DAVAO CITY — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has rejected the conditions set by embattled televangelist Apollo Quiboloy for his surrender in connection with his child abuse cases.
“It seems to be a little bit tail wagging the dog na siya ang magbibigay ng kondisyon sa gobyerno doon sa kaso niya, akusado siya (that he is the one setting conditions on the government about his case, he’s the accused),” Marcos told reporters Monday in an interview in Bacolod City.
The President assured Quiboloy “”All the proceedings will be fair. Now, as to the involvement of the United states, malayo pa yan eh. That’s going to take years. So I don’t think that it is something he should worry about,” Marcos added.
“Now as to the involvement of the United States, that’s still far off. That’s going to take years. So I don’t think that something he needs to worry about quite frankly,” Marcos emphasized.
Department of Justice Assistant Secretary Mico Clavano earlier said “There is no extradition request received yet by the DOJ from the DFA. It’s difficult, however, to speak on hypothetical situations.”
“The government’s goal is to attain Justice in whatever form and through the best forum. The decision to resolve came as a result of almost a year of verifying the evidence on record as well as the identity of the alleged victim,” Clavano said.
In an audio statement released over the weekend, Quiboloy demanded a written guarantee from the government that the United States (US) would not interfere in his cases.
Quiboloy, currently in hiding, is facing child abuse charges before the Davao City Regional Trial Court Branch 12.
He was also indicted in the US for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; sex trafficking of children; and bulk cash smuggling. A federal warrant was issued for his arrest on Nov. 10, 2021.
As to Quiboloy’s claim that the US may demand his extradition once he is in the custody of Philippine authorities, Marcos said: “That’s one to take years, so I don’t think something he should worry about.”
