In a Senate hearing held in Manila, former devotees of the detained Filipino televangelist Apollo Carreon Quiboloy accused him of sexual abuse, claiming he manipulated them into believing the assaults were part of their religious duties as followers of the “appointed son of God.” Quiboloy, flanked by significant police presence, rejected the claims made by several women, including those from Ukraine and the Philippines, urging them to file formal criminal charges so he could defend himself in court.
The 74-year-old religious leader refrained from elaborating on the accusations during the hearing, citing ongoing criminal cases related to sexual abuse and human trafficking currently being adjudicated in two courts in the Philippines.
Yulya Voronina, who appeared via video link from Ukraine, detailed how she and others were allegedly coerced into sexual encounters with Quiboloy under the guise of religious obligation. Voronina explained that biblical texts were often used to manipulate them, declaring that resistance would result in condemnation. She narrated instances where, even when attempting to protect themselves, Quiboloy’s access to their personal spaces made it challenging to evade his advances. Voronina recounted, “If you say, ‘I don’t want,’ Quiboloy would respond, ‘you will go to hell.’” Ultimately, she managed to distance herself from the group and return to Ukraine.
In another testimony, Teresita Valdehueza, who joined Quiboloy’s church at 17, shared her experience of being sexually assaulted by him years later in a hotel setting, similar to instances reportedly faced by other Filipino women. Valdehueza recounted the psychological trauma of the encounter, stating, “Quiboloy violated me with his lustful act that left me in shock,” and revealed he claimed it was “the fulfillment of God’s revelation” afterward.
Senator Risa Hontiveros, who conducted the hearing, characterized Quiboloy as one who undermined the autonomy and dignity of his victims, noting that he orchestrated a systematic subjugation of their will and identity. Investigations by Philippine police indicated that as many as 200 women might have suffered abuse at his hands, with 68 victims already identified.
Alongside the current criminal allegations, Philippine authorities hinted that Quiboloy could face further legal troubles, citing evidence that his organization possibly included an armed group engaged in criminal acts. Formerly recognized as a significant religious figure in the Philippines, Quiboloy previously supported President Rodrigo Duterte’s rise to power, during whose administration a contentious anti-drug campaign stirred international scrutiny.
In a response to inquiries during the hearing, Quiboloy claimed his church boasted around 7 million followers worldwide, a statement contested by officials who estimated his actual follower count to be under 8,000. Earlier this year, Quiboloy went into hiding following a court order for his arrest related to child exploitation and other severe allegations. The Senate responded with a separate order for his apprehension due to his failure to appear at hearings linked to these accusations.
Additionally, Quiboloy faces various federal charges in the United States initiated by prosecutors in 2021, involving numerous serious allegations like conspiracy, sex trafficking, and money laundering. He was placed on the FBI’s most-wanted list following the issuance of a warrant for his arrest in November 2021. Despite this, Philippine Foreign Secretary Enrique Manalo noted that there has been no request from the U.S. government for his extradition, with Quiboloy alleging a conspiracy between U.S. authorities and the Philippine president, a claim that the current administration has denied.