Detained Filipino pastor's senate bid highlights 'broken' system

Preacher is not first person in country to have sought political office while accused of crimes

- Mara Cepeda

MANILA – The notorious Filipino preacher Apollo Quiboloy has many titles: Appointed Son of God, Owner of the Universe and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ religious group, which critics view as a cult. And now, the controversial pastor accused of sexually abusing women and girls as young as 12 wants to add another title to that list: senator of the Philippines.

On Oct 8, Quiboloy shocked supporters and critics alike when his lawyer filed his candidacy papers for the May 2025 midterm elections.

The 74-year-old preacher is currently detained in Manila while awaiting trial for child sexual abuse and human trafficking charges filed against him in the Philippines. He is also wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation for similar crimes in the US.

He was arrested in September after a long-drawn-out manhunt that saw his loyal followers clashing with the police. And that has not stopped Quiboloy from throwing his hat in the ring for the 2025 senate race.

It is not unusual in the Philippines for candidates to run for public office while on trial or from behind bars - and this points to the brokenness of the country's political system and electoral laws, analysts say.

“It really boils down to the idea that Philippine politics is a protection racket. You run for office for you not to land in jail,” said visiting senior fellow Aries Arugay at ISEAS - Yusof Ishak Institute.