KINGDOM of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy is now adjusting to life behind bars at the Pasig City Jail, his lawyer said yesterday.
Lawyer Israelito Torreon said Quiboloy has accepted the decision of the Pasig City Regional Trial Court ordering his transfer from the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame to the city jail.
With this, Torreon said they may no longer pursue their bid to challenge the court order.
“Continuing to challenge his transfer would just be a waste of paper. It’s pointless to fight it anymore,” Torreon told reporters in a chance interview at the Department of Justice.
“The prosecution clearly wants him detained there,” he added.
As to Quiboloy’s condition, Torreon said he is okay in his detention cell.
“Mayroon naman siyang mga cellmates doon (He’s got cellmates there),” he added.
At the same time, he said he and the other members of Quiboloy’s legal team would ensure his rights even in detention are fully respected.
This, he added, includes access to his lawyers and medical care.
Last month, Quiboloy was taken to the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City after experiencing chest pains and irregular heartbeat.
Branch 159 of the Pasig RTC ordered Quiboloy’s transfer to the Pasig City Jail.
The court is handling the controversial pastor’s qualified human trafficking case, a non-bailable offense under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act.
He is also facing charges of child abuse and exploitation before a Quezon City court.
Quiboloy 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 sent to arrest him.
In the US, Quiboloy is facing charges of conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, and sex trafficking of children, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.
He is also included in the US list of most wanted persons.
Quiboloy, a close ally of former president Rodrigo Duterte, has denied all the accusations.
