Pasig court denies Quiboloy’s request to attend TV interview

A Pasig court has denied the request of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy to attend a live television interview in relation to his filing of a certificate of candidacy (COC) for senator in the upcoming elections.

In a three-page order, the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 159 noted the risks associated with any public statements that will be made by Quiboloy during the interview, saying any pronouncement may influence public perception on the ongoing proceedings.

“As a note, while this Court recognizes the right of accused Quiboloy to seek public office and to engage in lawful campaign activities, this right is not absolute and remains subject to regulation by the court,” it said.

“After all, accused Quiboloy is not restricted to the live media interview as his sole means of campaigning and sharing his platform with the public,” it added.

GMA News Online sought comment from Quiboloy’s camp but has yet to receive a response as of posting time.

Pasig court denies motion filed by the camp of KOJC founder Apollo Quiboloy to allow him to participate in a live TV interview as a senatorial aspirant@gmanews @gmanewsbreaking pic.twitter.com/i8mRQfHkqk

— Joahna Lei Casilao (@joahnacasilao) January 14, 2025

In his motion, Quiboloy asked the court to allow him to attend a live interview organized by the ABS-CBN News Channel on January 14.

The court, however, said the motion was not accompanied by the supposed formal invitation from the TV network regarding the interview.

It said this impeded the court from setting up appropriate parameters. 

“Thus, for failure of accused Quiboloy to substantiate his prayer in the motion, and to safeguard the fairness of the trial and maintain the confidentiality of the proceedings, the Court exercises its discretion in not allowing accused Quiboloy to participate in the supposed live interview,” the court said.

The order is dated January 13, 2025. 

Quiboloy is currently facing a non-bailable qualified human trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended, before the Pasig court.

He is also facing charges under Section 5(b) and  Section 10(a) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

Quiboloy has pleaded not guilty to both cases.—AOL, GMA Integrated News