Apollo Quiboloy, the controversial religious leader currently in custody, has officially filed his Certificate of Candidacy (CoC) to run for senator in the upcoming 2025 midterm elections, a move that has elicited a flurry of reactions on social media.
The filing occurred on October 8, the final day for candidacy submissions, and was confirmed by Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman George Garcia after Atty. Mark Tolentino, one of Quiboloy’s legal representatives, submitted the documents.
The announcement has drawn mixed responses, particularly from public figures and celebrities. Actor Jake Ejercito, the son of former President Joseph Estrada, expressed his disbelief on X (formerly Twitter), posting, “son of god have mercy,” which quickly garnered over a thousand shares.
son of god have mercy https://t.co/1Z1kpSGhLF
— jake ejercito (@unoemilio) October 8, 2024
Veteran actor Romnick Sarmenta offered a more scathing critique, lamenting, “Halalan nanaman… Pakapalan ulit ng mukha, pangakuan ulit ng kung ano ano, tapos gagawa ng kung ano ang para sa sariling benipisyo. Halalan nanaman… Pakapalan ulit ng bulsa, tatanggap ng bayad kapalit ng katotohanan at kalayaan, tapos kakahol at magtatanggol ng mali. Haaaaay.” He later reposted the news of Quiboloy’s candidacy, further highlighting his discontent.
Halalan nanaman…
Pakapalan ulit ng mukha, pangakuan ulit ng kung ano ano, tapos gagawa ng kung ano ang para sa sariling benipisyo.
Halalan nanaman…
Pakapalan ulit ng bulsa, tatanggap ng bayad kapalit ng katotohanan at kalayaan, tapos kakahol at magtatanggol ng mali.
Haaaaay.— Romnick Sarmenta (@Relampago1972) October 8, 2024
Adding to the chorus of reactions, award-winning writer Jerry B. Grácio posed a provocative question: “Bakit kailangan pang kumandidato sa Senado ni Apollo Quiboloy kung appointed Son of God siya? Bakit di na lang siya magpapako sa krus?”
Bakit kailangan pang kumandidato sa Senado ni Apollo Quiboloy kung appointed Son of God siya? Bakit di na lang siya magpapako sa krus?
— Jerry B. Grácio (@JerryGracio) October 8, 2024
In his defense, Atty. Tolentino outlined Quiboloy’s motivations, stating that the religious leader aims to protect “religious freedom” through his group, the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC). “The people will campaign for him. Pastor Apollo Quiboloy is running for Senator of the Republic of the Philippines because he wants to be a part of the solution,” Tolentino said.
He further elaborated on Quiboloy’s “God-centered, Philippine-centered, and Filipino-centered” platform, emphasizing priorities such as safeguarding religious freedom, providing free medicine and medical services to impoverished Filipinos, and advocating for quality education while fighting against corruption.
However, Quiboloy’s political ambitions are overshadowed by ongoing legal challenges. He faces multiple allegations, including violations of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act, as well as charges related to qualified human trafficking. In addition, he is under investigation for conspiracy to engage in sex trafficking and bulk cash smuggling in the United States.
