Vice President Sara Duterte has publicly declared her support for Apollo Quiboloy, the head of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), amidst allegations of child abuse and human trafficking leveled against him. She emphasized the necessity for a fair trial, voicing concerns over the premature judgment seemingly cast upon Quiboloy based on the testimonies of unidentified witnesses.
In a statement disseminated via Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), Duterte highlighted the perceived injustice and prejudgment facing Quiboloy, suggesting that the accusations and the ensuing hearings lack a solid foundation of credible evidence. This stance comes amid broader conversations about due process and the integrity of legal proceedings.
Duterte’s comments also touch on the recent challenges faced by SMNI, the media arm of KOJC, which has seen its operations suspended by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) due to alleged franchise violations. The Vice President frames this as a matter of media freedom, underlining the importance of justice and truth in the context of legal and public scrutiny.
The defense of Quiboloy and SMNI by a prominent political figure like Vice President Duterte adds a significant dimension to the discourse surrounding the allegations, underscoring the complex interplay between politics, religion, and media in the Philippines