MANILA, Philippines — A Pasig Regional Trial Court has denied bail to Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy and five of his co-accused in connection with qualified human trafficking and sexual abuse charges.
In a 23-page order dated July 20, the court cited substantial evidence presented by the prosecution, noting a “great presumption of guilt” as grounds to withhold bail.
The ruling emphasized that the decision does not determine Quiboloy’s guilt but solely addresses whether the evidence meets the legal standard for denying bail.
Quiboloy’s co-accused include Sylvia Cemañes, Paulene Canada, Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, and Ingrid Canada.
The complainant alleged that she and her sister were recruited into the group in 2011 under false pretenses and were later subjected to forced labor and sexual abuse within what was described as a “bodily connection ministry.”
Quiboloy faces charges under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, which classifies certain offenses as non-bailable, along with related sexual abuse charges.
The court has yet to announce the date for the next hearing and is maintaining heightened security measures due to the case’s high-profile nature.