Sara Duterte Says Quiboloy Likely Left Davao Amid Controversy
SARA DUTERTE – Vice president Sara Duterte said Pastor Apollo Quiboloy might not be in Davao right now.
Vice President Sara Duterte, who has been vocal in criticizing the government’s efforts to arrest pastor Apollo Quiboloy of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), stated on Sunday that it’s possible the controversial pastor has already left Davao.
“He had so much time to leave Davao City, because the grandstanding in the Senate committee hearing also took a long time,” Duterte was quoted as saying in an ABS-CBN News report.
The investigation into KOJC and Quiboloy’s alleged involvement in large-scale human trafficking, rape, sexual abuse, violence, and child abuse began with a resolution filed by Senator Risa Hontiveros in December 2023.
Despite being summoned, Quiboloy—accused of trafficking young girls and coercing them into sexual relations—did not attend the hearings held between January and March.
“So he had so much time to think if he would leave (Davao) or not. That’s one of the things the administration should think about,” Duterte commented.
The Vice President and her family have connections with Quiboloy, who is a friend and “spiritual adviser” to her father, ex-President Rodrigo Duterte.
READ ALSO: Apollo Quiboloy’s Lawyer Claims Pastor Left KOJC Compound in March
Duterte, who has criticized the police presence at the KOJC compound, shared her thoughts on Quiboloy’s possible location while authorities continue their search in Davao City.
“It makes you wonder how it’s been nine days and until now, police have yet to consummate the implementation of the arrest warrant. It should be done quickly because it will affect the image of Davao City and it will affect the livelihood of many people here,” she added.
According to the report, Duterte attended KOJC’s anniversary celebration on Sunday inside the KOJC compound, which continued despite the arrest warrant.
Addressing the audience, the Vice President thanked the religious group and credited them for much of her family’s success. Duterte also repeated her apology for asking the KOJC to support Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during the 2022 presidential election.
“I was on the mistaken belief that we were together on the platform of unity and continuity. I made a mistake and I ask for your forgiveness,” said Duterte, who ran with Marcos on the UniTeam ticket.
Quiboloy endorsed the Marcos-Duterte tandem in the 2022 elections.
Two years later, the Vice President distanced herself from the UniTeam, noting it was only effective during the election. She subsequently resigned as Secretary of the Department of Education.
Duterte stated she would later explain her reasons for running for the vice presidency.
“At another time, I will provide a detailed explanation of what happened and what led to my decision to run as Vice President,” she said.
She revealed that she was advised against attending the KOJC celebration due to potential political repercussions, but chose to ignore these warnings, believing the sect was under “assault.”
She explained her delayed visit to the KOJC, citing a raid on their compound by police last week.
“The assault on the Kingdom Nation has been going on for nine days. I could not come earlier because there was also an assault on the Office of the Vice President and I could not leave my co-workers at the Office of the Vice President,” Duterte said.
The Office of the Vice President is currently facing scrutiny from Congress and the Senate over its proposed 2025 budget. Duterte is also being questioned about a P10-million budget for a book she authored titled “Isang Kaibigan.”
She emphasized that even if she is not always physically present, she stands with KOJC members during their “darkness.”