A fugitive has no right to set conditions for surrender, and Quiboloy is no exception. 

To date, the whereabouts of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader, Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, who faces numerous allegations of sexual abuse, labor and human trafficking, and fraud, remain unknown. He has not responded to any call-out orders from the Senate seeking his cooperation in an investigation.

Recently, he issued a recording in which he outlined his conditions for surrender and willingness to participate in the investigation. In his demands, he insisted on a formal agreement that the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and the US Embassy should not intervene in his cases.

It is ironic to think that someone facing so many charges would have the audacity to dictate terms. Despite being revered as the “appointed son of god” by his blindly loyal followers, Quiboloy cannot escape the law. He must face court proceedings and submit to legal scrutiny like any other individual.

We all know that Quiboloy's proposed conditions stem from his fear of America. He is afraid that if it intervenes, he will certainly end up behind bars. In 2020, the FBI issued an arrest warrant for Quiboloy after discovering his involvement in a fraudulent charity designed to extract money from international donors. He is also implicated in human trafficking and smuggling activities in the U.S. Despite these serious allegations, Quiboloy evaded arrest, protected by his presence in the Philippines and his strong connections with then-President Rodrigo Duterte.

Now that Duterte is out of office, Quiboloy can no longer use his influence to shield his wrongdoings. Numerous victims and members of the KOJC have come forward against him. They consistently described the church as nothing more than a vehicle for the pastor's money-making schemes. 

It is horrifying to think that someone regarded as a great and benevolent pastor could embody the evil of Quiboloy. Yet, despite this, some of our lawmakers seem to turn a blind eye. A few still support him and find ways to help him evade the law. Recently, Senator Robin Padilla introduced a resolution to cancel the subpoena issued by Senator Risa Hontiveros to the pastor. It is disheartening to think that because Padilla is an ally and friend of Quiboloy, he is helping the pastor slip through the cracks. Perhaps Quiboloy is not afraid of the Philippine courts because he knows how easily they can be manipulated.

These incidents, involving not only Quiboloy but also fugitive Arnulfo Tevez, are a slap in the face to our government, showcasing a twisted and sluggish justice system. Money remains at the core of this system, seemingly allowing only the poor to feel the harshness of the law.

The Supreme Court must ensure that Quiboloy is properly judged. Without bias or friendship, he must answer for his crimes. It would be better to use some of the intelligence funds to locate the pastor’s hideout. From what I see, calls and resolutions are not enough to bring Quiboloy to trial. We need to act. If canceling his passport to prevent him from leaving the country is necessary, then it should be done so he does not end up like Tevez, who is still at large. Hopefully, in light of these events, we all realize that Quiboloy is a false prophet who continues to exploit his followers’ vulnerabilities.

The time has come for a reform in our justice system. We can no longer allow the powerful and affluent to escape accountability. Rather, let us strengthen our institutions and protect them against the damaging effects of deception and corruption. Outside of his "kingdom," Apollo Quiboloy is just a mortal subject to the same rules as everyone else, regardless of the pedestal that his supporters place him on.