Apollo Carreon Quiboloy
Apollo Carreon Quiboloy is the founder and leader of the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC), a religious organization he established in 1985 in Davao City. Self-proclaimed as the 'Appointed Son of God,' Quiboloy claims his church has millions of followers in the Philippines and abroad. He is currently detained after being arrested on September 9, 2024, following nearly five months as a fugitive. He faces serious charges in both the Philippines and the United States, including sexual abuse of minors, child abuse, and human trafficking in Philippine courts, while the US FBI lists him as wanted for sex trafficking, fraud, and bulk cash smuggling, among other charges. Despite his detention, Quiboloy filed his certificate of candidacy for the 2025 Senate elections through his lawyer Mark Tolentino. He initially claimed nomination from the Workers and Peasants Party (WPP), but the party's leadership disowned him, stating they did not authorize his candidacy, leading him to run as an independent. Quiboloy also oversees Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI), a media network whose franchise was revoked by the House of Representatives in March 2024 due to spreading misinformation and engaging in red-tagging of government critics.
Education
- No verified formal education credentials publicly available
Career Highlights
- Founder and Leader of Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) religious organization (since 1985)
- Overseer of Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) until its franchise revocation in 2024
- Self-styled 'Appointed Son of God'
- Former ally of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte
Key Platforms
Religious Freedom
Advocating for religious freedom for all Filipinos with a platform described as 'God-centered, Philippine-centered, and Filipino-centered' governance.
Anti-Corruption
Promoting 'zero corruption' in government, citing his church organization as an example of corruption-free management.
Healthcare Access
Promising to make medical services more accessible to Filipino citizens, particularly for the poor.
Quality Education
Advocating for improved educational opportunities and standards across the Philippines.
Poverty Alleviation
Positioning himself as a 'senator for the poor and ordinary Filipinos and laborers' with promises to protect vulnerable citizens.
Track Record
Legal Issues in the Philippines
Currently detained facing multiple charges including sexual abuse of minors, child abuse, and qualified human trafficking in Philippine courts. He evaded arrest for months before being taken into custody on September 9, 2024.
FBI Most Wanted
Listed on the FBI's most wanted list since 2022 for sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; sex trafficking of children; conspiracy; and bulk cash smuggling.
Media Network Franchise Revocation
The House of Representatives revoked the franchise of his media network SMNI in March 2024 for spreading misinformation, engaging in red-tagging, and other violations of journalism standards.
Religious Organization Management
Founded and led the Kingdom of Jesus Christ (KOJC) since 1985, claiming to have built the organization to millions of followers worldwide.
Legal Cases & Controversies
Sexual Abuse and Human Trafficking (Philippines)
Facing charges of sexual abuse of minors and child cruelty at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court, as well as human trafficking charges at the Pasig City Regional Trial Court, to which he pleaded not guilty in September 2024.
Federal Charges (United States)
Indicted in the United States on multiple federal charges including sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion; sex trafficking of children; marriage fraud; fraud and misuse of visas; bulk cash smuggling; and money laundering.
Positions on Key Issues
| Issue | Position |
|---|---|
| Economy | Has not articulated detailed economic policies beyond general statements about helping the poor. |
| Education | Advocates for quality education as part of his platform, though specific policies or plans have not been detailed. |
| Healthcare | Promises to make medical services more accessible, particularly for the poor, but has not provided specific healthcare policy proposals. |
| Environment | Has not made significant public statements on environmental issues or policies. |
| Labor | Claims to be a candidate for 'ordinary Filipinos and laborers' but has not articulated specific labor policies. |
| Agriculture | Has not made significant public statements on agricultural issues or policies. |
| Governance | Promotes 'zero corruption' as a key platform, citing his church organization as an example, though he himself faces serious legal charges. |
| Foreign Policy | Has not made significant public statements on foreign policy issues. |
| Charter Change | Has not made significant public statements on charter change. |
| Lgbtq Rights | Has not made public statements on LGBTQIA+ rights in his campaign. |
| Drug War | Previously aligned with former President Duterte, who was known for his controversial war on drugs, but has not articulated a specific position for his Senate campaign. |
| Icc | Has not made public statements regarding ICC investigations. |
Sources & Citations
- https://www.rappler.com/philippines/elections/apollo-quiboloy-runs-files-certificate-candidacy-senator-2025/
- https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/human-trafficking/apollo-carreon-quiboloy
- https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/10/10/2391517/labor-group-disowns-quiboloy-senate-bid
- https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/922966/apollo-quiboloy-files-candidacy-for-senator/story/
- https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/10/22/2394301/quiboloy-run-independent-2025-polls
- https://www.rappler.com/technology/social-media/apollo-quiboloy-sonshine-media-network-disinformation-attacks-government-critics/
- https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/03/24/2342922/quiboloy-warrant-stands-despite-smni-franchise-revocation
This profile is regularly updated with verified information from reliable sources. Last updated: April 24, 2025
