The legal proceedings against Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and other accused individuals from the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) will continue, despite the recent guilty plea entered by one of the co-accused, Marissa Duenas, in the United States. The Department of Justice in the Philippines confirmed this development on Friday.
Duenas, a former executive of KJC, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States government. This plea specifically concerned her role in orchestrating a plan that allegedly involved assisting the KJC in trafficking members from the Philippines to the United States. Her plea acknowledges her complicity in helping KJC evade immigration laws through fraudulent means.
The charges against Duenas included her alleged involvement in a scheme that involved falsifying documents and making false statements to U.S. officials. These actions were purportedly carried out to bring KJC members into the United States illegally. Her guilty plea is seen as a significant move, considering her former position within the organization.
Duenas’ acknowledgment of guilt has led to the dismissal of charges against her in the United States. However, the cases against her co-accused, including Pastor Quiboloy, remain unaffected by her plea. The legal process against these individuals continues as planned.
Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, recognized as the leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, is facing several serious charges in the United States. Among these are allegations of trafficking and coercing women and underage girls under the guise of religious duties. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation lists Quiboloy on its Most Wanted List for these offenses. The FBI has accused him of participating in a labor trafficking scheme that involved exploiting individuals for forced labor.
The indictment against Quiboloy and his associates outlines a series of grave allegations. These include not only labor trafficking but also instances of sexual exploitation. The accusations suggest that Quiboloy and his group engaged in these acts while misrepresenting them as religious obligations, thereby abusing their positions of power for personal gain.
Quiboloy’s legal troubles have attracted international attention, not least because of his status as a high-profile religious leader in the Philippines. His church, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, claims millions of followers worldwide. The ongoing legal battle has raised questions about the practices within the church and the extent of its operations both in the Philippines and abroad.
In light of the ongoing cases, Quiboloy and his legal team maintain his innocence. They argue that the charges are unfounded and politically motivated. Quiboloy has stated that his work and mission have always been about spreading faith and serving his followers.
The Department of Justice in the Philippines has reiterated its commitment to the legal process, ensuring that justice is served. The department emphasizes that the continuation of the cases against Quiboloy and his co-accused is crucial for upholding the integrity of the justice system.