The legal team of Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), has raised concerns about the legal basis of the Court of Appeals’ decision to impose a freeze order on the religious leader’s bank accounts and assets.
According to KOJC attorney Israelito Torreon, the Department of Justice (DOJ) should carefully review the appellate court’s order. He noted that DOJ spokesperson ASec. Mico Clavano had previously stated that the basis for the order was the cases filed against Pastor Quiboloy in the United States. However, Torreon emphasized the principle of territoriality in the country’s legal system, arguing that crimes allegedly committed in the U.S. should, as a general rule, be prosecuted there.
The legal team is also seeking clarification on the evidence cited in the petition that allegedly links Pastor Quiboloy’s frozen bank accounts to illegal activities. They assert that the funds and assets in question originated from KOJC members.
Pastor Quiboloy’s camp believes that the arrest order against him is politically motivated, especially given his close ties to the Duterte family.
As of now, Quiboloy’s camp is still awaiting the official copy of the freeze order.
It should be noted that the Court of Appeals also ordered the freezing of bank accounts associated with KOJC and Swara Sug Media Corporation, the operator of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), KOJC’s media arm. The freeze order will remain in effect for 20 days.