Court denies Quiboloy bail

Controversial Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) and five others were denied bail by the Pasig City Regional Trial Court in a case involving charges of qualified trafficking in persons, ruling that the prosecution presented strong evidence to justify continued detention.

Presiding Judge Rainelda H. Estacio-Montesa of Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 159, in an order dated 20 July 2025, found that the evidence so far supports the charge of qualified trafficking under Republic Act No. 9208, as amended by R.A. No. 10364.

The offense, which is punishable by life imprisonment, makes the grant of bail discretionary depending on the strength of the prosecution's case.

Aside from Quiboloy, named as co-accused in the case are Sylvia Cemañes, Paulene Canada, Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, and Ingrid Canada. All are linked to the operations of KOJC, a religious group founded and led by Quiboloy.

The ruling of the court was anchored on the testimony of private complainant Blenda Sanchez Portugal, who said she was recruited into the KOJC as a minor under the pretense of receiving free education and travel opportunities. She alleged that she was later subjected to forced labor, coercion, and repeated sexual abuse.

According to the court’s findings, Quiboloy played a central role in orchestrating the abuse through what was described as a so-called "bodily connection ministry."

Cemañes reportedly initiated the recruitment through Portugal’s father and involved her in church activities. Roy was said to have facilitated the sexual abuse by instructing Portugal and preparing her for encounters with Quiboloy.

Meanwhile, Cresente Canada allegedly enforced discipline through physical punishment, while Paulene and Ingrid Canada were accused of coercing the complainant into selling food products and complying with Quiboloy’s directives.

The court found that the acts described constituted qualified trafficking in persons, noting that the victim was a minor at the time and that the accused operated as a syndicate. It also recognized the use of deception, authority, and psychological coercion in committing the crimes.

The Pasig judge ruled that conspiracy among the accused was established, citing their distinct but coordinated roles in carrying out the trafficking scheme.

It emphasized that the denial of bail does not determine the guilt or innocence of the accused but merely reflects the strength of the evidence presented during bail proceedings. The trial will proceed to determine culpability beyond reasonable doubt.