THE SUPREME Court’s Second Division has approved the transfer of criminal cases against religious leader Apollo C. Quiboloy from Davao City to the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.
During the AFP-PNP press briefing held at The Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday, May 29, Police Regional Office XI spokesperson Major Catherine Dela Rey clarified that local authorities retain the power to arrest Quiboloy despite the transfer of venue trial.
She said they continue to actively monitor the televangelist’s whereabouts.
In a statement, the Supreme Court Second Division on Tuesday granted the request of Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla to move the venue of two criminal cases against Apollo C. Quiboloy from the Regional Trial Court (RTC) of Davao City to the RTC of Quezon City.
In A.M. No. 24-04-29-RTC (Re: Transfer of Venue of Criminal Case Nos. R-DVO-24-1439-CR and R-DVO-24-01440-CR)), the high court found compelling reasons to justify the transfer of venue as the cases involve public interest, with the accused, a well-known religious leader, being influential in the area.
As this could cause local biases and a strong possibility that witnesses cannot freely testify due to fear and influence of the accused, the Court found it prudent and judicious to order the transfer of the cases to Quezon City.
The Supreme Court directed Davao City to send case records (R-DVO-24-1439-CR & R-DVO-24-01440-CR) to Quezon City within three days.
Meanwhile, Quezon City will raffle off the cases among judges for a speedy resolution.
Future related cases against Quiboloy in Mindanao will be automatically transferred to Quezon City. The Department of Justice (DOJ) requested the transfer citing concerns over public interest and potential bias in Davao City.
