Philippine President Vows No Special Treatment for Celebrity Pastor

**Philippine President Pledges No Special Treatment for Celebrity Pastor**

In a recent statement, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured the public that there would be no special treatment for a high-profile celebrity pastor currently facing legal issues. The president emphasized that the rule of law would be upheld, regardless of the individual’s status or influence in society.

### Background on the Pastor

The pastor in question is Apollo Quiboloy, a controversial figure in the Philippines. Quiboloy is the founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, a religious sect that claims millions of followers worldwide. He is often referred to as the “Appointed Son of God” by his followers and has been a prominent figure in both religious and political circles in the Philippines.

Quiboloy has been a vocal supporter of former President Rodrigo Duterte and has maintained close ties with influential political figures in the country. However, his reputation has been marred by various allegations, including accusations of human trafficking, sexual abuse, and financial misconduct. Quiboloy has denied all charges and claims that he is being persecuted for his religious beliefs.

### President Marcos’ Statement

President Marcos Jr. made it clear that despite Quiboloy’s celebrity status and political connections, his administration would not intervene in the legal process. “Everyone is equal under the law, and no one will be given preferential treatment,” Marcos stated. He reiterated that the judiciary would handle the case independently, without any interference from the executive branch.

This statement comes amid growing public concern over the influence of powerful individuals in the Philippines and whether they can evade justice due to their connections.

### A Brief History of Apollo Quiboloy

– **Born**: April 25, 1950, in Davao City, Philippines.
– **Founder**: Kingdom of Jesus Christ, The Name Above Every Name, established in 1985.
– **Claims**: Quiboloy claims to be the “Appointed Son of God” and has millions of followers globally.
– **Political Ties**: Close ally of former President Rodrigo Duterte; Quiboloy has been known to wield significant influence in local and national politics.
– **Controversies**:
– Accused of human trafficking and sexual abuse by former members of his church.
– Allegations of financial misconduct and exploitation of followers.
– Quiboloy has consistently denied all accusations, claiming they are part of a conspiracy against him.

### Key Points on the Legal Case

– **Allegations**: Quiboloy faces charges related to human trafficking, sexual abuse, and financial fraud.
– **International Attention**: The pastor’s legal troubles have garnered international attention, particularly in the United States, where some of the alleged crimes took place.
– **Legal Proceedings**: The case is ongoing, with both local and international authorities involved in the investigation.

### Bullet Points: Key Figures in the Story

– **Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.**: Current president of the Philippines, son of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos. He has pledged to uphold the rule of law and ensure that no one, regardless of status, is above it.
– **Apollo Quiboloy**: Celebrity pastor and founder of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ. Known for his religious claims and political influence, Quiboloy is facing serious legal charges.
– **Rodrigo Duterte**: Former president of the Philippines and a close ally of Quiboloy. Duterte’s administration was known for its controversial policies, including a brutal war on drugs.

### Conclusion

President Marcos Jr.’s pledge to ensure that no special treatment is given to Apollo Quiboloy is a significant statement in a country where political and religious figures often wield immense power. The ongoing legal proceedings against Quiboloy will be a test of the Philippine justice system’s ability to handle high-profile cases without bias or interference.

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