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Advocates Philippines
Pasig Court Denies Bail Petitions Of KOJC Leader Apollo Quiboloy And Co-Accused In Qualified Human Trafficking Case
Senate PH File
The Regional Trial Court of Pasig City has denied the separate petitions for bail filed by Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) leader Apollo Quiboloy and five of his co-accused in a qualified human trafficking case.
In its ruling, the court found that the prosecution was able to present strong evidence of guilt against Quiboloy and his co-accused — Sylvia Cemañes, Paulene Canada, Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, and Ingrid Canada — sufficient to deny them the right to provisional liberty while the trial is ongoing.
Quiboloy argued in his petition that the complaint failed to clearly establish his direct involvement in the alleged crimes. He claimed that the complainant voluntarily joined the KOJC and that no concrete proof was presented to show she was coerced. He also disputed the timeline of alleged abuse, citing inconsistencies with church events, and maintained there was no risk he would flee nor threaten witnesses if granted bail.
Similarly, Cemañes and the other co-accused argued that the allegations against them were unsubstantiated and largely based on general, uncorroborated claims. They insisted that the evidence presented by the prosecution fell short of proving strong guilt — the standard required to justify denial of bail.
However, after evaluating the prosecution’s evidence and the records of the case, the court ruled that the right to bail is not absolute. While the Constitution guarantees bail as a right, it may be denied in cases where the offense charged is punishable by reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment and the evidence of guilt is strong.
In this case, the court held that the evidence presented at this stage meets that threshold.
“Bail is intended to relieve an accused from imprisonment while awaiting trial, but it is not a matter of course,” the decision reads. “When strong evidence of guilt exists for a crime punishable by life imprisonment, the court may deny the petition.”
The court thus resolved to deny the petitions for bail filed by Quiboloy and his co-accused. They will remain in detention as the trial proceeds.
The case stems from allegations of qualified trafficking in persons, a serious offense under Philippine law, which involves exploiting individuals through coercion or deception, particularly when the victims are minors. The trial is expected to continue with the presentation of evidence for the prosecution.
In its ruling, the court found that the prosecution was able to present strong evidence of guilt against Quiboloy and his co-accused — Sylvia Cemañes, Paulene Canada, Jackielyn Roy, Cresente Canada, and Ingrid Canada — sufficient to deny them the right to provisional liberty while the trial is ongoing.
Quiboloy argued in his petition that the complaint failed to clearly establish his direct involvement in the alleged crimes. He claimed that the complainant voluntarily joined the KOJC and that no concrete proof was presented to show she was coerced. He also disputed the timeline of alleged abuse, citing inconsistencies with church events, and maintained there was no risk he would flee nor threaten witnesses if granted bail.
Similarly, Cemañes and the other co-accused argued that the allegations against them were unsubstantiated and largely based on general, uncorroborated claims. They insisted that the evidence presented by the prosecution fell short of proving strong guilt — the standard required to justify denial of bail.
However, after evaluating the prosecution’s evidence and the records of the case, the court ruled that the right to bail is not absolute. While the Constitution guarantees bail as a right, it may be denied in cases where the offense charged is punishable by reclusion perpetua or life imprisonment and the evidence of guilt is strong.
In this case, the court held that the evidence presented at this stage meets that threshold.
“Bail is intended to relieve an accused from imprisonment while awaiting trial, but it is not a matter of course,” the decision reads. “When strong evidence of guilt exists for a crime punishable by life imprisonment, the court may deny the petition.”
The court thus resolved to deny the petitions for bail filed by Quiboloy and his co-accused. They will remain in detention as the trial proceeds.
The case stems from allegations of qualified trafficking in persons, a serious offense under Philippine law, which involves exploiting individuals through coercion or deception, particularly when the victims are minors. The trial is expected to continue with the presentation of evidence for the prosecution.
Jul 21, 2025
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