House panel to conduct probe on US’ request to extradite Quiboloy

National

THE justice committee of the House Representatives will conduct a motu proprio investigation into the country’s extradition laws, alongside the United States’ request to extradite detained religious leader Apollo Quiboloy.

Akbayan Party-list Rep. Perci Cendaña asked the committee to conduct an investigation to help “ensure transparency, fairness and adherence” to the country’s international obligations.

Concerned agencies must cooperate in the investigation to explain the government’s procedure for extraditing Quiboloy to the US, where he was indicted for sex trafficking, grooming minors, conspiracy and immigration fraud, Cendaña said.

“It is imperative that Congress, through your Committee, provide a forum where concerned agencies may clarify the status of the present request, explain the legal and procedural steps involved, and identify any gaps or ambiguities in our existing laws and treaties,” read Cendaña’s letter to the committee per a report by Philstar.

On Tuesday, August 26, Rep. Jonathan Keith Flores (Bukidnon, 2nd District) also pushed for the investigation during the justice committee's organizational meeting.

The committee’s chairman, Batangas 2nd District Rep. Gerville "Jinky Bitrics" Luistro, approved the motion and explained that existing extradition laws are still unclear in cases where the extraditee has pending cases in their own country.

“Our message is simple: no one is above the law. We will ask the DOJ and DFA to walk the public through the precise legal options — temporary or deferred surrender — and the concrete timeline so justice is neither delayed nor denied,” Luistro said.

Quiboloy is also facing criminal cases in the Philippines, including non-bailable qualified human trafficking as well as child and sexual abuse charges.