Duterte named administrator of KOJC properties, says SMNI

Former President Rodrigo Duterte has been named the administrator of the properties of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founded by Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, the religious group's media arm SMNI said.

According to Saleema Refran's report on "24 Oras," SMNI made the announcement on X formerly Twitter. 

The post on X did not provide details but Duterte is a known close friend of Quiboloy,the former president's spiritual adviser.

GMA Integrated News is still trying to get comment from Duterte and the KOJC. 

This developed after the Senate Committee on Women, Children, Family Relations, and Gender Equality cited Quiboloy in contempt after his failure to attend an inquiry on alleged sexual abuses.

A United States court has also ordered the unsealing of a warrant of arrest against Quiboloy.

The KOJC leader earlier said he would not submit himself to the Senate inquiry into the allegations of sexual abuse made by former members of his religious organization against him.

Hontiveros had already warned Quiboloy that he would be arrested if he failed to attend the scheduled Senate hearings.

In a voice message posted recently on social media, Quiboloy accused the United States government, with the help of Philippine officials, of plotting to eliminate him.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Monday announced that qualified human trafficking and child abuse cases will be filed against Quiboloy.

At a press conference, Remulla said the Department of Justice (DOJ) has granted a petition of review, directing the Office of the City Prosecutor of Davao City to file a case against Quiboloy for sexual abuse of a minor in 2011, in violation of the Republic Act 7610 or the "Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act."

The controversial religious leader is facing various cases in the US, including trafficking and bulk cash smuggling.

The House of Representatives has also issued a subpoena against Quiboloy, directing him to appear before the congressional inquiry into the call to revoke the Swara Sug Media Corporation franchise, which operates Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI). —Sherylin Untalan/NB, GMA Integrated News