A Quezon City court has found a Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) member guilty of violating the Public Assembly Act after participating in a highway blockade during police operations linked to the arrest of Apollo Quiboloy in 2024.
Eduardo Corda was sentenced by Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 39 to four months in jail after being convicted under Section 13(a) of Batas Pambansa Blg. 880, which regulates public assemblies.
The case originated from mass actions staged during the August 2024 police attempt to serve warrants at the KOJC compound in Davao City, where supporters blocked sections of the Philippine-Japan Friendship Highway.
Former PNP chief and MMDA official Nicolas Torre III, who shared the ruling online, said the decision highlights accountability and the importance of obeying the law.
He stressed that public demonstrations must remain within legal boundaries and cannot disrupt essential public roads and services.
Court records showed that while organizers had a permit for a religious gathering, it was strictly limited to activities inside the KOJC compound and did not authorize the use of national highways.
The defense maintained that Corda was not involved in organizing illegal acts and only helped maintain order during the event. Witnesses also claimed the protest was peaceful in nature.
Still, the court ruled that Corda played an active role in managing the crowd, citing his use of a megaphone and coordination efforts during the standoff.
The judge further emphasized that the right to assembly is not absolute and must be balanced with public order and safety.
Quiboloy was eventually taken into custody in September 2024 after a prolonged police operation.
ia/xf
