegations

In November 2021, the US Department of Justice charged Quiboloy and two other men with sexual exploitation of girls and young women between the ages of 12 and 25. According to the indictment, between 2002 and 2018, the charismatic televangelist forced these women to have sexual relations with him under threat of “eternal damnation” if they refused. They were recruited as personal assistants and brought to the United States, where some were also tasked with raising funds to support the “luxurious lifestyle” of church leaders.

In February, Quiboloy released a statement on his television channel Sonshine Media denying all allegations and claiming he was in hiding for fear of being “abducted or murdered” by the US and Philippine governments. Philippine authorities have also filed a legal case against him for allegedly committing sex crimes against members of his church congregation.

Further reading: The path of the Philippine bishops with Duterte

Speaking to local media on September 9, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Quiboloy would receive “no special treatment” in the trial despite his influential political connections, including with opposition figures. Two of the country's lawmakers called for a new investigation into the possible role that Duterte and his daughter Sara Duterte – currently Vice President of the Philippines – may have played in Quiboloy's recent escape from arrest.