A former member of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) testified before the Senate on Wednesday, revealing that she was forced to exploit children to meet a P15 million fundraising quota during Christmas caroling. The testimony was part of a Senate committee investigation into alleged abuses within the KOJC.
Teresita Valdehueza, the former KOJC member, recounted how caroling during December became a major source of funding for the group, with all members required to participate. “Many workers and members struggled, caroling and soliciting funds from people across the country,” Valdehueza shared. She revealed that the hardships faced by members included deaths, accidents, imprisonment, and even rape, which often went unreported for fear of disbelief.
Valdehueza, who organized nationwide caroling efforts, admitted to having a personal quota of P10 to P15 million during the holiday season. She also revealed that young people from Mindanao and the Visayas were trafficked to various provinces and cities, including Metro Manila, to carol and meet the church’s financial demands. Many children were forced to miss school as early as November to prioritize church-related activities, with members too afraid to question the use of the funds.
KOJC founder Apollo Quiboloy, who was present at the Senate hearing, denied the allegations. “We don’t have policies that involve children begging for money,” Quiboloy stated, dismissing Valdehueza’s accusations as baseless.
Beyond the Christmas season, Valdehueza detailed how members were also tasked with selling rice delicacies and other goods to meet daily quotas for various church-related pledges and offerings, with only a small portion of the income reaching intended beneficiaries.
Quiboloy is currently facing multiple charges, including non-bailable qualified human trafficking and violations of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.