President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is studying the United States government’s request to extradite Kingdom of Jesus Christ leader Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Malacañang said Monday.

Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said Marcos is expected to announce his decision within the next few weeks.

“The President said this really needs to be studied carefully. But in a couple of weeks, they will make an announcement on what the decision will be,” Castro said at a Palace briefing.

The US Department of State earlier transmitted its extradition request to the Department of Justice, which is reviewing documents related to a 2021 US indictment against Quiboloy.

The charges include sex trafficking of minors, fraud and bulk cash smuggling.

Castro said the extradition request is covered by the 1994 US-Philippines extradition treaty, giving the government options on how to proceed.

“It is covered by the provisions of the treaty, so we have two options: Pastor Quiboloy may remain here while his case is being heard in the Philippines. But the proceedings here may also be temporarily put on hold or suspended, and he could be extradited and sent to the US,” she said.

The DoJ earlier said it would study the voluminous records submitted by the Department of Foreign Affairs before determining the appropriate course of action.

Quiboloy, a known ally of the Duterte family, is facing criminal proceedings in the Philippines.

Meanwhile, Castro also weighed in on recent revelations by presidential son and Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos that the Duterte administration allegedly imposed conditions before endorsing Marcos’ presidential bid in 2022.

Castro said the Palace viewed the alleged demands as part of a “power struggle” to control the presidency.