A PASIG CITY court denied an embattled pastor’s motion to participate in a live television interview as a senatorial candidate.
In an order dated Jan. 13, the Pasig Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 159 denied Apollo C. Quiboloy’s request to conduct a live television interview, citing concerns that his public statements could potentially influence public perception of the judiciary and the ongoing legal proceedings.
“Considering that this Court will not be able to oversee or monitor the live broadcast, there is a risk that any such statements will prejudice the ongoing criminal case,” the order read.
The tribunal also pointed out the detained preacher’s camp failed to produce an invitation from the network he mentioned to have a live interview.
“Perusal of the Urgent Motion will show that the same was not accompanied by the supposed formal invitation from the ABS-CBN News Channel, thereby impeding this Court from setting up appropriate parameters for the supposed live interview,” the court’s order read.
He submitted a motion requesting the court’s permission to attend a television interview on Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. on the ABS-CBN News Channel to discuss his Senate run.
The self-appointed son of God, who is currently detained due to trafficking and abuse charges, filed his certificate of candidacy for the position on Oct. 8, 2024, through his lawyer.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) en banc did not disqualify him from the May 2025 race due to “lack of merit.”
He is facing numerous charges linked to his alleged actions and those of his organization, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.
Among these is a non-bailable case of trafficking in persons filed in a Pasig City RTC, where he entered a plea of not guilty. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana