Apollo Quiboloy, a 74-year-old self-proclaimed “Appointed Son of God” and leader of a sect with millions of followers, has registered to run in the 2025 Philippine senate elections despite facing charges of child abuse, sexual abuse, and human trafficking.
Quiboloy, an ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte, was arrested last month and is currently detained in Manila.
Lawyer Mark Christopher Tolentino filed Quiboloy’s candidacy paperwork, stating, “He wants to be a part of the solution to the problems of our country. He is running because of God and our beloved Philippines.” Quiboloy’s platform promises to promote laws that are “God-centred, Philippine-centred and Filipino-centred.”
In 2021, the US charged him with sex trafficking girls and women, allegedly forcing them to work as personal assistants and engage in sexual activities. Additionally, Quiboloy is wanted for bulk cash smuggling and visa fraud schemes.
The Philippine election code allows candidates to run unless convicted of offenses involving “moral turpitude” with exhausted appeals. Notable precedents include Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada, who won a senate seat while on trial for corruption, and Leila de Lima, who spent six years in prison before being cleared.
The 2025 midterm polls will see 12 senate seats contested, along with over 18,000 congressional and local government executive posts.
