BBM, First Lady ignore Quiboloy rants

Accused by Kingdom of Jesus Christ founder and leader Apollo Quiboloy of conspiring with the US to kill him, President Marcos and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos appeared unmindful of the religious leader's rants, opting to have a post-Valentine's Day date instead.

- ALEXIS ROMERO

In his Facebook account, Marcos posted a photo of him and Liza about to have dinner with the caption "Date night for the first couple." 

The First Couple was smiling as they faced each other on the long dining table, which was decorated with flowers and candles. The photo was uploaded on the same day Quiboloy accused them of plotting his assassination and called on the President to step down.

Malacañang has not responded to repeated media requests for reactions to Quiboloy's allegations.

In a taped audio message released last Wednesday, Quiboloy, a known spiritual adviser to former president Rodrigo Duterte, claimed that his life is in danger and that Marcos and Liza have handed him over to the US government.

Quoting unnamed sources, Quiboloy said US operatives are planning to either kidnap or assassinate him.

Cases have been filed against the religious leader for having used his group for sex trafficking operation - including forcing girls and young women to have sex with him under threats of "eternal damnation." Quiboloy has denied the accusations.

In 2022, the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) released a wanted poster urging the public to provide information on Quiboloy's whereabouts.

The poster said the pastor is wanted for alleged participation in a labor trafficking scheme that brought sect members to the US through fraudulently obtained visas.

Members of Quiboloy's group were forced to solicit donations for a "bogus" charity and that the donations were used to finance the sect operations and the "lavish lifestyles" of its leaders, the FBI added.