MANILA – The camp of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is planning to file a motion for reconsideration on the Supreme Court decision transferring his criminal cases from Davao City to Quezon City.
Atty. Israelito Torreon, one of Quiboloy’s legal counsels, said they were surprised by the High Court’s ruling, claiming that there may have been a violation of due process as they never heard about the matter.
“It was decided based only on the unfounded and unsubstantiated claims of bias in Davao City courts which, if analyzed properly, may actually constitute a slight on the local courts in Davao City and may be interpreted as an attack on the judiciary as a whole,” Torreon said.
“Such claims tend to diminish the confidence of the public in our judicial system just because of locational concerns,” he added. “We will file a respectful motion for reconsideration.”
Quiboloy’s legal counsel further said that the transfer of the criminal cases from Davao City to Quezon City will place great burden on the six accused.
“The financial costs, hassles and inconvenience that will ensue upon the Accused, their families, followers, supporters and most especially witnesses as a result of the transfer of venue may not have been brought to the attention of the Honorable Supreme court,” he said.
On Tuesday, the SC granted the request to move the venue of Quiboloy’s two criminal cases to a Quezon City Regional Trial Court, saying it found compelling reasons to justify the transfer as the cases involve public interest with the accused being influential in the area.
Based on the High Court’s verdict, Quiboloy’s influence could cause local biases and may prevent witnesses from testifying freely due to fear and his influence.
Quiboloy is facing charges under Section 5(b) of Republic Act 7610 or the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act and under Section 10(a) of the same act.
Aside from the Davao cases, Quiboloy is also facing a non-bailable Qualified Human Trafficking charge under Section 4(a) of Republic Act No. 9208, as amended before a Pasig court./PN
