By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government has outlined the legal process that will govern the United States’ request to extradite Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) founder Apollo Quiboloy, stressing that any transfer to American authorities must first pass through a series of executive and judicial reviews before it can be carried out.
Department of Justice (DOJ) spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez said the extradition process is governed by the Philippines–United States Extradition Treaty and existing Philippine laws, ensuring that constitutional safeguards and due process are fully observed at every stage.
According to Martinez, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) serves as the government’s initial gatekeeper for all extradition requests from foreign states.
Under the procedure, the DFA first determines whether the request complies with the provisions of the bilateral extradition treaty and Philippine legal requirements. Only after finding the request sufficient will the department formally transmit the case to the DOJ.
The DOJ will then prepare and file an extradition petition before the appropriate Regional Trial Court, where judges will examine whether the legal requirements for extradition have been satisfied.
“It is ultimately the court that determines whether the legal standards for extradition have been met,” Martinez said.
Martinez noted that extradition cases are also subject to specific deadlines under the Rules on Extradition Proceedings issued by the Supreme Court.
If witness testimony is required, the examination of witnesses must be completed within a single day whenever practicable. After the presentation of evidence or submission of the parties’ final pleadings, the trial court is required to render its decision within 30 days.
Any ruling of the Regional Trial Court may be elevated to the Court of Appeals, which is mandated to decide the appeal within 90 calendar days. Once the appellate court issues its ruling, the decision becomes immediately executory.
The DFA has confirmed that it has formally received Washington’s request seeking Quiboloy’s extradition.
The self-proclaimed religious leader is wanted in the United States on multiple federal charges, including sex trafficking, child sex trafficking, labor trafficking, visa fraud, bulk cash smuggling, and money laundering.
Meanwhile, Quiboloy remains detained in the Philippines while facing trial on separate qualified human trafficking charges before local courts.
Treaty Provides Two Options
Martinez explained that the existence of pending criminal proceedings in the Philippines does not automatically bar extradition.
Under Article 11 of the RP–US Extradition Treaty, Philippine authorities may choose to postpone the extradition until all domestic criminal proceedings have been completed.
The treaty also allows a second option known as temporary surrender, under which the Philippines may transfer the accused to the United States for trial under conditions mutually agreed upon by both governments before the individual is returned to face local proceedings.
The DOJ emphasized that whichever option is pursued, the extradition request will ultimately be resolved through established legal procedures designed to protect both treaty obligations and the constitutional rights of the individual involved.
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