Despite being detained on human trafficking and child abuse charges, Apollo Quiboloy’s Senate run has officially launched. His team framed his candidacy as a divine mission, claiming his leadership is ordained by God.
In a pre-recorded speech played during his kick-off rally at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, Quiboloy vowed to lead the Philippines to prosperity and even hinted at a future presidential bid.
“It is the will of my Father that I enter politics,” he said in Filipino, his voice broadcasted to an eager crowd of supporters. “To bring direction, order, and development to this nation until it becomes a first-world country with zero corruption.”
Then, he made an even bigger revelation—his ultimate political ambition may not stop at the Senate.
Quiboloy Hints at Presidential Run
In his speech, Quiboloy did not rule out the possibility of running for president in the future.
“If I am the one chosen by God for that role, you will see the change you have been searching for,” he declared.
He argued that he was not a politician, but a leader with a divine purpose.
“I am not a politician. I am a leader who will bring blessings, prosperity, stability, and excellence to a strong and peaceful Philippines,” he said.
Backing Vice President Sara Duterte
Quiboloy also expressed his support for Vice President Sara Duterte, who is currently facing impeachment proceedings.
“I pray that the Philippines will have a chief executive like Sara Duterte, someone with the same vision as mine,” he said.
Duterte has been under fire for alleged misuse of confidential funds and a reported assassination threat against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
By publicly aligning himself with the vice president, Quiboloy appears to be positioning himself politically while also appealing to Duterte’s support base.
Legal Battles and Arrest
Quiboloy’s political ambitions come at a time when he is facing multiple criminal cases.
In September 2024, he was arrested at the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KJC) compound in Davao City after months of evading authorities.
He currently faces charges of human trafficking, child abuse, and financial crimes. Before his arrest, he had taunted law enforcement, refusing to surrender while continuing to preach to his followers.
Now detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Quezon City, Quiboloy is launching a Senate campaign from behind bars.
Public Reactions and Political Impact
His announcement has been met with mixed reactions.
His followers, many of whom worship him as a religious leader, believe that his entry into politics is a divine mission.
However, critics and legal experts argue that a candidate facing serious criminal charges should not be allowed to run for office.
Political analysts say Quiboloy’s Senate bid could be a strategic move to gain legal and political protection while his criminal cases are ongoing.
Some also speculate that his endorsement of Duterte signals an attempt to align with her political influence, despite her own controversies.
Can a Detained Candidate Win?
With election season heating up, Quiboloy’s Senate run raises a major question:
Can a man facing criminal charges from behind bars gain enough public support to win a Senate seat?
For now, his campaign continues, fueled by loyal followers who believe he is meant to lead the country—regardless of the legal battles ahead.
