A spurious YouTube video is claiming that the Department of Justice (DOJ) has withdrawn its decision to press charges against self-appointed “son of god” Pastor Apollo Quiboloy. This is not true.
The agency’s order directing state prosecutors to file two cases against Quiboloy still holds.
Uploaded on March 11, the erroneous video’s headline read:
“KAPAPASOK LANG: SAWAKAS BUMALIKTAD ang DOJ INUR0NG na ang KAS0 ni QUIBOLOY/ PAHIYA si RISA TALUNAN
(Just in: Finally the DOJ flipped. Retracted the case against Quiboloy/ Risa is embarrassed, loser).”
The DOJ has not retracted its March 4 order to file sexual abuse and qualified trafficking charges against Quiboloy and five of his associates. This comes after the justice department overturned a 2020 resolution from the Davao City Prosecutor’s Office dismissing rape, child abuse, and human trafficking complaints against Quiboloy.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla explained that once the sexual abuse case is filed in Davao City they will ask the Supreme Court to transfer the case to Metro Manila due to potential threats and intimidation in Davao. Meanwhile, the qualified trafficking raps will be filed in Pasig City.
The justice secretary also said they have issued an immigration lookout bulletin and a precautionary hold departure order against Quiboloy to prevent him from fleeing the country.
Apart from these cases, the popular but controversial preacher and his church called the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name are currently under investigation by the Senate over allegations of sexual abuse, forced labor and human trafficking.
The House of Representatives is conducting a separate probe into his involvement with Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), whose broadcast franchise was suspended over supposed violations.
Both the House and Senate have just issued contempt orders against Quiboloy for repeatedly ignoring invitations to attend their hearings.
A United States federal court has issued an arrest warrant against the SMNI founder for charges of sex trafficking by force, sex trafficking of children, fraud and coercion, conspiracy and bulk cash smuggling.
No evidence was shown in the erroneous video to support its claim but it merely played a commentary from former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque criticizing the Senate probe on Quiboloy.
Uploaded by YouTube channel BANAT KAMARITES TV (created March 10, 2022) with over 18,200 subscribers, the erroneous video garnered 7,395 interactions. Facebook users also reposted the links.
Have you seen any dubious claims, photos, memes, or online posts that you want us to verify? Fill out this reader request form or send it to VERA, the truth bot on Viber.
(Editor’s Note: VERA Files has partnered with Facebook to fight the spread of disinformation. Find out more about this partnership and our methodology.)
