The formal request for the extradition of detained religious leader Apollo Quiboloy is being evaluated by the Department of Justice (DOJ), with Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida saying the review will cover the Philippines' extradition treaty with the US, relevant laws, Supreme Court rulings, and Quiboloy's pending local cases.

This as Vida confirmed that the DOJ has received the formal transmittal from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and has begun assessing the request.

"The first step is to evaluate the formal transmittal from the Department of Foreign Affairs. We will fact-check everything and validate it based on the existing extradition treaty we have with the United States," Vida said.

He said the DOJ is still in the evaluation stage and will announce its action once the review is completed, adding, "As soon as we have finished our evaluation, we will come up with a decision and we will inform the public.”

The DOJ's review will not be limited to the bilateral extradition treaty but will also take into account the country's legal framework, including the Rules of Court and relevant Supreme Court decisions.

"We look at the whole habitat of the Philippine legal system in evaluating this—not only the existing treaty, not only the particular rules relevant to the case, but also decided cases of the Supreme Court, which will always guide all actions of the Philippine government," he said.

Also, the justice secretary said Quiboloy's pending criminal cases before Philippine courts will form part of the evaluation, as these could have legal implications for any extradition proceedings.

"The existence of ongoing criminal cases against Mr. Quiboloy is another fact that we need to check and cross-reference to determine whether there will be any legal impediment. Everything will be studied and everything will be done pursuant to the law and the rules," Vida said.

He said the DOJ would give the matter priority while balancing its other responsibilities.

"We will give it due prioritization, considering the various work of the Department of Justice," he said.

Vida also declined to comment on the view of lawyer Israelito Torreon that Quiboloy's extradition is "extremely unfeasible" under the Philippines-US extradition treaty and existing Supreme Court rules.

"That is his opinion. As a fellow member of the Bar, we hear him out. But the DOJ will conduct its own evaluation and study," Vida said.

He added that all relevant factors, including the status of pending cases and the factual circumstances surrounding the request, will be considered before the DOJ reaches a decision.