MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Justice will review the United States’ request to extradite detained televangelist and Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder Apollo Quiboloy, with officials set to assess how the transfer could affect his pending criminal cases in the Philippines.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed Friday that the DOJ received the extradition documents transmitted by the US Department of State through the Department of Foreign Affairs.
Vida said the department would evaluate the request under the 1994 Philippines-US Extradition Treaty and consider legal issues arising from Quiboloy’s ongoing cases in two Philippine courts.
“Everything will be validated pursuant to the requirements,” Vida said during the Manila Overseas Press Club’s Judiciary Night. He added that the DOJ would also consider relevant Supreme Court rulings and the interests of Quiboloy’s alleged victims.
Vida said the DOJ would prioritize the request but did not provide a timeline for a decision.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said Washington wants Quiboloy extradited as soon as possible because of the cases against him in the United States.
Palace press officer Claire Castro said the request must undergo evaluation to ensure that justice is served for alleged victims in both countries as well as for Quiboloy.
Quiboloy faces qualified human trafficking charges before the Pasig Regional Trial Court and separate charges involving sexual abuse and maltreatment before the Quezon City RTC.
The US request stems from a 2021 federal indictment in California that includes charges of sex trafficking of minors, visa fraud and bulk cash smuggling. The Federal Bureau of Investigation previously placed Quiboloy on its most-wanted list.
The DOJ is also considering whether to defer extradition until Philippine proceedings conclude or until Quiboloy completes any prison sentence imposed in the country.
Under Article 11 of the Philippines-US Extradition Treaty, Philippine authorities may surrender Quiboloy to US custody if the treaty’s requirements are met. The treaty also provides for his return to the Philippines after the US proceedings.
Quiboloy has remained detained since his arrest in September 2024 at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ compound in Davao City following a 16-day police operation.
