Quiboloy Camp Hopeful SC Will Dismiss DQ Case

DAVAO CITY – The lawyer of detained religious leader and senatorial aspirant Apollo Quiboloy expressed hope on Thursday that the Supreme Court (SC) will dismiss the petition seeking to compel the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to declare him a nuisance candidate.

In an interview with reporters, lawyer Israelito Torreon stated there is “no rhyme nor reason” why Pastor Quiboloy should be disqualified from running for senator in the upcoming May 2025 elections.

Torreon emphasized that the determination of whether a candidate is a nuisance should be based on their ability and seriousness in waging a national campaign and their capacity to undertake such an endeavor.

“The determination as to whether or not a person is a nuisance candidate is his ability and seriousness to wage a national campaign and his capacity to undertake such a campaign,” Torreon said. “I think in the case of Pastor Quiboloy, he can really do much.”

The petition was filed by lawyer, labor leader, and senatorial aspirant Sonny Matula, who asked the high court to reverse the Comelec’s decision allowing Quiboloy to run for senator. Matula argued that Quiboloy should be considered a nuisance candidate due to his detention on charges of trafficking and child abuse.

However, Torreon pointed out that facing criminal charges should not be grounds for disqualification. He stressed the principle of the presumption of innocence, which he said is fundamental to the Bill of Rights.

“Facing charges could not be considered a ground for disqualification in the light of the fact that the presumption of innocence is one of the bedrocks upon which our Bill of Rights is founded,” Torreon said.

As of now, the Supreme Court has yet to issue a ruling on the case.