DoJ tosses Quiboloy extradition to judiciary
The Department of Justice (DoJ) said the judiciary should decide on the extradition of a popular preacher who is the subject of a US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrest warrant.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said Thursday that the judiciary holds the ultimate authority to decide on the United States government’s request to extradite Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KoJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy and two of his associates.
Vida emphasized that while the DoJ acts as the petitioner representing the Republic of the Philippines under treaty obligations, the courts must carefully weigh the facts and applicable laws before ordering any transfer.
On 9 November 2026, the DoJ formally filed the US government’s extradition petition before the Makati City Regional Trial Court Branch 145, presided over by Judge Karen Matti Sy.
Aside from Quiboloy, the petition covers co-accused associates Teresita Tolibas Dandan and Helen Panilag.
The US government seeks the extradition of the three respondents to face federal charges including conspiracy, sex trafficking, international human trafficking, and bulk cash smuggling.
Active federal arrest warrants remain in effect against all three individuals.
Unique process
The DoJ reiterated that extradition proceedings are sui generis — unique administrative-judicial processes rather than criminal trials.
The Makati court is tasked solely with verifying the validity of the US request, confirming the respondents’ identities, and establishing dual criminality under Philippine and US laws, without passing judgment on their guilt or innocence.
Vida also assured the public that the government will not disregard the ongoing domestic criminal trials against Quiboloy.
Quiboloy is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail while facing non-bailable local charges, including qualified human trafficking before a Pasig City court and child sexual abuse before a Quezon City court.
According to Vida, justice officials are closely evaluating the legal interplay between local court proceedings and the Philippines-US Extradition Treaty.
Options under consideration include prioritizing the resolution of domestic cases or arranging a temporary surrender once the extradition petition is deemed ripe for decision.