THE Pasig City Regional Trial Court has denied the petition for bail filed by Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy who is facing qualified human trafficking charges.
In his July 20, 2025 decision, Pasig RTC Branch 159 Presiding Judge Rainelda Estacio-Montesa held that the prosecution was able to present sufficient evidence to show the guilt of Quiboloy and his co-accused.
“After a careful evaluation of the evidence presented by the prosecution for purposes of bail, as well as the records of these cases, the Court finds that the petition for bail of accused Apollo Quiboloy, Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, Paulene Canada, Ingrid Canada, and Sylvia Cemanes should be denied,” part of the court’s 23-page ruling said.
“At this juncture, the prosecution has sufficiently shown that the evidence of guilt against all the accused is strong on the two crimes of qualified human trafficking committed by a syndicate. Thus, given these pieces of evidence against all the accused at this point which establish a great presumption of guilt for purposes of bail, the Court must deny their petitions for bail,” it added.
Qualified human trafficking is a non-bailable offense under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
In his petition, Quiboloy argued that the complaint failed to establish his strong guilt, or that a prima facie case is present to show that the crimes charged were committed and that he was the perpetrator.
He also told the court that he is not a flight risk, and that there is no danger that he would interfere with witnesses should the petition be granted.
On the other hand, Cemanes argued in her petition for bail that the accusations against her failed to establish her guilt because they are based on generalized and uncorroborated allegations.
The Pasig court disagreed with their arguments, and thus, ruled to junk their petitions for bail.
It clarified, however, that the ruling does not determine the ultimate outcome of the case against Quiboloy and his co-accused.
“The Court is merely tasked with resolving the petitions for bail filed by all the accused, and not with rendering a judgment on the merits of the case. There remains a long process ahead, and both parties have the opportunity to present further evidence,” the court said.
Quiboloy is also facing child abuse and exploitation charges before a Quezon City court.
He was arrested on September 8 after a 16-day manhunt in the KOJC compound in Davao City where thousands of his supporters faced off with police officers who were deployed to serve the warrants of arrest against him.
Quiboloy is also facing charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling in the United States.
He is likewise included in the US’ list of most wanted persons.
