In a surprising turn of events, former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has been appointed as the administrator of the extensive properties belonging to the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) religious group, led by his former spiritual adviser, Apollo Quiboloy.
This revelation comes amidst legal challenges and controversies surrounding Quiboloy, who is currently facing arrest warrants in the United States for charges including sex trafficking, rape, fraud, and cash smuggling.
Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), the media arm of KOJC, posted an announcement regarding Duterte's designation as the administrator of KOJC's estate. Duterte, according to his former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, has accepted the appointment.
The KOJC religious group, known for its expansive properties, has appointed Duterte as its estate administrator following a California judge's decision to unseal arrest warrants against Quiboloy and his co-accused. The warrants were unsealed at the request of the US Attorney General Criminal Division, and Quiboloy, self-styled as the "son of God," is facing serious charges in the US, including sex trafficking, fraud, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Philippines has yet to receive an extradition request from the US for Quiboloy. DOJ spokesman Mico Clavano stated that the government's objective is to achieve justice through the appropriate legal processes, and the decision to proceed with charges against Quiboloy followed careful examination of evidence and victim identification.
In addition to his legal troubles, Quiboloy's media network, SMNI, is currently under indefinite suspension by the National Telecommunications Commission. The suspension comes after complaints were filed with the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board, citing the airing of profanity, death threats, and unverified information on SMNI programs.
Quiboloy's lawyers have addressed the issue of SMNI's franchise with the House of Representatives, confirming receipt of a subpoena for Quiboloy's attendance at a hearing on alleged franchise violations. However, the lawyers clarified that Quiboloy has not been involved in SMNI's management since late 2018. They emphasized that Quiboloy holds only an "honorary chairman" title, which is purely honorary.
Meanwhile, senators in the Philippines are divided on the sexual abuse allegations against Quiboloy. Senator Ronald dela Rosa expressed doubt about the veracity of the accusations, citing his high respect for Quiboloy. On the other hand, Senator Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Senate Committee on Women and Children, has cited Quiboloy in contempt for not attending the committee's hearings on sexual abuse allegations.
As legal proceedings unfold and senators weigh in on the controversies surrounding Quiboloy, the appointment of former President Duterte as the administrator of KOJC's properties adds another layer of intrigue to this unfolding saga. The coming weeks are likely to bring further developments as the legal and legislative processes continue.
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