Quiboloy denied bail over trafficking charges

Controversial religious leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KoJC) and five co-accused were denied bail by the Pasig City Regional Trial Court on Saturday in a case involving charges of qualified trafficking in persons.

The court ruled that the prosecution presented strong evidence to justify their continued detention.

Presiding Judge Rainelda H. Estacio-Montesa of Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 159, in an order dated 20 July 2025, found that the evidence so far supports the charge of qualified trafficking under Republic Act 9208, as amended by RA 10364.

This offense carries a potential penalty of life imprisonment, making the granting of bail discretionary based on the strength of the prosecution’s case.

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

The court’s decision was largely based on the testimony of private complainant Blenda Sanchez Portugal. Portugal alleged she was recruited into the KoJC as a minor under the pretense of receiving free education and travel opportunities, but was later subjected to forced labor, coercion and repeated sexual abuse.

According to court findings, Quiboloy played a central role in orchestrating the alleged abuse through what was described as a “bodily connection ministry.”

Specific allegations against the co-accused were detailed in the court’s order. Cemañes reportedly initiated Portugal’s recruitment through her father and involved her in church activities.

Meantime, Roy is accused of facilitating sexual abuse by instructing Portugal and preparing her for encounters with Quiboloy; 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 allegedly operated as a syndicate.

It also recognized the use of deception, authority, and psychological coercion in committing the alleged crimes.

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

It added that the trial will now proceed to determine culpability beyond a reasonable doubt.