The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) clarified on Sunday that detained pastor and senatorial candidate Apollo Quiboloy was permitted to record a campaign video following a court order.
BJMP spokesperson Supt. Jayrex Bustinera addressed criticisms after Quiboloy's video message, was shown at the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino-Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) proclamation rally on February 11.
The Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA) had questioned why the court granted approval for Quiboloy to record the video despite being detained for alleged human trafficking and child abuse.
"Yes, the BJMP prohibits unauthorized recording and use of cameras in jails. The recording of a video message by PDL Quiboloy, however, was granted by a Court Order. The BJMP is legally obliged to comply with this Order," Bustinera explained.
Bustinera further noted that the video was recorded while Quiboloy was confined at Pasig City General Hospital and not inside his detention facility
SELDA condemned the court’s decision, claiming it demonstrated double standards in the treatment of detainees.
“We in SELDA decry the double standard being applied on detainees, with overly strict rules for poor detainees and political prisoners, and extra special treatment for moneyed, powerful and influential people like Quiboloy.” the group said in a 14 February statement.
SELDA vice chairperson Danilo Dela Fuente added, “It is highly questionable why Quiboloy, who is facing human trafficking and child abuse charges and is now back at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) facility in Pasig City after his confinement at a private hospital, was allowed by the court to record his video,”
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, whose agency oversees the BJMP, has yet to comment on the matter.
Quiboloy’s legal counsel, Atty. Israelito Torreon, defended the court’s decision, arguing that his client remains innocent until proven guilty and retains his civil and political rights under the Constitution.
He dismissed SELDA’s criticisms as “another politically motivated and biased attack” against Quiboloy.
The video message, shown at the PDP-Laban rally at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City, featured Quiboloy promising economic prosperity and stability if elected senator.
"I will bring goodness, prosperity, stability, and excellence. I will give them direction on where the Philippines should go," Quiboloy said in his recorded address in Filipino.