MANILA, Philippines — Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña has called on fellow lawmakers to refrain from addressing detained televangelist Apollo Quiboloy as “pastor,” saying it disrespects religious leaders who genuinely serve with integrity.
During a hearing of the House Committee on Justice on proposals to amend the country’s extradition law, Cendaña requested that Quiboloy be referred to simply as “Mister.” He argued that calling him pastor is an insult to real ministers who live by their faith.
“A true pastor does not harm his members or exploit children,” Cendaña stressed.
The Justice Committee began its motu proprio review of the extradition law following Cendaña’s letter dated August 23, where he urged a reassessment of the measure in light of Quiboloy’s pending cases in both the Philippines and the United States.
Batangas 2nd District Representative Gerville “Jinky Bitrics” Luistro explained that the purpose of the hearing is to “evaluate, study, and revisit” Presidential Decree 1069, or the Philippine Extradition Law of 1977, as well as the extradition treaty signed with the U.S. in 1994.
The inquiry comes as Quiboloy remains detained at the Pasig City Jail while facing child sex trafficking charges in the Philippines, alongside an extradition request from U.S. authorities. In California, he and several members of his Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) church are facing lawsuits involving sex trafficking, fraud, and bulk cash smuggling.
In his opening remarks at the hearing, Cendaña thanked the justice panel for addressing his request and underscored the gravity of the allegations against Quiboloy. He emphasized that the committee must carefully examine the status of the U.S. extradition request and determine the appropriate course of action for Philippine agencies under existing laws and treaties.
“This is not only about honoring international obligations,” Cendaña said, “but also about reinforcing accountability in our own country.”
