Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) honorary chairperson Apollo Quiboloy expresses his gratitude during the Memorandum of Partnership Agreement between the Philippine Army and SMNI at ACQ Tower in Makati City on October 24, 2022. Philippine Army handout photo

MANILA — Pasig Regional Trial Court Branch 159 has granted Kingdom of Jesus Christ Leader Apollo Quiboloy's motion to stay in hospital for treatment for pneumonia, his lawyer said Thursday.

Quiboloy, who faces a human trafficking case at the Pasig court, was brought to the hospital on January 18 and found to have community-acquired pneumonia.

"As of now, the warden is given the discretion as to whether or not he will be hospitalized either in Pasig Regional Hospital or in the Philippine Heart Center," Quiboloy lawyer Israelito Torreon said.

Quiboloy in private hospital for pneumonia treatment: BJMP

"Wala naman sinabi kung anong period so we will await the findings from the hospital, the tests that were conducted, as well as the recommendation of the doctors. We leave the decision to the court," he added.

He said Quiboloy may have gotten sick from poor ventilation at the Pasig City Jail, adding the pastor is 74 years old and is "used to nature."

Quiboloy was also brought to the hospital last November for an irregular heartbeat and had his medical furlough extended due to a mouth infection from his dental implants.

QUIBOLOY ATTENDS HEARING REMOTELY

Torreon said he had cross-examined "Amanda", one of Quiboloy's accusers, who has alleged that the KOJC leader subjected her to forced labor and sexual exploitation.

He said he cannot divulge what was discussed at the hearing but that the cross-examination lasted nearly three hours.

“It was not finished, I barely scratched the surface,” he added.

Quiboloy's co-accused — Cresente Canada, Ingrid Canada, Sylvia Cemane, Paulene Canada and Jackielyn Roy — were in court for the hearing while the pastor attended via video conference.

“He was observant, but he was lying on his bed, but the rules require that he should be present. He was observing the proceedings the entire time,” said Torreon.

He said Quiboloy's pneumonia will not affect the pastor's campaign to be elected to the Senate. 

Quiboloy gets medical furlough extension

“Ubo lang naman po iyon eh at saka yung di kasi siya sanay, we are hoping na ma-grant yung bail at saka maka-recover siya so makakampanya siya,"

(It's just a cough and it's because he's not used to detention. We are hoping he will be granted bail and will recover soon so he can go on the campaign trail)

Torreon said even if Quiboloy is not able to go around to meet potential voters, his supporters and the members of KOJC will campaign for him.

The next hearing is set on February 6, 2025.

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